|
|
January 2024 Archives
Today is Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024; Karen's Korner #5028
|
|
It's good to be back! Happy New Year!!
The verse I have selected for the 'korner' reads like today's newspaper. The commentary at the bottom of the page in my Living Bible Application was published in 1971. Long time ago. Interesting that the Bible never changes. Neither does human nature!
"'Let's wipe out every trace of God,' they said and went through the entire country burning down the assembly places where we worshiped You."
~ Psalm 74:8 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "When enemy armies defeated Israel, they sacked Jerusalem, trying to wipe out ever trace of God. This has often been the response of people who hate God. Today many are trying to erase all traces of God from traditions in our society and subjects taught in our schools. We need to do what we can to help maintain a Christian influence but we should not become discouraged when others appear to make great strides in eliminating all traces of God, for they cannot eliminate His presence in the lives of believers.
"From our perspective, God sometimes seems to be slow to intervene on our behalf. But what might appear slow to us is good timing from God's perspective."
***
|
Today is Thursday, January 4th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5029
|
|
Today's entry from "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence" by Sarah Young, as if Jesus is talking with us:
"I want you to learn a new habit.
Try saying,
'I trust You, Jesus'
in response to whatever happens to you.
If there is time,
think about who I AM
in all My Power and Glory;
ponder also the depth and breadth
of My Love for you.
"This simple practice will help you see Me
in every situation,
acknowledging My sovereign
control over the universe.
When you view events from this perspective--
through the Light of My universal Presence---
fear loses its grip on you.
Adverse circumstances
become growth opportunities
when you affirm your trust in Me
no matter what.
You receive blessings gratefully,
realizing they flow directly from my hand of grace.
Your continual assertion of trusting Me
will strengthen our relationship
and keep you close to Me."
*
~ Taken from Psalm 63:2; Isaiah 40:10 -11;
Psalm 139:7 - 10
|
Today is Friday, January 5th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5030
|
|
There probably isn't anyone who hasn't heard about the tragic school shooting in Perry yesterday morning. As I read these couple verse in the Bible today, I couldn't help but think about this young 17 year old. There is a lot i don't know about his situation, nor maybe never will.
Same thoughts I have about us. Whether God answers our prayers the way we hope or not, something happens to us when we pray.
"No one gives me a passing thought.
No one will help me;
no one cares a bit what happens to me.
Then I prayed to Jehovah,
'Lord,'
I pled.
'You are my only place of refuge.
Only you can keep me safe."
~ Psalm 142:4 & 5 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "Have you ever felt that no one cared what happened to you? David (writer) had good reason to feel that way and wrote, 'Then I prayed.' Through prayer we can pull out of our tailspin and be reminded that God cares for us deeply."
**
|
Today is Monday, January 8th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5031
|
I got an email several days ago from a cousin who asked, "Do you get daily emails from Anne Graham Lotz? I really liked this one?"
Yes, I do but I thought if she likes it and I liked it, it would be a good one to share with others.
My Home Is His, Too!"O Lord, You have searched me and known me......You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways."
~ Psalm 139:2 - 3 NKJV
"Once as I prepared my house for a visit by my father, I began to clean and straighten my house. I even bought fresh flowers and plants to place around the rooms to make them seem more lovely. I wanted my home to look as inviting, comfortable, and pleasing to his eyes as I could make it. Then it struck me---if I felt this way about my earthly father's brief visit, how much more care I should give my home every day since my heavenly Father lives here.
"I am not a good housekeeper. But motivated by the thought that my house is His home also, I try hard to keep my house clean and neat. It is not professionally decorated with all the latest gadgets, but it is as pleasing to the eyes as my time, energy, and budget will allow. I want those who walk through my door to know that the Lord God lives here. And I hope the reality of His Presence is evident to all by the beauty of the outward appearance and the quality of the inner atmosphere of warmth and love they find here."
|
Today is Tuesday, January 9th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5032
|
|
"Love each other
with brotherly affection
and take delight
in honoring each other."
~ Romans 12:10 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "We
can honor others two ways. The world's way has an ulterior motive. In the
world, we honor our bosses so they will reward us; our employees so they
will work harder; the wealthy so they will contribute to our cause; the
powerful so they will use their power for us, not against us. God's way
of honoring others is different. As Christians, we honor people because
they have been created in God's image, because they are our brothers and
sister in Christ, because we are grateful for the ways they are building
up the body of Christ."
***
|
|
|
|
Today is Wednesday, January 10th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5033
|
|
Something written by Max Lucado. I get his thoughts in my email box every weekday. They are always good.
This one was from January 1; happy new year!!
ONE VERSION OF YOU
"Da Vinci painted one Mona Lisa. Beethoven composed one 5th Symphony. And God made one version of you!
"God custom designed you for a one-of-a-kind assignment, ;to each according to each one’s unique ability; (Matthew 25:15). 'The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others' (1 Corinthians 12:7 CEV). Did the apostle Paul say, 'The Spirit has given some of us…”'or “a few of us…'? No! 'The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.'
"You don’t have to do everything. You’re not God’s solution to society, you are a solution in society. Don’t worry about the skills you don’t have. Don’t covet strength others do have. Just extract your uniqueness to God’s glory."
***
|
Today is Thursday, January 11th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5034
|
|
According to the Bible Commentary in my Life Application Bible, the last five Psalms (146 - 150) each begin with 'hallelujah' or 'praise the Lord;.
"Praise the Lord!
Yes, really praise Him!"
Psalm 146:1
*
"Hallelujah!
Yes, praise the Lord!
How good it is to sing His praises!
How delightful, and how right!"
! Psalm 147:1
*
"Praise the Lord, O heavens!
Praise Him for the skies!"
~Psalm148:1
*
"Hallelujah!
Yes, praise the Lord!
Sing Him a new song.
Sing His praises,
all His people."
~ Psalm 149:1
*
"Hallelujah!
Yes praise the Lord!
Praise Him in His Temple,
and in the heavens
He made with mighty power."
~ Psalm 150:1
**
Final Commentary on these verses:
"What does praise do?
1) Praise takes our minds off our problems and shortcomings and focuses them on God.
2) Praise takes us from individual meditation to corporate worship.
3) Praise causes us to consider and appreciate Gods' character..
4) Praise takes our perspective from the earthly to the heavenly."
****
|
Today is Friday, January 12th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5035
|
|
It's cold! It's snowy! It's blizzarding! Looks like not only here but across a bunch of the country!
Might be time for a dose of "100 Thing God Loves About You" by Tama Fortner. Number 94.
"GOD LOVES YOUR NEARNESS".
"Come near to God
and He will come near to you."
~ James 4:8
"Just a step. That's all it takes. Reach up to God, and He reaches down to you. Heavenly fingers grasp your hand, pull you close, and cradle your heart in His.
"No matter how far you've wandered, no matter the mistakes you've made, He's waiting. Whether it's early in the morning, at the end of the day, or anytime in between. He's waiting. God waits for you, hoping you will come and ready when you do. Ready to wash away, to cleanse, to make new. Draw near to God because He loves to be near you."
****
|
Today is Monday, January 15th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5036
|
|
In this rough and tumble world, it is sometimes easy to forget who we are and Whose we are:
(Jesus speaking)
"I say emphatically that anyone who listens to my message and believes in God who sent me has eternal life, and will never be damned for his (her) sins, but has already passed out of death into life."
~ John 5:24 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "Eternal life---living forever with God---begins when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. At that moment, new life begins in each of us (2 Corinthians 5:17). We still face physical death ,but when Christ returns again our bodies will be resurrected to live forever."
****
|
Today is Tuesday, January 16th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5037
|
|
Today's entry in "365 Days of Prayer for Women" by Stephanie Sample made my think of the months of campaigning in Iowa and the caucus last night. Don't know if the writing is similar but the title caught my eye.
RUN TO WIN
"Do you not know that in a race
all the runners run,
only one gets the prize?
Run in such a way as to get the prize."
~ 1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV
"Lord, when I think of Jesus' incredible humility, how every moment in his life was one in which he could have easily 'won,' I can scarcely comprehend it. I like to win; I also like to be right. Will you help me to discern when these desires are appropriate, and when I need reigning in? When there is a prize worth having at stake---when you want me to run to win---please give me the strength, courage, and ambition to give it everything I've got to win the crown. And when the so-called prize comes at the expense of a relationship or when i simply doesn't matter, nudge me, Lord, to prefer the other person and slow it to a jog."
"Are we running to win the ultimate prize?"
****
|
Today is Wednesday, January 17th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5038
|
|
I like reading the book of Psalms. I have embarked on a journey of reading two each day. Not in any order. I have a grid and mark them off two at a time.
The one I avoid - Psalm 119 because it has 176 verses. Why do I do that/ Once I get started reading it, I really like what it has to say. This time, I have broken it down and am reading several verses at a time over the next like five days. And I have found several verses I want to share in today's 'korner', as i read through verses 12 through 50.
Here you go:
"I am but a pilgrim here on earth,
how I need a map--
and your commands are my chart
and guide."
~ verse 19
* Bible Commentary: ""Almost any long trip requires a map or guide (now GPS!). As we travel through life, the Bible should be our road map, pointing out safe routes, obstacles to avoid, and our final destination. We must recognize ourselves as 'pilgrims.' travelers here on earth who need to study God's 'map' to learn the way. If we ignore the map, we will wander aimlessly through life and risk missing our real destination."
**
"I am completely discouraged---
I lie in the dust.
Revive me by Your Word."
~ verse 25
*
Bible Commentary: "How can God's Word revive us? Our world is full of evil. God's Word revives us with the promise of victory over evil. Our world says we are worthless without certain looks or possessions. God's Word give us value by telling us that God created us and loves us. Our world is full of discouragement. God's Word encourages us. Our world has no real lasting answers. God's Word gives satisfying, eternal answers. Read it and be revived!"
****
|
Today is Thursday, January 18th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5039
|
|
Something in my email inbox on January 1 and written by Max Lucado:
ONE VERSION OF YOU
"Da Vinci painted one Mona Lisa. Beethoven composed one 5th Symphony. And God made one version of you!
"God custom designed you for a one-of-a-kind assignment, 'to each according to each one’s unique ability' (Matthew 25:15). 'The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others' (1 Corinthians 12:7 CEV). Did the apostle Paul say, 'The Spirit has given some of us…' or 'a few of us…”' No! 'The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.'
You don’t have to do everything. You’re not God’s solution to society, you are a solution in society. Don’t worry about the skills you don’t have. Don’t covet strength others do have. Just extract your uniqueness to God’s glory."
****
|
Today is Friday, January 19th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5040
|
|
I decided to look back on some Karen's Korners from the past. I might include an 'archived' one now and then.
Today's is from May 2003. Kathy has since passed away and we are all twenty-plus years older than we were:
Today is Monday, May 19th, 2003; Karen's Korner #56
Here is a "pass along" email from Jim's cousin, John and Cathy Weld. One of the closing lines after the note, I have moved to the top:
"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!"
"Dear Bertha, I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working. Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.
I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom. I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries.
"I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank. "Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.
"I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was. I'm guessing; I'll never know.
"It's those little things left, that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open ! my eyes, tell myself that it is special. Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God."
***
|
Today is Monday, January 22nd, 2024; Karen's Korner #5041
|
|
Sometimes the Bible reads like today's newspaper! I had chosen to read 1 Thessalonians a week or so ago. I finished up reading the five chapter book yesterday.
We were having our annual church meeting on Sunday. And this is what I read;
"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."
~ ` 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."
**
Dear Father in Heaven,
thank You for people in my life,
our lives, who are willing to take leadership roles
of all kinds.
Help us to remember to tell them thank you
for their time when making some decisions,
sometimes those which are difficult.
Help me, help us, to be less critical
and more thankful.
In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
|
Today is Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024; Karen's Korner #5042
|
|
Number 82 of "100 Things God Loves About You" by Tama Fortner:
GOD LOVES THE WAY YOU REMEMBER
"Give praise to the Lord......
Remember the wonders He has done."
~ Psalm 105:1, 5
"You know God is at work in your life. You know it as surely as you breathe. You've seen it with your own eyes and you remember all the wonderful, marvelous, miraculous, incredible, and even outrageous things He has done for you. And because you remember, you count on Him, you thank Him, you serve Him, and you praise Him every day. On yes...God loves the way you remember."
****
|
Today is Wednesday, January 24th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5043
|
|
Today's entry from Sarah Young and her "Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence":
"My Peace is the treasure of treasures: the pearl of great price. It is an exquisitely costly gift, both for the Giver and receiver. I purchased this Peace for you with My blood. You receive this gift by trusting Me in the midst of life's storms. If you have the world's peace----everything going your way----you don't seek My unfathomable Peace. Thank Me when things do not go your way, because spiritual blessings come wrapped in trials. Adverse circumstances are normal in a fallen world. Expect them each day. Rejoice in the face of hardship, for I have overcome the world."
~ taken from Matthew 13:46;(NKJV); James 1:2;John 16:33
****
|
Today is Thursday, January 25th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5044
|
|
I listened to a speaker on television several days ago.
He asked, "What do we do when a loved one's health isn't improving? Or maybe your own health? What about that relationship with a friend or relative that is broken? Or your finances just aren't working? Or a myriad of other possibilities?
He said, 'Pray UGLY!"
What is UGLY?
Until
God
Lifts
You
It's pretty easy when things aren't going well. Especially for a long time. To give up! That is when we have to keep on, keeping on!
And we need to ask God to help us!
We can't!
He can!
The Bible says, "I will never, never leave you nor forsake you!: (Hebrews 13:5).
Dear God,
will you help us?
To not give up.
On a particular issue,
or person.
Even when we want to.
Thank You that You fix broken!!
Amen.
|
Today is Friday, January 26th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5045
|
|
"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and give us everlasting comfort and hope which we don't deserve, comfort your hearts with all comfort, and help you in every good thing you say and do."
~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16 & 17 LAB
***
|
Today is Monday, January 29th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5046
|
|
Don't you sometimes wonder what coaches talk about to their teams in the locker rooms at half-time? They have already practiced nearly daily for days and weeks leading up to the contest.
Coaches may remind the players of what it is they already know. And may begin to forget in the heat of the battle.
Today's Karen's Korner is something written by Max Lucado as he reminds us things we may already know. But just in case we might forget.
A Brand New Idea
"God made you and broke the mold. Every single baby is a brand new idea from the mind of God. Scan history for your replica; you won’t find it. God tailor-made you. You aren’t one of many bricks in the mason’s pile or one of a dozen bolts in the mechanic’s drawer. You are it!
"And if you aren’t you, we don’t get you. The world misses out. You offer a gift to society that no one else brings. When you and I do the most what we do the best for the glory of God, the Bible says that we are 'marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body' (Romans 12:5 MSG). You play no small part, because there is no small part to be played. God 'shaped each person in turn' (Psalm 33:15 MSG). We need you to be you. And you need to be you."
***
|
Today is Tuesday, January 30th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5047
|
|
This morning i read something shared by a Facebook friend. It pictured a few 'bullet points' punched on a dog-tag style metal piece, attached to a chain:
Little Reminders:
* You are enough
* It's okay to have bad days
* Don't believe everything you think
* You are so very loved
* Be kinder to yourself
|
Today is Wednesday, January 31st, 2024; Karen's Korner #5048
|
|
"I am poor and weak,
yet the Lord is thinking
about me right now!
O my God,
You are my helper.
You are my Savior;
come quickly,
and save me.
Please don't delay!"
~ Psalm 40:17 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "The leader of your country probably does not know your name, let alone think about you. But the King of all creation, the Ruler of the universe is thinking about your right now. Allow this truth to buoy your self-esteem. If God always has us in His thoughts, perhaps we could do more to keep Him in our thoughts."
***
Lord, help us to think about You,
and less about
things in our lives
and things swirling around us.
Thank You for Your help.
Amen.
|
|
