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October 2020 Archives

Printable Issue 4309  Today is Thursday, October 1st, 2020; Karen's Korner #4309
"Nothing is perfect except
Your Words."

~ Psalm 119:96 LAB

*
Bible Commentary:  "God's Word makes us wise---wiser than our enemies, wiser than any teachers who ignore it. True wisdom is not amassing knowledge, but applying knowledge in a life-changing way. Wisdom comes from allowing what God teaches to make a difference in our lives."
 
****
Printable Issue 4310  Today is Friday, October 2nd, 2020; Karen's Korner #4310
Yesterday's entry from Sarah Young and her "Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence". And we can sure use Jesus' Peace! Have a great weekend!

"Worship Me only. I am King of kings and Lord of lords, dwelling in unapproachable Light. I am taking care you! I am not only committed to caring for you, but I am also absolutely capable of doing so. Rest in Me, My weary one, for this is a form of worship.

"Though self-flagellation has gone out of style, many of My children drive themselves like racehorses. They whip themselves into action, ignoring how exhausted they  are. They forget that I am sovereign and that My ways are higher than theirs. Underneath their driven service, they may secretly resent Me as a harsh taskmaster. Their worship of Me is lukewarm, because I am no longer their First Love.

"My invitation never changes:  Come to Me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest. Worship Me by resting peacefully in My Presence."


~ Taken from 1 Timothy 6:15-16; Isaiah 55: 8-9; Revelation 1:4; Matthew 11:28

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Printable Issue 4311  Today is Monday, October 5th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4311

"Where is the man who fears the Lord?
God will teach him how to choose the best."

~ Psalm 25:12 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  "To fear the Lord is to recognize him for who he is:  holy, almighty, righteous, pure, all-knowing , all-powerful, and all-wise. Seeing God in this light, we see ourselves for who we are:  sinful, weak, frail, and needy. When we recognize God for who he is and ourselves for who we are, we will fall at his feet where he will teach us how to choose the best - His ways!

****

Printable Issue 4312  Today is Tuesday, October 6th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4312
The Master Designer

By Anne Graham Lotz

"Your mercy is great above the heavens, 
and Your truth reaches to the clouds."


~ Psalm 108:4, NKJV

:When have you observed

* the blazing glory of a tropical sunset,
* or the soft, silvery shimmer of moonlight on the ocean waves,
* or a baby'[s birth and first lusty cry,
* or a bird weaving her nest, hatching and feeding her young

and wondered, who made it?

"When we thoughtfully consider the world around us, we instinctively know our environment is not some haphazard cosmic accident but the handiwork of a Master Designer. The earth did not come about by the snap of some giant fingers but was deliberately planned and prepared in an orderly progression of events. Like Planet Earth around us, your life is not a haphazard cosmos, either. You were deliberately planned to be filled with the beauty of love and joy and peace and purpose-filled with God Himself."

*****
Printable Issue 4313  Today is Wednesday, October 7th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4313

My friend loaned me a 300-piece puzzle. I don't like the great big ones, as I don't spend a lot of time working on them. I set up a card table in my bedroom and work on them briefly as I change clothes or get ready for bed.

I was nearing completion of one last week. As I got closer to finishing, it was pretty obvious that one piece was missing.

As I began to look to see if I could find that one piece on my bedroom carpet, I thought to myself, "If I can't find it, I am going to throw it away!" Who wants a puzzle short one piece?

When I dumped the pieces out of the box, none of them was more important than the other but now that one was all important to me.

Of boy! I found it and put it where it belonged! ..

Makes me think of Jesus and his looking for the one missing sheep. Jesus said, "If you had a hundred sheep and one of them strayed away and was lost in the wilderness, wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine others to go and search for the lost one until you found it? And then you would joyfully carry it home on your shoulders. When you arrived you would call together your friends and neighbors to rejoice with you because your lost sheep was found." (Luke 15:1-7.)

Ninety-nine sheep weren't lost. One was. That one made all the difference to Jesus.

Sort of like us!

Or finding one puzzle piece which makes the picture complete!

Printable Issue 4314  Today is Thursday, October 8th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4314
When our older grandson Luke got his first job, he was 14, a few months before turning 15. He began at a Fareway grocery store a handful of miles from his home.

One thing our daughter and son-in-law liked was that Fareway's aren't open on Sundays. Regardless if their family (or others) participated in church events or not, they knew they 'had their son back on Sundays'.

Fareway. Hobby Lobby. Chick-fil-A. All have a reputation of not being open on Sundays.

Here is some facts about Chick-fil-A I received in an email recently:

"Chick-fil-A locations across the US are all closed on Sunday, in keeping with founder Truett Cathy's Christian faith. He believed that all franchised Chick-fil-A Operators and their employees should have an opportunity to rest, spend time with family and friends, and worship if they choose to do so.

""'Closing our business on Sunday, the Lord's Day, is our way of honoring God and showing our loyalty to Him.' Cathy wrote in his book 'Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People.' Despite being open for 14% fewer days a year than competitors, Chick-fil-A continues to dominate the fast-food industry."

*******
Printable Issue 4315  Today is Monday, October 12th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4315
FEAR!!

Have you ever noticed that most of our fears are for the future? What about my job? Our money? The next health exam? Ours? Or that of a loved one? Will my children, grandchildren make wise choices? What does my future look like as I age? The world situation? How is the upcoming election going to come out?

We spend a lot of time in the future; maybe wrecking today, which could be pretty good. God never promised to tell us about our future. Instead He has given us just what we need for today. With His help, we can get through one day at a time. Not a lifetime.

The Bible says in Isaiah 41:10:  "Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged. I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."

And the Bible commentary on this verse (in part) says:  "We need not fear because 1) God's presence is with us; 2)God has established a relationship with us. 3) God's assurance of strength, help, and victory over sin and death is certain."

Our job? Believe it! Believe Him!
Printable Issue 4316  Today is Tuesday, October 13th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4316
Joy Tillman, who is in her early 80s and lives in the community apartments in Clarion, called me to ask some advice. She had someone she wanted to thank.

A few days ago she took our public transit van to the local dollar store. Picked up a number of items in her yellow basket. When she got to the check out, she learned that the only way she could write a check was with an ID. "I offered to leave my things there and take the van back to my apartment to get my ID," Joy said.

A gal, next in line, who Joy believed was in her early 30s,. stepped up to offer to pay for Joy's items. "I wanted her name and address to be able to pay her back," she said. "She wouldn't let me nor did I see the register's receipt, so I don't even know what they total was."

Joy wanted me to brainstorm with her on ways she could thank this unknown stranger and let others know of the gal's kindness.

Together we thought of a few. One way is to feature the 'good deed' in today's Karen's Korner. Thus this writing.

Thanks, Joy, for sharing your story with me and with others. Our world could use a lot more of that kind of kindness! Wouldn't you agree?
Printable Issue 4317  Today is Tuesday, October 13th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4317
Joy Tillman, who is in her early 80s and lives in the community apartments in Clarion, called me to ask some advice. She had someone she wanted to thank.

A few days ago she took our public transit van to the local dollar store. Picked up a number of items in her yellow basket. When she got to the check out, she learned that the only way she could write a check was with an ID. "I offered to leave my things there and take the van back to my apartment to get my ID," Joy said.

A gal, next in line, who Joy believed was in her early 30s,. stepped up to offer to pay for Joy's items. "I wanted her name and address to be able to pay her back," she said. "She wouldn't let me nor did I see the register's receipt, so I don't even know what they total was."

Joy wanted me to brainstorm with her on ways she could thank this unknown stranger and let others know of the gal's kindness.

Together we thought of a few. One way is to feature the 'good deed' in today's Karen's Korner. Thus this writing.

Thanks, Joy, for sharing your story with me and with others. Our world could use a lot more of that kind of kindness! Wouldn't you agree?
Printable Issue 4318  Today is Wednesday, October 14th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4318
Yesterday's entry in Sarah Youngs' "JESUS CALLING:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence":

"Take time to be still in My Presence. The more hassled you feel, the more you need this sacred space of communion with Me. Breathe slowly and deeply. Relax in My holy Presence while My face shines upon you. This is how you received My Peace, which I always proffer to you.

"Imagine the pain I feel when My children tie themselves up in anxious knots, ignoring My gift of Peace. I died a criminal's death to secure this blessing for you. Receive it gratefully, hide it in your heart. My Peace is an inner treasure, growing within you as you trust in Me. Therefore, circumstances cannot touch it. Be still, enjoying Peace in My Presence."

~ Taken from Psalm 46:10; Numbers 6:25 - 26

******
Printable Issue 4319  Today is Thursday, October 15th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4319
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord,
for He is good,
His lovingkindness continues forever."


~ Psalm 136:1 LAB

*
Bible Commentary:  " Repeated throughout this psalm is the phrase, 'for His lovingkindness continues forever.' This psalm may have been a responsive reading, the congregation saying these words in unison after each sentence. The repetition made this important lesson sink in. 'Lovingkindness' is a translation of a Hebrew word that envelops the aspects of love, kindness, mercy, and faithfulness. We never have to worry that God will run out of love because His lovingkindness flows from a well that will never run dry."

****
Printable Issue 4320  Today is Friday, October 16th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4320
TREES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

"That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord that He may be glorified."
~ Isaiah 61:3 NKJV

By Anne Graham Lotz

"When I was growing up in the mountains of North Carolina, every Sunday afternoon, weather permitting, my parents, my siblings, and I would go hiking. Inevitably, our climbs would take us to the ridge where the trees were so enormous we could all hold hands and still not be able to encircle the trunks. When I asked my mother why the trees were so much larger on the ridge than anywhere else, she replied that it was because the winds were the strongest and the storms were the fiercest on the ridge. With nothing to shelter the trees from the full brunt of nature's wrath, they either broke and fell, or they became incredibly strong and resilient.

"God plants you and me in our faith as tender saplings then grows us up into 'trees of righteousness', using the elements of adversity to make us strong. And He leads us to endure, not just somehow, but triumphantly as we choose to praise Him, regardless of the storms swirling within us or the winds howling outside of us."

***
Printable Issue 4321  Today is Monday, October 19th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4321

This was a Bible verse and commentary of another Karen's Korner - #2503 on February 6,2013.


"Where there is ignorance of God,
crime will run wild,
but what a wonderful thing it is 
for a nation to know 
and keep His law."

~ Proverbs 29:18 LAB

*
 

Bible Commentary:  "These proverbs were written under a monarchy. If the king was law-abiding, the people tended to follow suit. In a democracy, the people themselves are the leaders. When they turn to a standard higher than themselves and keep God's moral laws, the nation becomes strong. When everyone does whatever seems 'right in their own eyes' (Judges 17:6), the nation becomes weak and can no longer effectively protect its citizens. We should not be ashamed of our high moral standards - they make our country a better place."
 

******
 

Printable Issue 4322  Today is Tuesday, October 20th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4322

I received this from Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelism Association yesterday:

30 Days of Prayer for Our Nation

"Our country is in trouble -- and God is our only hope. America as we know it will not survive unless God's people call on His Name and ask for His intervention. Will we commit to fervently pray for our nation and its leadership?

"PRAY HUMBLY,
PRAY BELIEVING---AND
PRAY WITH THANKSGIVING---
OUR NATION"S FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!"

 
(Here are several of them):

"DAY 1:  Nationwide transformation must begin in individual hearts. Pray for God to bring repentance and widespread renewal to the church so that believers will boldly share His love with others---and ask Him to draw lost people across our country to faith in Jesus Christ.
 
"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)


*
"DAY 3:  "In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, ask God to heal those who are sick, protect the weak, strengthen our frontline medical workers, and bring solutions to the coronavirus.
 
"For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence."
(Psalm 91:3)


*

"DAY 5:  "Pray that Christians across our nation will take advantage of their God-given right and vote for candidates who will stand for Biblical values and protect our religious freedom.
 
"When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan."
(Proverbs 29:2)


*

"DAY 6:  "Pray for the men and women in law enforcement. Ask God to give them wisdom as they serve, guard them from harm, and bless their families.
 
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
(Deuteronomy 31:6)


***
 

Printable Issue 4323  Today is Wednesday, October 21st, 2020; Karen's Korner #4323
From a recent daily inspirational thought written by Max Lucado:

THE GREAT I AM IS NEAR

"Jesus says to us what He said to the disciples on the stormy sea, 'It is I! Don't be afraid' (John 6:20).

"The literal translation of what Jesus said is 'I AM, don't be afraid!' I AM. That's God's name. When we wonder if God is coming, He answers with His name, 'I AM'; When we wonder if He is able, He declares, 'I AM.' When we see nothing but darkness, feel nothing but doubt, and wonder if God is near or aware, the welcome answer from Jesus is this, "I AM!'

"Pause for a moment and let Him tell you His name. Your greatest need is His presence. Yes, you want this storm to pass. Yes, you want the winds to still. But yes, yes, yes, you want to know, need to know, and must know that the great IAM is near. Remember, friends, you are never alone."

****
Printable Issue 4324  Today is Thursday, October 22nd, 2020; Karen's Korner #4324
"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 37:8 & 9 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?

****
Printable Issue 4325  Today is Friday, October 23rd, 2020; Karen's Korner #4325
(Some computer difficulties yesterday, thus a Saturday 'korner)

Installment #2:

I received this from Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelism Association yesterday:

30 Days of Prayer for Our Nation

"Our country is in trouble -- and God is our only hope. America as we know it will not survive unless God's people call on His Name and ask for His intervention. Will we commit to fervently pray for our nation and its leadership?

"PRAY HUMBLY,
PRAY BELIEVING---AND
PRAY WITH THANKSGIVING---
OUR NATION"S FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!"

 
(Here are several of them):

"DAY #10:  "Since the pandemic began people across the nation have suffered great losses:  businesses, jobs, and  -  most costly of all  -  the lives of loved ones. Ask God to heal broken hearts, comfort the grieving, restore livelihoods, and provide for struggling families,

"The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek Him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever!"  
(Psalm 22:26)

*

" DAY #12:  Lockdowns and quarantines due to the pandemic have isolated people like never before. Loneliness has become epidemic, and suicide rates are rising. As many silently struggle on their own- including the sick and elderly - ask God to comfort the hurting, to move Christians to care for forgotten neighbors, and to give hope where there doesn't seem to be any.

"Even thought I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me."  
 (Psalm 23:4)

*

"DAY14:  Pray for all evangelistic ministry taking place in the U.S.; this year - especially online outreaches, as events and church services are postpones and cancelled.

"Pray  -  that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ."   (Colossians 3:3)

"DAY 16:  Pray for Christians in our nation who are suffering because they are standing up for their faith in Jesus Christ. Ask God to strengthen them and give them courage in the face of hostility.

"Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 
 (I Corinthians 15:58)


***
Printable Issue 4326  Today is Monday, October 26th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4326

Something shared with my sister Jill, from her friend. I liked it; hope that you do too!

Gracefully Broken!
 

"I was in Dollar Tree last night. There was a lady and two kids behind me in the LONG line. One was a big kid, one was a toddler. The bigger one had a pack of glow sticks and the baby was screaming for them. The Mom opened the pack and gave him one; which stopped his tears. He walked around with it smiling. But then the bigger boy took it and the baby started screaming again..

"Just as the Mom was about to fuss at the older child, he bent the glow sticks and handed it back to the baby. As we walked outside at the same time, the baby noticed that the stick was now
glowing. His brother said, "I had to break it so you could get the full effect from it.'

"I almost ran because l could hear God saying to me, 'I had to break you to show you why I created you. You had to go through it so you could fulfill your purpose.'

"That little baby was happy just swinging that
'unbroken' glow stick around in the air because he didn't understand what it was created to do, which was 'glow'.

"There are some people who will be content just 'being' but some of us that God has chosen, we have to be 'broken'. We have to get sick. We have to lose a job. We go through divorce. We have to suffer with the disease of addiction. We have to bury our spouse, parents, best friend, or our child because, in those moments of desperation, God is breaking us, but when the breaking is done, then we will be able to see the reason for which we were created.. so when you see us glowing, just know that we have been broken but healed by His Grace and Mercy!!! 

***

Printable Issue 4327  Today is Tuesday, October 27th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4327

Something from the first chapter of Joshua. If you recall, he was Moses right-hand man when the children of Israel were wandering in the wilderness before God allowed them to go into the Promised Land. 

Now Moses had died and Joshua was their leader.


"No one will be able to oppose you as long as you live, for I will be with you just as I was with Moses. I will not abandon you or fail to help you."

~ Joshua 1:5 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  "Joshua's new job consisted of leading more than a million people with a strange new land and conquering it. What a challenge -- even for a man of Joshua's caliber!

"Every new job is a challenge. Without God it can be frightening. With God, it can be a great adventure. Just as God assured Joshua he would be with him, he is with us as we face our new challenges.

"We may not conquer nations, but every day we face tough situations, difficult people, and temptations. However, God promises that he will never abandon us or fail to help us, regardless of how we feel. By asking God to direct us, as Joshua did, we too can conquer many of life's challenges."

***

 


 

Printable Issue 4328  Today is Thursday, October 29th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4328

(Some computer operating difficulties yesterday, thus a Saturday 'korner is coming!)

Installment #3 :

Received this from Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelism Association:
 

30 Days of Prayer for Our Nation

"Our country is in trouble -- and God is our only hope. America as we know it will not survive unless God's people call on His Name and ask for His intervention. Will we commit to fervently pray for our nation and its leadership?

"PRAY HUMBLY,
PRAY BELIEVING---AND
PRAY WITH THANKSGIVING---
OUR NATION"S FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT!"

 
(Here are several of them):


"DAY 20:  Pray for the hundreds of federal judges across America who rule on matters that will affect our nation for years to come. Ask God to guide them with wisdom, justice, righteousness, and equity.
 

"Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace."   (Zechariah 8:16)
 

*

"DAY 21:  Pray for men and women in our military, that the Lord would draw many of them to Himself and protect them as they defend our nation. Ask God to strengthen their families.
 

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."   (John 13:34 - 35)
 

*

"DAY 23:  Pray for our local elected officials, including city council, school board members, and all those who lead in our community. Ask God to grant each of them wisdom and strength to govern rightly -- with justice, mercy, and humility.


"He has told you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"  (Micah 6:8)
 

*

"DAY 26:   Pray for pastors and congregations across our nation. Ask the Lord to give church leaders the strength to boldly preach Biblical truth without compromise - and ask Him to open the hearts of churchgoers to hear and respond to that truth.

"Keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints...that words may be given...to proclaim the mystery of the gospel."  (Ephesians 6:18-19)

*

"DAY 27:  God's Word encourages Christians to stay aware of the needs of those around them. Take time to consider the specific issues facing our neighborhood and community, then lift those needs up to the Lord in prayer.


"Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you...and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."   (Jeremiah 29:7)
 

*

"DAY 28:  Pray that God will change the hearts of leaders and officials who are far from Him.


"If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever."  (Proverbs 29:14)


****

Printable Issue 4329  Today is Friday, October 30th, 2020; Karen's Korner #4329





Several days ago my
cousin Glenys sent me this pass-around email. Who knows if the stories are
true or not. But they are certainly heart warmers. Here are a few of them:

** Today, after
my 72-hour shift at the fire station, a woman ran up to me at the grocery
store and gave me a hug. When I tensed up, she realized I didn't recognize
her. She let go with tears of joy in her eyes and the most sincere smile and
said,
"On
9-11-2001, you carried me out of the World Trade Center.

 


*


** Today, after I watched my dog get
run over by a car, I sat on the side of the road holding him and crying. And,
just before he died, he licked the tears off my face.
 



*


**  Today at 7AM, I woke up feeling
ill, but decided I needed the money, so I went into work. At 3PM I got laid
off. On my drive home I got a flat tire. When I went into the trunk for the
spare, it was flat too. A man in a BMW pulled over and gave me a ride. We
chatted. And, then he offered me a job. I start tomorrow.

 


*


** Today, when I witnessed a
27-year-old breast cancer patient laughing hysterically at her 2-year-old
daughter's antics, I suddenly realized that, I need to stop complaining about
my life and start celebrating it again.

 


***


This one I know is
true because it happened to me:

Several years ago, I was part of a team who traveled to Guatemala for a week
plus to volunteer at an orphanage which also had its own school.

But the ministry had branched out to build homes. We visited several of their
homes, which would not have met any standard in the U.S. 

One home was owned by a lady who was in her 90s. The house was a one-room
block abode with a dirt floor. So much better than anything she had ever
lived in, as many homes were cardboard boxes or tin shanties.

She was grateful for her home and for the care of those who had built and
provided the funds for it.  Before we left, she wanted to pray for all
of us. Asking God to continue to provide for each of  us!

Even the poorest among our team probably owned 100 times what she had, yet
she wanted God to bless us!


****


Printable Issue 4330  Today is Saturday, October 31st, 2020; Karen's Korner #4330
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Today's entry from Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence:

"Learn to listen to Me, even while you aer listening to other people. As they open their souls to your scrutiny, you are on holy ground. You need the help of My Spirit to respond appropriately. Ask Him to think through you, live through you, love through you. My own Being is alive within you in the Person of the Holy Spirit. If you respond to others' need through your unaided thought processes, you offer them dry crumbs. When the Spirit empowers your listening and speaking, My streams of living water flow through you to other people. Be a channel of My Love, Joy, and Peace by listening to Me as you listen to others.

~ Taken from Exodus 3:5: I Corinthians 6:19; John 7:38 - 39

*****