|
|
November 2021 Archives
Today is Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021; Karen's Korner #4562
|
|
As we walk away from October and Pastor Appreciation month:
"Dear brothers,
honor the officers of your church who work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong.
Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because they are straining to help you.
And remember, no quarreling among yourselves."
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:12 & 13 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "Think of your pastor and other church leaders. How can you honor them? Express your appreciation, tell them how you have been helped by their leadership and teaching, and thank them for their ministry in your life. If you say nothing, how will they know where you stand? Remember, they need and deserve your support and love expressed in practical ways?"
**
While this information is for our church leaders, I am thinking about businesses and their shortage of employees. I am doing a story for our local newspaper on that topic right now.
Some employees aren't treated the best, as there aren't enough people in many retail and service businesses to be able to give the same service and attention to us customers that we have come to expect.
If you have a couple of minutes re-read the verses and substitute 'businesses' and/or 'employees'.
|
Today is Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021; Karen's Korner #4561
|
|
As we move away from Halloween 2021, this is a short memory which I recently submitted to OUR IOWA magazine.
Will they print it in an upcoming magazine in 2022? Who knows? Hope you enjoy it!
In the late 50s and early 60s, kids in Fertile (pop. some under 400 at that time) would have such a good time on Halloween night. After organized ‘tricks and treats’, the older kids would set out to have some fun. I don’t recall anything that was ever damaged. But picnic tables, park benches, farm equipment from the local implement dealer would be moved out on to Fertile’s main street.
One year a family who lived above the locker their family ran, told their two high school aged boys, they were to stay home. Not go out. The twosome were pretty aware of the world around them. Not naughty; just busy. As the rest of us were running around pulling our pranks, the street lights in town would go off for a bit and then they would come back on.
What was the problem? The adults that were investigating found that the younger boy of the twosome knew where the light sensor was for the city street lights. From his upstairs bedroom window, he was shining a flashlight onto the sensor causing the lights to go out. And back on when he shut off his light! All without leaving home!! **** First of November. A good month to praise God and be thankful:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above Ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
*
Familiar Doxology.-
definition - (an expression of praise to God;
short hymn sung as part of a Christian worship service.')
***
|
Today is Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021; Karen's Korner #4563
|
"One day abut this time as another great crowd
gathered, the people ran out of food again.
Jesus called his
disciples to discuss the situation.
'I pity these
people,' he said,
'for they have
been here three days, and have nothing left to eat. And if I send them
home without feeding them, they will faint along the road! For some of
them have come a long distance.'"
~ Mark 8 1 - 3
LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "Do we ever feel God is so busy with important concerns that he can't possibly be aware of our needs? Just as Jesus was concerned about those people's need for food, he is concerned about our daily needs. At another time, Jesus said, 'Don't worry at all about having enough food and clothing. Your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them.' (Matthew 6:31-32). Do we have concerns that we think would not interest God? There is no concern too large for him to handle and no need to small to escape his interest."
***
|
Today is Thursday, November 4th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4564
|
|
A handful of 'one-liners' by Mother Teresa. Her thoughts are of 'love': God's love; His love for us; our love for Him; and love for one another:
"A joyful heart is like
a sunshine of God's love."
*
"Find Jesus,
and you will find peace."
*
"His love for us led Christ to
Gethsemane and to Calvary."
*
"Bring Jesus wherever you go."
*
"The more we empty ourselves,
the more room we give God to fill us."
*
"People who really and truly love
each other
are the happiest people in the world."
*****
|
Today is Friday, November 5th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4565
|
|
Happy weekend! Time to 'take off' Daylight Savings Tim and return to Central Standard Time! Darker evenings and brighter mornings earlier!
Today's entry by Max Lucado:
IT'S TIME TO PRAY
"Daniel was a young man when he was taken into Babylonian captivity. Later he realized that the seventy years of prophesied captivity were coming to an end, and he took the matter to the Lord. Now, if any person deserved to be heard by God, it was he. Yet in the presence of God, this holy man offered a brokenhearted prayer. The prayer so moved the heart of God that an angel was sent with this message: 'From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard.' (Daniel 10:12 MSG).
"Friend, the moment you bow your head to pray is the moment God lifts his hand to help. Your heavenly Father wants to hear from you. Are you desperate, without options? By no means. Now, more than ever, is the time to get down on your knees and plead for help."
**
|
Today is Monday, November 8th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4566
|
|
As we are in November, the month to
remember to be thankful. Here is today's entry from "365 Days of Prayer
for Women" (and men!) by Stephanie Sample:
LIFE OF BLESSINGS
"Lord, your blessings
are everywhere. Help me remember, especially when I am feeling afflicted, to
look around at all you have done. Thank you, God! Thank you for the light and
the warmth of the sun. Thank you for all the life that springs from the ground,
and the water that sustains it. Thank you for the laughter of children and the
intimacy of friendship. Thank you even for my afflictions. They remind me
to run to you and ask for your comfort. Thank you for your comfort, which puts
those problems out of mind. You are so good to me, Lord. Your blessings fill my
life."
"Have you counted your blessings lately?"
|
Today is Tuesday, November 9th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4567
|
|
When I finish reading one book of the Bible, I start another one. No rhyme nor reason what I pick. But I decided to embark on reading Luke as we enter and go through the Christmas holiday season.
Fun to take a second look at the birth, life and resurrection of Jesus as we head into Christmas!
I have heard people comment on Jesus' birth and death: who could believe the story of how He was born? Once someone is dead, they are dead!
Maybe Luke had some of those same questions. As a doctor, he knew about babies and dying and death. So he researched and looked for facts.
"However, it occurred to me that it would be well to check all these accounts from first to last and after thorough investigation to pass this summary on to you, to reassure you of the truth of all you were taught."
~ Luke 1:2 & 3 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "As a medical doctor, Luke knew the importance of a thorough check up. He used his skills in observation and analysis to do a thorough investigation of the stories about Jesus. His diagnosis? The gospel of Jesus Christ is true! We can read Luke's account of Jesus' life with confidence that it was written by a clear thinker and a thoughtful researcher. Because the gospel is founded on historical truth, our spiritual growth must involve careful disciplined, thorough investigation of God's Word."
***
Thank you, God, for people who have gone before us and shared what they learned and know. Help each of us to believe You, follow You, and know You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
|
Today is Wednesday, November 10th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4568
|
|
We shouldn't celebrate Christmas before
Thanksgiving gets here.
But what about the 'joy' that He brings? Every day is a good day to
celebrate what His being in our lives and bringing to the world?
.'Joy to the World' has been rattling through my mind the last bit so
here we go. Just for the day:
JOY TO THE WORLD
Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let Earth
receive her King;
Let every heart
prepare him room,
And heaven and
nature sing,
And heaven and
nature sing,
And heaven, and
heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the
world! the Saviour reigns;
Let men their
songs employ;
While fields and
floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the
sounding joy,
Repeat the
sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat
the sounding joy.
No more let sins
and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns
infest the ground;
He comes to make
His blessings flow
Far as the curse
is found,
Far as the curse
is found,
Far as, far as,
the curse is found.
He rules the
world with truth and grace,
And makes the
nations prove
The glories of
His righteousness,
And wonders of
His love,
And wonders of
His love,
And wonders,
wonders, of His love.
****
|
|
|
|
Today is Thursday, November 11th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4569
|
|
Working on my Sunday School lesson for Sunday, here is our memory verse for the week:
"But you are a chosen people,
a royal priesthood,
a holy nation,
God's special possession,
that you may declare the praises of Him
who called you out of darkness
into His wonderful light."
~ ! Peter 2:9
Sometimes I forget who I am, who you are when:
a couple of friends remain hospitalized;
another long-term friend moves away;
COVID surrounds us;
there is inhumanity to people here and around the world;
items in the grocery store and other places with prices going up;
and other stuff!
*
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."
the Bible says in Matthew 11:28 NIV
* Dear Father, thank You that You are our Heavenly Father. You knew we were going to need You, need help! Heal us! Direct us! Show us Your way! We can walk on water, if we keep our eyes on You! We praise You. You give us a future and a hope! In Jesus' Name. Amen.
***
|
Today is Friday, November 12th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4570
|
|
I like it when I trust God in things which are happening to me, others, and the world. I don't, when I don't!
As you can probably tell, I am enjoying a pretty new book for me titled "365 Days of Prayer for Women" (and men) by Stephanie Smith.
Here is one from a couple of days ago:
WHAT IF
"Don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink.
Don't worry about such things."
~LUKE 12:29 NLT
"God, you take care of everything I need You always have, and you always will. Forgive me for my worries. My mind can't conceive of the provision you promise, so I start to ask, what if? I'm sorry, Lord. What if I let worry die? What if I trust you to do what you say you will do? Invite me to test you, God, and see how very good you are. Let me know how to give danger, fear, and uncertainty over to you. What if I just believed you, and worry slipped away for good? Today I will only be concerned about what concerns you."
"Are you worried about your needs? Do you believe God can take care of them?"
***
|
Today is Tuesday, November 16th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4572
|
|
When baby kittens are born with
their eyes shut, they stay put in the 'nest' of their birth.
As they grow and their eyes are opened, sometimes they begin to wander and
explore.
Have you ever witnessed a mother cat? Carrying a baby back 'home'? She grabs them
by the back of the neck and drags them back where she wants them.
As an observer, it could appear that she is trying to kill them. No, she is
just loving them. Caring for them. And giving the, the 'best' for their
fragile new lives.
I wonder if it sometimes like us (or maybe me!). We tend to wander off in the
wrong directions. Maybe even in danger. God 'nabs' us in the back of the neck
and carries us back to safety. Whether we think it is best. Necessary. Or not.
I need, we need, that kind of care. Love. And attention.
Dear Father
in Heaven, thank You for the way You love and care for us. Sometimes whether we
think we need or not! We need Your comfort and care. And Your embrace in a warm
environment. Hug us. Just for today.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
|
Today is Tuesday, November 16th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4571
|
|
"Lord,
with all my heart I thank you.
I will sing your praises before the armies of angels.
I face your Temple as I worship,
giving thanks to you
for all your lovingkindness
and your faithfulness,
for your promises are backed by
all the honor of your name.
When I pray,
you answer me,
and encourage me
by giving me
the strength I need."
~ Psalm 138: 1 - 3 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "Thanksgiving should be an integral part of our lives. This theme is woven throughout the psalms. As we thank God for material and spiritual blessings, we should also thank him for answered prayer. Remember when we asked God for protection, strength, comfort, patience, love, or other special needs and he supplied them? We need to beware of taking God's provision and answered prayer for granted." ***
|
Today is Wednesday, November 17th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4573
|
|
Doesn't seem like sometimes people get 'more than their fair share'? Maybe it is us!
Here is something my sister Jill posted on facebook a bit ago (written by I am not sure who)::
"God won't give you more than you can handle". Odd, I can't seem to find that verse. I'm guessing Job would take exception to that cliche. So would Joseph. Paul did. "We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.." II Corinthians 1:8 Why would God allow him to experience hurt more than he could handle? Read on. "...so that we might not rely on ourselves but on God." II Corinthians 1:9 Truth? Cancer is more than you can handle. So is infidelity. So is caregiving. So is rejection. So is death and loss and grief and prodigal children and 101 other life struggles. God doesn't expect YOU to handle it. He expects you to hand it over to HIM. He doesn't want you relying on your strength, but on His. If we keep walking around thinking "God won't give me more than I can handle," we're setting ourselves up for heavenly disappointment. Good news? He beckons for your burdens, "Cast your cares upon Me.." I Peter 5:7 You will never know relief until you do. For this hard place, I have Jesus!: **** |
Today is Thursday, November 18th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4574
|
|
Yesterday's inspirational email from Anne Graham Lotz was titled "Overcomes". Part of the reason it caught my attention is that our church has a weekly group which meets called 'overcomers'.
If is for people who have the desire to 'overcome' anything. I don't know much about it exectpt for when it meets and where. Sort of like AA meetings, we don't need to know the who nor the why of anyone's participation.
OVERCOMERS
"He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God
and he will be my son."
~ Revelation 21:7 NIV
"The apostle Peter confirms that the inheritance being laid up for the Father's children 'can never perish, spoil, or fade' - it is 'kept in heaven for you' (I Peter 1:4 NIV). Although our inheritance is safely stored in heaven, there is a condition we have to meet before we can claim: 'He who overcomes will inherit all this.'
"What do you have to overcome in order to claim My Father's House as your own? You have to overcome:
your pride that refuses to acknowledge you are a sinner who needs a Savior.
your religiosity that substitutes...........rituals for repentance, traditions for truth, and orthodoxy for obedience.
your believe that Jesus Christ is God' Son, the sinner's Savior.
"Overcomers place their faith in Jesus alone for salvation......and inherit heaven!"
**
|
Today is Friday, November 19th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4575
|
|
A friend was given "365 Days of Prayer for Women" after her sister passed away. Several of us liked the prayers and purchased books for ourselves.
You can tell I like it and will enjoy sharing some of prayers with korner readers now and then. This one is from November 17:
Friend of God
"One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
~ Proverbs 18:24 NIV
"Lord, Father, God, Savior, of all the names I have for you, Friend surprises me the most. Friendship is completely voluntary, entirely reciprocal. I just can't believe you see me this way----that I bring value to the relationship. I can't get over the fact that you chose me-----that you choose me every day. I am a friend of God! This means you listen to my troubles, you hurt when I hurt, and you are happy in my joy. Even more astonishing, it means I get to listen to you: to discern what you love and what you hate, and to feel alongside you. I get to be your friend.
Do you know that you are a friend of God?"
***
|
Today is Monday, November 22nd, 2021; Karen's Korner #4576
|
It's Thanksgiving week!
Always a good time to be thankful. And remember!
I Thessalonians 5:16 (LAB) says, "No matter what happens, always be
thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
Being thankful is one our 'building blocks' of our lives, because God made
us. He knows what contributes to our emotional and spiritual good health.
I'd like for you to respond to this 'korner', several things for which you are
thankful and I will use them (all, some) in our thanksgiving Karen's Korner on
Thursday (first names only!).
And for you, I am thankful!
|
Today is Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021; Karen's Korner #4577
|
|
The last song we sang at church on Sunday isn't a new one to 'church-going' people. But so appropriate for the season:
We Are So Blessed
Taken from the Bible verse, Ephesians 1:3 "God...has blessed us...with every spiritual blessing in Christ."
Written by the Gaithers in 1982:
"We are so blessed by the gifts from Your hand,
I just can't understand
Why You've loved us so much.
We are so blessed,
we just can't find a way or the words that can say.
Thank you Lord,, for Your touch.
When we're empty You fill us
'Till we overflow,
When we're hungry You feed us
and cause us to know;
We are so blessed,
Take what we have to bring;
Take it all,, everything, Lord,
we love You so much."
***
|
Today is Wednesday, November 24th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4578
|
|
"Hallelujah!
Yes, praise the Lord!
How good it is to sing His praises!
How delightful and right!
~ Psalm 147: 1 LAB
Thanks for your 'thankful' responses!
Part 1 of 2:
Judy - family, church family, friends, all the blessings we have been given
Glenys - I am thankful for my heritage. Good blood and wonderful upbringing.
Duane - - freedom; good health; friends & family; food; all of our conveniences & amenities; our many blessings we take for granted each day; rural Iowa; Jesus died on the cross for all our sins;
Sonja - I’m thankful every morning for another day! I’m thankful that at my age I can still live independently. Most especially I am thankful for my faith, family, and friends that continue to make life worth living!!
Peg - All my friends who are sisters in faith...gives me strength!
Phyllis - I am most thankful for GOOD HEALTH and God’s healing touch!
Bev - I am thankful for all the blessings God has given my family.
Miriam – My hubby, family & friends; God’s grace, Church and our pastor; home, freedom; military friends, retirement; good markets; great crops, rain.
God, thank You for these
and so many more!
We are blessed!
Amen.
|
Today is Thursday, November 25th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4579
|
|
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Thanks for your 'thankful' responses!
Part 2 of 2:
Deb - Good heath for myself and family. We are both employed. Property where my horses / dogs can be a big part of our lives daily.
Joan - Sunrises and sunsets. Tasty wine. Freshly baked cookies. Lefse. Mashed potatoes with gravy. Christmas carols. Smiles. Laughter. A sharp knife. Friends, family. A comfy bed. A good book. And YOU!
Belva - Thankful for the many blessings in my life. Sometimes I do not appreciate all the good.
Dorothy - I am thankful that I got moved to an Assisted Living Facility before the Pandemic started! I have a lovely apartment and have my own things. God is good. I am thankful that our daughter is still with us! She had a bad case of Covid-19 that turned into Covid-Longhaul. I can no longer drive so I am thankful my church friends have been giving me rides to church since we are out of lock down. I was able to go to church before by way of Zoom! I am thankful for Karen’s Korner which I have been receiving for a LONG time.
Lyn - I am so thankful for family and friends and the memories we share. After being sick for a few days, it’s great to feel better. I am grateful for living in a small community where you know your neighbors.
Jeanne - Our kids; grandchildren, great friends and our Church.
Brenda - I am thankful for everything, big and small. Most of all Jesus and knowing him and his forgiveness and love. My family near and far. My kids in school (extra big thank you). Our freedom. Happy memories and memories still to be made. The colors of fall, the clean crisp of winter, the freshness of spring, and the lazy hazy days of summer. The roof over my head, heat and ac, a car that starts every time, my career and my husband’s, the guys who pick up my trash and recycling. I’m thankful for seeing a big chunk of the world and to know how very blessed we are!
**
Something sent to me by Florine:
"Thankfulness breeds more thankfulness, and that leads to praise. Try a 'popcorn prayer' with others - everyone names something they're grateful for, without taking turns. People just say reasons they want to thank and praise God (for life! roses! notebooks! books! sleep! pillows!) and when it overlaps with someone else, it's just like popcorn bursting in erratic blasts. Allow your thanksgiving to pop out wildly! Savor gratitude like butter on the tip of your tongue."
~ Loretta Pehanich in 2022: A Book of Grace-Filled Days
****
|
Today is Friday, November 26th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4580
|
|
"How does a man become wise?
The first step is to
trust and reverence the Lord!"
~ Proverbs 1: 7 LAB
**
Bible Commentary: "In this age of information, knowledge is plentiful, but wisdom is scarce. Wisdom means far more than simply knowing a lot. It is a basic attitude that affects every aspect of life. The first step to wisdom is to trust and respect God. Faith in God should be the foundation for our understanding of the world, our attitudes, and our actions. Our trust in God makes us truly wise."
***
|
Today is Monday, November 29th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4581
|
|
Today's Inspirational Thought by Max Lucado
God's Sovereign Hand
"The Lord directs the king’s thoughts. He turns them wherever he wants to”
~ Proverbs 21:1 TLB).
"Who’s to say God doesn’t have a reversal in your future? Don’t be thrown off by the prosperity of the wicked. Instead, set your eyes on the author of your salvation. No individual, institution, organization, society, or country is beyond the influence of God. No one is beyond his sovereign hand.
"God still hears the prayers of the exiles and still uses the faithful to reach them. Are you in need of rescue? Are you available to rescue someone else? Either way, keep praying. Keep trusting. Your story is not finished. Reversals happen. But you have to stay in the game. Mordecai did. Esther did. And their stories took a turn for the better. So will yours, my friend. So will yours."
***
|
Today is Tuesday, November 30th, 2021; Karen's Korner #4582
|
|
A couple of paragraphs from the book "Stalled" by Dale Sellers. It is written for pastors and church leaders to help their small and mid-size churches to become 'unstuck'.
Romans 10:17 says, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (NKJV). Don't miss this. Dozens of people can tell you they think you're a great leader (person). However, you only have to tell yourself one time you are a failure, and you will believe you're a failure. Why is this? Because you believe yourself more than you believe anyone else.
"This truth is why it is so important to speak God's Word over your life every day. Say what He says. Speak what He speaks. Verbalize the dream He has placed in your heart. After all, faith comes by hearing. What you hear more often will be what you believe more strongly."
**
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
*
We are righteous because of Him!
What other Bible verses might you/we say over ourselves about what God says about us?
Tell me!
*
God, thank You for Your righteousness that You give to us, in exchange for our sins. And You give us so many other things. Thank You! In Jesus Name. Amen.
|
|
