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May 2020 Archives
Today is Friday, May 1st, 2020; Karen's Korner #4200
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"This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
- Psalm 118:24 LAB
Every day is a day to rejoice and celebrate. This one is especially good!
Always lots of reasons! * Sunday is my birthday - May 3 - and I have been celebrating all week - social distancing of course! * Another milestone in Karen's Korners. It is #4200. Thanks to my readers who have stuck with me a long time. Or not so long. Always fun to share my thoughts, your thoughts, the thoughts of other writers. God's gifts to all of us. All 4200 of them can be accessed on www.karens-korner.com from 'archives' on the left side of the home page, by month and year. * Karen's Korner #1 was emailed on March 3, 2003!
The topic was that we were getting pass around emails telling that the date was 3-3-03 and that the number wouldn't happen for a number of years into the future.
My comment was that 'today could be a day of 3s! Because of the pending world situation, we are asked to pray for 3 minutes at 3:03 p.m. Three is a significant number to Christians, because we believe in the Trinity - God, Jesus, Holy Spirit'.
What was the 'pending world situation' at that time? I asked google. It was the Invasion of Irag, the first Desert Storm. And the world was on edge.
Do we always have some 'pending world situation'?
The 'korner' continued, "One email added: Jeremiah 33:3 (notice the 3s!) ' "Call to ME and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know!"
We were asked to find another two people. And three of us to pray for 3 minutes for our world situation; at 3:30 p.m..
Could be another good goal for today! Or any day!
Look for a way to celebrate today and the weekend!
***
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Today is Monday, May 4th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4201
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"Don't fret and worry - it only leads to harm.
Those who trust the Lord shall be given every blessing."
- Psalm 37:8 & 9 (in part) LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "Anger 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. When we dwell on our problems, we will become anxious and angry. But if we concentrate on God and His goodness, we will find peace. Where do we focus our attention?" ***
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Today is Tuesday, May 5th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4202
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My eleven-year-old dog Rocky has been a trusted companion of our family for nine of those years. The twenty-plus pound pug lives in my house when I am home; is outside when I am not.
If he is outside and wants to come back in, he scratches on the door. And then he waits! Sometimes for 10 or 15 minutes, if I am busy. If I don't hear him scratch the first time.
It is cute for me to look through my kitchen windows. as he is patiently waiting for me to come to the door.
Sometimes I wonder if I have as 'patient' in my relationship with my Heavenly Father, who I claim to be my Caretaker. Do I 'scratch' at the door of heaven with my prayers. And then sit waiting patiently because I know that He will answer me. Or I do I keep on scratching, thinking He might not answer me this time. Or in my timing?
Maybe I need to learn something from Rocky. He knows me and knows that i will take care of him.
Heavenly Father, just for today, I want to 'scratch' more often at the door of heaven. Help me to wait patiently for You to respond. I have trusted You in the past. Help me to trust You today. You say You will never leave me nor forsake me; that You will always care for us as Your Children. We are trusting You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Today is Wednesday, May 6th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4203
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For
a number of months, I have attended an ecumenical Bible study on
Wednesday mornings. Most recently via Zoom.
Last week's topic was GOSSIP!
After the lesson, my walking partner Margaret Askelsen sent an email to
all of us with something to THINK
about on the topic, using each letter in the word:
THINK Before You
Speak:
* Is it TRUE?
* Is it HELPFUL?
* Is it INSPIRING?
* Is it NECESSARY?
* Is it KIND?
***:
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Today is Thursday, May 7th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4204
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"When someone becomes a Christian,
he becomes a brand new person inside.
He is not the same any more. A new life has begun!"
~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "Christians are brand new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives them new life, and they are not the same any more. We are not reformed, rehabilitated, or reeducated --we are new creations, living in vital union with Christ (Colossians 2:6,7). We are not merely turning over a new leaf! We are beginning a new life under a new Master."
***
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Today is Friday, May 8th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4205
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Yesterday was the annual National Day of Prayer; organized differently this year due to social distancing. Sherry Ellis organized both Wright and Franklin County. with this theme:
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"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."
~ HABAKKUK 2:14 NIV
"Pray God's Glory Across the Earth" was the title of one of the brochures, asking people to pray for: church, government, family, education, business, military, and media.
In the next few weeks, Karen's Korner will feature one of the topics.
Today is the GOVERNMENT.
"Lord God we pray Your glory would break out like the dawn in and through our government."
~ Psalm 102:15 NASB
"We seek to live under Your authority as well as Your blessings and so we pray that America would bless You with our leaders, laws and lives. Please reveal Your presence and power to every person who serves in our local, state and federal governments, show them Your glory and goodness. Guide them in Your ways so that our nation would give You glory."
Pray:
* That all elected officials would serve in God's will with humility and justice.
* That every person would know the love and message of Jesus and follow Him as their Lord.
* That Light will shine into every government office and meeting, and all plans, deeds, decisions, strategies, and scheme will either be exalted or exposed according to the Word and will of God.
* That American would be God-fearing and glorifying; living worthy of the motto; 'In God we Trust.'
(I Thessalonians 2:12; Isaiah 58:6-11; Romans 8:3 - 9)
***
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Today is Monday, May 11th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4206
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"Yet I am standing here depressed and gloomy, but I will
meditate upon your kindness to this lovely land.........."
~ Psalm 42:6a LAB
**
Bible Commentary: "Depression
is one of the most common emotional ailments. One antidote for depression is to
meditate on the record of God's goodness to His people. This will take our
minds off the present situation and give hope that it will improve. It focuses
our thoughts on God's ability to help us rather than our inability to help
ourselves. When we feel depressed, we need to take advantage of this
psalm's anti-depressant; read the Bible's accounts of God's goodness and
meditate on them."
*****
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Today is Tuesday, May 12th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4207
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A number of weeks ago my sister Jill sent me something that her church had given out, following a sermon series.
It is a lengthy 'Father's Love Letter'. Because of its length, I am going to share it in Karen's Korner in three installments:
My Child,
"You may not know me, but I know everything about you! (Psalm 139:1) I know when you sit down and when you rise up (Psalm 139:2) I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3) Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-31) For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27) In me you live and move and have your being. (Acts 17:28) For you are my offspring. (Acts 17:28) I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5) I chose you when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12) You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16) I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Acts 17:26) You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13) And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6) I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. (John 8:41-44) I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (I John 4:16) And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (I John 3:1) Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. (I John 3:1).
Love,
Your Dad
Almighty God
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Today is Wednesday, May 13th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4208
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Here's a 'Max Lucado'; his thoughts have a way of bringing theology, simply, into our lives:
Faith No One Can Take
"Ginger was six years old when she and her Sunday school class made get well cards for church members. Hers was a bright purple card that said, 'I love you, but most of all God loves you!'
"She and her mom made the delivery. My dad was bedfast, the end was near. He could extend his hand, but it was bent to a claw from disease.
"Ginger asked him a question as only a six-year-old can, 'Are you going to die?' 'Yes. When, I don’t know.' She asked if he was afraid to go away. 'Away is heaven,' he told her. 'I’ll be with my Father. I’m ready to see Him eye to eye.'
"A man near death, winking at the thought of it. Stripped of everything? It only appeared that way. In the end, Dad still had what no one could take: faith. And in the end, that’s all he needed!"
****
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Today is Thursday, May 14th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4209
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Below is something I saw on Alina Bosch's facebook page which I liked. Don't know if she wrote or not, but very timely:
BE KIND
"As governors are trying to figure out how to ease back in to a new normal, please remember:
* Some people don’t agree with the state opening.... that’s okay. Be kind.
* Some people are still planning to stay home.... that’s okay. Be kind.
* Some are still scared of getting the virus and a second wave happening....that’s okay. Be kind.
* Some are sighing with relief to go back to work knowing they may not lose their business or their homes....that’s okay. Be kind.
* Some are thankful they can finally have a surgery they have put off....that’s okay. Be kind.
* Some will be able to attend interviews after weeks without a job....that’s okay. Be kind.
* Some will wear masks for weeks....that’s okay. Be kind.
* Some people will rush out to get their hair or nails done.... that’s okay. Be kind.
* The point is, everyone has different viewpoints/feelings and that’s okay. Be kind.
* We each have a different story. If you need to stay home, stay home. But be kind .
* If you need to go out, just respect others when in public and be kind!
* Don’t judge fellow humans because you’re not in their story. We all are in different mental states than we were months ago. So remember, be kind."
*******
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Today is Friday, May 15th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4210
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Last week was the annual National Day of Prayer; organized differently this year due to social distancing. This is the theme:
. "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."
~ HABAKKUK 2:14 NIV
"Pray God's Glory Across the Earth" was the title of one of the brochures, asking people to pray for: church, government, family, education, business, military, and media. Last week I included the prayer for government.
Today is the prayer for BUSINESS:.
Colossians 1:9b - 11a NASB
"Lord, We pray that You will fill every workplace in our nation with Your glory."
"We pray that all we do, every word, plan, strategy, goal, transaction, and relationship would bring You glory. We give You glory for our knowledge, talents, and opportunities."
"PRAY FOR:
* Business owners and management would lead their employees with godly practices and equity.
* That every worker would know that they have value and influence, and therefore will work with excellence as working unto God.
* That every workplace from the school, military, home, office, store, and more will be filled with those who are praying and living out their faith in Jesus with love, excellence, and respect.
* That believers would know that their work is a part of their worship of God."
(Luke 9:25; Philippians 2:12b -16a)
***
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Today is Monday, May 18th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4211
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Anybody but me getting tired of some of our new words which we hear often? Quarantined? Social Distancing? Closings? Postponed?
Isn't God listening to our prayers?
"A thousand years are but as yesterday to You!"
~ Psalm 90:4 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "Moses (writer) reminds us that a thousand years are like a day to the Lord. God is not limited by time. It's easy to get discouraged when years pass and the world doesn't get better. Since we cannot see into the future, we sometimes wonder if God is able to see the future. But we shouldn't make the mistake of assuming that God has the same limitations as we do. God is completely unrestricted by time."
**
God, thank You that You are God and we are not! Thank You that Your timetable is not ours. We ask that you change this virus and pandemic. Help us to be patient, no matter what is happening to us. Lead us and guide us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Today is Wednesday, May 20th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4212
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Last week I began sharing something my sister Jill had mailed to me, a follow up to a sermon series her church had.
It's titled "Father's Love Letter". Since it is lengthy, I decided to make it part of Karen's Korner in three installments.
Today's is #2. Enjoy, in case you feel unloved and unlovely today:
"My Child,
* I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11)
* For I am the perfect father (Matthew 5:48)
* Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand (James 1:17).
* For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33).
* My plan for your future has always been filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
* Because I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
* My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore (Psalm 138;17-18(.
* And I rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).
* I will never stop doing good to you (Jeremiah 32:40).
* For you are my treasured possession (Exodus 19:5).
* I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jeremiah 32:41).
* And I want to show you great and marvelous things (Jeremiah 33:3).
* If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4:29).
* Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).
* For it is I who gave you these desires (Philippians 2:13).
* I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
* For I am your greatest encourager (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).
*I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles (2 Corinthians 1:14). Love,
Your Dad,
Almighty God" |
Today is Wednesday, May 20th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4213
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Something written and sent by Anne Graham Lotz of her AnGeL ministries:
The Pearly Gates
"The twelve gates were twelve pearls,
each gate made of a SINGLE PEARL."
~ Revelation 21:21 NIV
"Pearls are formed when a small grain of sand becomes embedded in an oyster, irritating it. To soften the irritation, the oyster coats the grain of sand with a smooth layer of what is called mother of pearl. As long as the oyster can feel the irritation, it continues to coat the sand with layers of pearl.
"What kind of irritation would have been necessary to form the pearls that make up the gates of our heavenly city when they are so large they can fit into a wall that is two hundred feet thick? It must have been more than just irritation. It must have been horrendous, severs suffering!
"I wonder........are the pearls a reminder, every time you and I enter My Father's House, that we enter only because of the intense suffering and death of God's Son? Do those pearly gates reflect the Cross of Jesus Christ?"
***
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Today is Thursday, May 21st, 2020; Karen's Korner #4214
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National Day of
Prayer held on Thursday, May 7, was organized differently this year due
to social distancing.
It;s theme:
.
"For the earth will be
filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the
sea."
~ HABAKKUK 2:14 NIV
"Pray God's
Glory Across the Earth" was the title of one of the brochures, asking
people to pray for: church, government, family, education, business,
military, and media.
This is installment #3, since this would have been the final week of school
for most schools and graduations for many:
Pray for EDUCATION:
Ephesians 1:17 NASB
"LORD, Who gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, we
pray that campuses would be filled with Your glory."
"We know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We
pray that every student and educator would live in reverence and relationship
with You."
"WE PRAY:
* That all campuses will be a safe place to learn.
* That all curriculum taught in every classroom will be true and beneficial
to the spiritual as well as the intellectual growth of students.
* That there will be at least one Christian club on every campus for prayer,
Bible study and fellowship that will strengthen student believers and glorify
God on campus.
* That the decisions makers, administrations and educators would be supported
and make sound decisions that glorify God and serve our students in every
area of education."
(Luke 18:16; Proverbs 2:3 - 6; Proverbs 8:10 - 11)
****
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Today is Friday, May 22nd, 2020; Karen's Korner #4215
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Yesterday was a major flower planting day for me, trying to be ready for upcoming rains.
As I set out some petunias, marigolds and snap dragons, I heeded the advice of a neighbor from a number of years: cut them back. I always hate to do that and I didn't do it for all of them! Pull the bloom off the petunia. Give the two dozen snap dragons, a major hair cut; some were ready to have a 'snap' bloom in the near future.
Why do that? We usually pick the showiest ones from the greenhouse? According to Alice Moss, "it makes the flowers branch out and become fuller and more beautiful' all summer.
Does a difficulty in our lives do the same thing? Things we don't like. Pruning. We don't like 'unwanted' cuts and pulled off 'blooms'. But does God have even greater plans forus?
John (writer) says in John 15:3 & 4 in part): "God has already tended you by pruning you back for greater strength and usefulness....:"
Thank You, God, that Your plans for each of us, don't always match we think or believe. Remind each of us how much You love us; how much You care for us. Remind us, too, that You have big plans for each of us and that You never want do anything to hurt us. We are loved by You! Amen.
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Today is Monday, May 25th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4216
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Happy Memorial Day! A day to remember and reflect.
My dictionary definition says, "last Monday of May, a legal holiday for honoring dead members of the armed forces of all wars."
Some define it as those 'killed in military service'.
As I reflect, I think of Craig Carlson of neighboring Goldfield who lost his only son in Afghanistan; of Mary Waters who lost her only brother in Vietnam, three of my high school classmates died during the Vietnam conflict as well.
Since my mom was one of fifteen, and the ages some of her siblings were at that time, there were six siblings or in-laws serving during World War II. I can remember mom telling about her mother, plus a couple of her friends, couldn't stand the thoughts of their children and friends serving in harm's way at that time. So they chose to get together to pray for their safety during battles. Not only did my six uncles return from the war, none of them were injured during their service.
And then we tend to remember our loved ones who have died without military service. Always good to remember. To stop and reflect.
It is a harder year to celebrate our memories due to the virus but we can remember. Just have to think a little harder. We can do it!
Heavenly Father, thank You for memories. Thank You for people willing to serve us so we can maintain our way of life, of love, of freedom, to be able to worship You! Thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son to give us freedom for this life and the one coming! Thank You for Your Love and Your Care. Amen.
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Today is Tuesday, May 26th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4217
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First published in 2004, Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence", it still reads like today's headlines.
Her entry for today (May 26) resonates, as when it was printed, pandemic or no pandemic:
"In a world of unrelenting changes, I am the One who never changes. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Find in Me the stability for which you have yearned.
"I created a beautifully ordered world; one that reflected My perfection. Now, however, the world is under the bondage of sin and evil. Every person on the planet faces gaping jaws of uncertainty. The only antidote to this poisonous threat is drawing closer to Me. In My Presence you can face uncertainty with perfect Peace."
(Taken from Revelation 22:13; John 16:33 AMP)
***
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Today is Wednesday, May 27th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4218
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This is the final
installment of three of "Father's Love Letter"; an intimate message
from God to you.
We must be pretty important to Him!
"My Child,
:When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you (Psalm 34:18).
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart
(Isaiah 40:11).
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes (Revelation 21:3-4).
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth
(Revelation 21:3-4).
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus (John
17:23).
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed (John 17:26).
He is the exact representation of my being (Hebrews 1:3).
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you (Romans
8:31).
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins (2 Corinthians 5:18 -
19).
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18 -
19).
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you (1 John 4:10).
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love (Romans
8:31-32).
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me (1 John 2:23).
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again (Romans 8:38-39).
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen (Luke
15:7).
I have always been Father, and will always be Father (Ephesians
3:14-15).
My questions is........Will you be my child? (John 1:12-13).
I am waiting for you (Luke 15:11-32).
Love,
Your Dad
Almighty God
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Today is Thursday, May 28th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4219
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Energized and Strengthened
"We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God."
~ 1 Corinthians 2:12 NJKV
"The Holy Spirit Who now lives in you is the same Holy Spirit in Genesis 1 Who hovered over the formless, empty, dark blob of earth that dangles in space. As He powerfully energized and pulsated the atmosphere, He prepared the planet to receive God's Word and be transformed into a place of purpose and beauty that ultimately, in the end reflected the image of God.
"That same Holy Spirit is now powerfully at work in your life, hovering over your heart, preparing you to love God and be fully aware of His love for you. He hovers over your mind, preparing you to understand spiritual things and the truth of His Word. He hovers over your will, preparing you to make decisions that are pleasing to Him. All the power of God -- the same power that hung the stars in place and put the planets in their courses and transformed Earth -- now resides in you to energize and strengthen you to become the person God created you to be.
~ by Anne Graham Lotz
***
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Today is Friday, May 29th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4220
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National Day of
Prayer, held each year the first Thursday of May, this year on Thursday, May
7, was organized differently this year due to social distancing.
The theme:
.
"For the
earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters
cover the sea."
~ HABAKKUK 2:14 NIV
"Pray God's Glory Across the Earth" was the title of one of the
brochures, asking people to pray for: church, government, family,
education, business, military, and media.
Installment #4, since this concludes Memorial Day weekend; looking ahead to
Flag Day and the Fourth of July.
Let's pray for the MILITARY:
"Jesus, KIng of Kings, we pray that you will fill our military with Your
glory."
Ephesians 6:10 - 12 nasb
"We pray that You would lead our military, that they would defend
freedom and liberty. We ask Your protection as they battle evil, and shield
the weak. Strengthen your warriors in the salvation only found in You. Guide
and guard their families as well as their chain of command as they
serve at home and on the frontlines."
PRAY:
* That all of our service members would be well prepared and trained
spiritually as well as physically, mentally, and emotionally;
* For marriages, finances, and that their children would be strong
spiritually, educationally, socially, and emotionally.
* That their chain of command would be filled with wisdom, knowledge, and
understanding in decisions, and discerning intelligence information.
* That God would guard and guide them at home and on the frontlines. And that
they would be filled with courage not fear; knowing that God is near......"
(2 Chronicles 32:6 - 8; Romans 13:1-7)
****
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