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November 2022 Archives
Today is Tuesday, November 1st, 2022; Karen's Korner #4777
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Taken from "365 Days of Prayer for Women" by Stephanie Sample. The entry from October 29:
BEYOND REASON
"What should we say about this?
If God is for us,
no one can defeat us."
~ Romans 8:31 NIV
"God, my general, my captain, my father, my friend, as I consider all you are to me, I realize I cannot fail. I recognize the power I have as your child, and I am encouraged beyond all human reason. If only I could lose my human reason entirely and rely solely on your promises. I can---with your help. But am I brave enough to ask? Do I have the courage to surrender my own logic to the upside-down ways of your kingdom? Let's find out together, Lord. Help my lay logic aside and pick up faith! Logic says I'm losing, but I prefer your truth. With you on my side, I cannot be defeated.
"If God is for us who can defeat us?"
*****
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Today is Wednesday, November 2nd, 2022; Karen's Korner #4778
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THE SPIRIT AS A FLOWING RIVER
By Max Lucado
"Christianity is on the decline in
our country. The number of believers has dropped twelve percent in the
last decade. Major depression is on the rise. The increase is found
in all age groups but is rising fastest among teens and young adults. The
increase in suicide is alarming. According to the federal data on the US
suicide rate, it is the highest it has been since World War II.
"Yet we have this hope. Revival can
come at any moment. At the right hour God will open the floodgate and
release his Spirit like a flowing river into society. This was the
promise of Jesus. 'Jesus stood up and said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone
believes in me, rivers of living water will flow out from that person’s
heart’…Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit'. John 7:37-39 NCV.
***
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Today is Thursday, November 3rd, 2022; Karen's Korner #4779
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A couple of verses from Colossians as Paul (writer) introduces himself to his readers in Colossae.
Read it as if Paul was writing to you today:
"To the faithful Christians brothers---God's people---.
"May God our Father shower you with blessings and fill you with his great peace.
"Whenever we pray for you we always begin by giving thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
for we have heard how much you trust the Lord,
and how much you love his people.."
~ Colossians 1:2 - 4 LAB
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Bible Commentary: "Letters in Paul's day frequently began with the writer's name, followed by a blessing. Paul usually added Christ9an elements to his greetings, reminding his readers of his call by God to spread the gospel, emphasiing that the authority for his words came from God, and giving thanks for God's blessings."
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Today is Monday, November 7th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4780
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Something written by Max Lucado and sent to my computer one day last week. It is titled "God Uses Common Things".
He uses 'common; things' and 'common people'. Like you and me.
What a plan!
GOD USES COMMON THINGS
"Luke 17:33 says, 'Those who try to keep their lives will lose them. But those who give up their lives will save them.' "Heaven may have a shrine to honor God’s uncommon use of the common. If so, it’s a place you don’t want to miss. See Rahab’s rope, David’s sling, and Samson’s jawbone. Wrap your hand around the staff that split the sea, and sniff the ointment that soothed Jesus’ skin and lifted his heart. "I don’t know if these items will be there. But I’m sure of one thing – the people who used them, they’ll be there. The risk takers: Rahab who sheltered the spy. David, slinging a stone, and Samson, swinging a bone. Mary at Jesus’ feet. What she gave cost much, but somehow she knew what he would give would cost more."
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Today is Tuesday, November 8th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4781
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Today is Tuesday, November 8th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4782
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"And now just as you trusted
Christ to save you,
trust him, too,
for each day's problems,
live in vital union with him.
Let your roots grow down into him
and draw up nourishment from him.
See that you go on growing in the Lord,
and become strong and vigorous in the truth
you were taught.
Let your lives overflow with joy
and thanksgiving
for all he has done."
~ Colossians 2:6 - 7 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "Accepting Christ as Lord of your life is the beginning of life with Christ. But you must continue to follow his leadership. Every day he desires to guide you and help with your daily problems. You can live for Christ by
(1) committing your life and submitting your will to him (Romans 12:1);
(2) seeking to learn from him, his life, and his teachings (Romans 3:16);
(3) recognizing the Holy Spirit's power in you (Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:22)."
****
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Today is Wednesday, November 9th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4783
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Several weeks ago I received a book in the mail written by Dr. David Jeremiah. Tucked inside the front cover was a bookmark with these words, a prayer:
Dear Father, In a world of questions, let me reflect Your word to BE THE ANSWER.
In a world of deception, I will be HONEST.
In a world of war, I will be CALM.
In a world of disaster, I will be CONFIDENT.
In a world of persecution, I will be PREPARED.
In a world of betrayal, I will be FAITHFUL.
In a world of lawlessness, I will be KIND.
In a world of bad news, I will be GOOD NEWS.
I will not be frightened, I will be DETERMIND.
By Your Strength, I WILL BE THE ANSWER.
***
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Today is Thursday, November 10th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4784
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"Let heaven fill your thoughts;
don't spend your time worrying
about things down here.
You should have as little desire for this world as a dead person does.
Your real life is in heaven with Christ and God."
~ Colossians 3:3 LAB
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Bible Commentary: "The Christian's real home is where Christ lives. This gives us a different perspective on our lives here on earth. To let heaven fill our thoughts means to look at life from God's perspective. This is the antidote to materialism; we gain the proper perspective on material goods when we take God's view of them. The more we see the life around us as God sees it, the more we live in harmony with him. We must not become too attached to what is only temporary."
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Today is Friday, November 11th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4785
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Happy Veterans' Day! A salute to veterans everywhere!! My salute includes personally: my dad, my husband, a handful of uncles, a brother-in-law, a nephew, and more friends over the years than I can count!!
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Today's entry from
"Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence"
by Sarah Young;
"Do not let any set of circumstances intimidate you. The more challenging your day, the more of My Power I place at your disposal. You seem to think that I empower you equally each day, but this is not so. Your tendency upon awakening is to assess the difficulties ahead of you, measuring them against your average strength. This is an exercise in unreality.
"I know what each of your days will contain, and I empower you accordingly. The degree to which I strengthen you on a given day is based mainly on two variables: the difficulty of your circumstances, and your willingness to depend on Me for help. Try to view challenging days as opportunities to receive more of My Power than usual. Look to Me for all that you need, and watch to see what I will do, As your day, so shall your strength be."
Taken from Ephesians 1:18 - 20; Psalm 105:4; Deuteronomy 33:25 (NKJV)
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Today is Monday, November 14th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4786
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"Heart, body, and soul are filled with joy." Those words are taken from Psalm 16:9 in my Life Application Bible.
This is the fourth time I have used the short verse in a Karen's Korner. Twice in 2012, six months apart. And again this year in June.
They are a few words which I recite to myself, when I forget Who I am and Whose I am. Sometimes things happen in my world I don't like. What about THE world; pretty chaotic at times. The devil would like our thoughts, our relationships, our situations to drive us nuts.
Jesus came to save us for eternity. From our situations. Our circumstances. From ourselves. So He packed JOY into our 'heart, body and soul' when we belong to Him!
The Bible commentary on this verse, "David called on God to value him as much as one would value his eyes, and to let that measure of value, also be a measure of protection. We must not conclude that w have somehow missed God's protection if we experience troubles. God's protection has far greater purposes than avoiding pain; it is to make us better servants for Him. God protects us by seeing us through circumstances, not by helping us escape them."
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Today is Tuesday, November 15th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4787
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Not many would disagree that the world is a messy place. And there are lots of things going on which we don't like or maybe understand.
In Dr. David Jeremiah's book "The World of The End", he tells that the world; our world has never been what we all hope that it would be.
"Jesus warned that dissention would increase and that global warfare would envelop humanity in mounting measure. He told his disciples on the Mount of Olives, 'You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom ' (Matthew 24:6 - 7).
"According to an article in the New Your Times, the world has been at peace for only 268 of the past 3,400 years. In other words, only 8 percent of our history has been peaceful. No one knows how many people have perished in times of war. The Times speculated at least 108 million people were killed in wars in the twentieth century alone. Some experts believe a billion people have lost their lives during all the military conflicts that have pockmarked history like bomb craters."
Dear God, we don't like what we see, hear, or what is happening to us. We plead for your protection and for the protection of the people who we know and love. We would really like for You to change it. But if that is not your plan, we ask that You would walk with us through times we don't care much about. We thank You in advance for what You have done, are doing, and will do with and for us in the future. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Today is Wednesday, November 16th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4788
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Monday's inspirational thought by Max Lucado:
When Doubt Creeps In
"Doubt. He’s a nosy neighbor. He’s an obnoxious guest. He’ll pester you, he’ll irritate you, he’ll kick the stool out from under you and refuse to help you up. He doesn’t offer any solutions; he only raises questions.
"Had any visits from doubt lately? If you find yourself going to church in order to be saved and not because you are saved, then you’ve been listening to him. If you find yourself doubting God could forgive you again for that, you’ve been sold some snake oil. If you are more cynical about Christians than sincere about Christ, then guess who came to dinner?
"I suggest you put a lock on your gate. I suggest you post a 'Do Not Enter' sign on your door. James 1:6 says, 'Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind.'
*****
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Today is Thursday, November 17th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4789
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Several days ago I plugged in my cell phone, for it to be re-charged overnight. It was down to 40%.
In the morning, it was still at 40%. Checking farther, I found that the cord had become disconnected from the electrical plug in.
No power. No charge.
Made me think about me. Us. Not plugged into His Power Source. We try to run at half speed. Or maybe no speed at all.
God, help us to stay plugged in to You each day!
What happens when we do that?
"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 Testament)
Commentary on this verse "Paul (writer) mentions three characteristics of the effective Christian leader: POWER, love, and a strong mind. These are available to us becuase the Holy Spirit lives in each one of us."
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Today is Friday, November 18th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4790
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The November 11 entry taken from"365 Days of Prayer for Women" by Stephanie Sample. Veterans Day a week ago.
THE GREATER GOOD
"We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us --- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another."
~ I John 3:16 NRSV
"Jesus, you paid the ultimate price and laid down your life for us. How can we thank you but to do the same? Yet it's hard---it's scary! I'm in awe of those who do, and I ask in gratitude for your protection over their lives. Please be with the soldiers, police, firefighters, and other servants who willingly set aside thoughts of their own safety for the greater good. For those who do it on your behalf, reward them with perfect peace and unshakable joy. Convince them of their safety, regardless of their situation. For those who sacrifice without knowing you, draw them in. Let them see how pleased you already are with their loving hearts and bring them the joy of your friendship.
"Have we thanked Jesus lately for the ultimate price he paid for us?"
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Today is Monday, November 21st, 2022; Karen's Korner #4791
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"Men have trained, or can train,
every kind of
animal or bird that lives
and every kind
of reptile and fish,
but no human
being can tame the tongue.
It is always
ready to pour out its deadly poison. Sometimes it preaches our heavenly
Father,
and sometimes it
breaks out
into curses
against men who are made like God. And so blessing and cursing
come pouring out
of the same mouth."
~ James 3:7 -
10a LAB
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Bible Commentary: "If
no human being can control the tongue, why bother trying? Because
even if we do not achieve perfect control of it in this life, we can
still learn enough control to reduce the damage it can do. It is better
to fight fire than to go around setting new ones! Remember that we are
not fighting the tongue's fire in our own strength. The Holy Spirit will
give us increasing power to monitor and control what we say. As
Christians, we are not perfect, but we should never stop growing."
****
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Today is Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022; Karen's Korner #4792
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In our communion meditation on Sunday, Mike began to relate a message he had heard recently on a radio program. He instructed us to say together, "Jesus Loves Me".
He would go on a tell us several other things and then have us repeat together, "Jesus Loves Me." And we did it one more time.
Mike said, "Sometimes I have to remind myself several times each day. Jesus Loves Me!"
Why? Because the 'world' can beat us down. Even worse, we can beat ourselves down. Often.
Will you say with me as you read this, "Jesus Loves Me."
**
#5 from "100 Things God Loves About You"; Simple Reminders for When You Need Them Most; written by Tama Fortner.
GOD LOVES TO CALL YOU HIS OWN
"See what great love the Father
has lavished on us,
that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are!"
~ 1 John 3:1
"God loves you. More than just a little. More than a lot. He loves you ......lavishly. His love is not the stingy, strings attached love of this world. It is a love that stretches beyond the stars and reaches far into eternity. Just call His name, reach out to Him--------and His love will sweep into your life, scoop you up, and whisper softly over and over, 'You are Mine,'........for you are His very own."
****
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Today is Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022; Karen's Korner #4793
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Something sent to my email box earlier this week from Max Lucado, to take us into the Thanksgiving holiday:
With the Ones We Love
"Holiday travel. It isn't easy. Then why do we do it? Why cram the trunks and endure the airports? You know the answer. We have to be with the ones we love. The four-year-old running up the sidewalk into the arms of Grandpa. The cup of coffee with Mom before the rest of the house awakes. That moment when, for the moment, everyone is quiet as we hold hands around the table and thank God for family and friends and pumpkin pie. We love to be with the ones we love.
"May I remind you? So does God. How else do you explain what He did? Between Him and us there was a distance---a great span---and He couldn't bear it. He couldn't stand it. So He did something about it. Philippians 2:7 reminds us, 'He gave up His place with God and made Himself nothing.'"
****
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Today is Thursday, November 24th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4794
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Happy Thanksgiving, God!
You tell us to 'always be thankful, no matter what happens' (! Thessalonians 5:18). You know that being thankful is a big part of our having good mental health.
So today I want to doubly concentrate on things for which I am thankful.
I am so thankful for family and friends. Thank You for opportunities to spend time with them Thank You for a measure of good health; it makes me so thankful.
I am thankful for my senses: a nose that works, for eyes that see and ears that hear. I am thankful for a good appetite and food to enjoy.
Thank You for my community and my church family. I am blessed beyond measure. I am thankful for the state of Iowa where I live and for the United States. For being able to live in a country with so many freedoms. Many countries aren't as blessed as we are, and have been for several centuries.
Thank You for the plans You have always had for me, for us. You give us a future and a hope! You don't always answer our prayers like we ask, but Your plans are bigger than ours. Thank You that You promise to 'be with us always' (Matthew 28:12); through the good times and the bad. Thank You for walking with us!
Pretty short list, I know there are millions of more things for which I am grateful. I am going to take a walk now and reflect on more things for which I am thankful. Thank You for walking with me!
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Today is Friday, November 25th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4795
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"The Lord makes us strong!
Sing praises!
Sing to Israel's God!
"Sing, accompanies by drums;
pluck the sweet lyre and harp.
Sound the trumpet!
Come to the joyous celebrations
at full moon, new moon and all the other holidays!
For God has given us these times of joy;
they are scheduled in the laws of Israel."
~ Psalm 81:1 - 4 LAB
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Bible Commentary: "Israel's holidays reminded the nation of God's great miracles. It was a time of rejoicing and a time to revew one's strength for life's daily struggles. At Christmas, do our toughts revolve around presents for the most part? Is Easter only a warm anticipation of spring, and Thanksgiving only a good meal? Remember the spiritual origins of these special days, and use them as opportunities to worship God for His goodness to each of us, our families, and our nation."
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Today is Monday, November 28th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4796
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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
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Bible Commentary: "Christians are brand new people on the insdie. 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. We are not merely turning over a new leaf; we are beginning a new life under a new Master."
Father God, as we get older, we hear words like 'elderly'. 'Aging'. But You say that we NEW! So today help us to walk in the Spirit that You intended--as new beings! Thank You for Your making all things new. Including us!.
In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
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Today is Tuesday, November 29th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4797
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Thursday - Thanksgiving Day. Friday - Black Friday. Cyber Monday - Monday. Giving Tuesday - Tuesday - today!!
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus,
"It is more blessed to give than receiver."
~ Acts 20:35 LAB
So today might be a good day to bless someone with a gift. It might be a person, a family, a non-profit outreach group.
It might be a gift of money. A gift wrapped package. A note, letter, or card. It could be an email or a text message.
Let's do it!!
And remember in order to be a blessing by being a gift giver........be willing to be a gracious and thankful 'gift receiver'!
Thank You, God, for being the greatest-giver known to the world! We are blessed! Help us to bless others. Today and every day! Amen.
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Today is Wednesday, November 30th, 2022; Karen's Korner #4798
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Taken from "The World of the End;: How Jesus' Prophecy Shapes Our Priorities" by Dr. David Jeremiah:
"In many parts of the world, the persecution of Christians now exceeds any period in history. According to Dr. Todd M. Johnson of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, more than seventy million Christians have been martyred throughout history, and more than half of those deaths occurred in the twentieth century. He also estimates one million Christians were killed between 2001 and 2010, and another 900,000 between 2011 and 2020."
God, bless Christians who are living in countries where they are met with potential of persecution. Bless the families who are left after a loved one is martyred.
We are fortunate to live in a country where persecution has not taken place. Thank You for Your care and blessings. Help us to focus on You, should that ever come into our shores in the future.
In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
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