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March 2024 Archives
Today is Friday, March 1st, 2024; Karen's Korner #5070
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This is Max Lucado's writing and email from yesterday, February 29:
SPEAK WORDS OF LIFE
"Nathaniel Hawthorne came home heartbroken. He had just been fired from his job in the customhouse. His wife, rather than responding with anxiety, surprised him with joy. 'Now you can write your book!' He wasn’t so positive. 'And what shall we live on while I’m writing it?' To his amazement she opened a drawer and revealed a wad of money she’d saved out of her housekeeping budget. 'I always knew you were a man of genius,' she told him. 'I always knew you’d write a masterpiece.'
She believed in her husband. And because she did, he wrote. And because he wrote, every library in America has a copy of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) says, 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue.' You have the power to change someone’s life simply by the words you speak."
****
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Today is Monday, March 4th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5071
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On my way to church yesterday, I listened to the song sung by Joey & Rory. I don't know who wrote it; maybe they did.
The title was "I See Him"; there are several verses. This is the chorus:
'Cause I see him in the seeds I grow
I hear him in the rooster's crow
I feel him when my husband's hand is in mine
I taste him in the meals I make
I smell him in the bread I bake
When I look around I don't have to wonder where he'll be
I see him in you
And I hope you see him in me.
*
I want to take a second look and 'see Him in you', as well as 'seeing Him in me'.
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Today is Tuesday, March 5th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5072
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The last few days I have been reading the book of Jonah; four short chapters.
The large city of Nineveh had become quite wicked. Jonah was called by God to warn them if they didn't change their ways ,they would receive His judgment.
Jonah didn't want to do it! He thought they deserved what God was planning, so he ran and boarded a ship, going in the opposite direction. Long story, short; he was tossed overboard. Swallowed by a big fish He prayer to God from inside the fish. repented and went to preach in the city, as God had directed.
When Jonah preached, the city repented and God withheld His judgment.
Verse 3:10 says, "And when God saw that they had put a stop to their evil ways, He abandoned His plan to destroy them, and didn't carry it through."
Commentary on this same verse: "God responded in mercy by canceling His threatened punishment. God Himself said that any nation on which He pronounced judgment would be saved if they repented. God forgave Nineveh just as He had forgiven Jonah. He is always ready to show compassion to anyone willing to seek Him."
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Today is Wednesday, March 6th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5073
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A dose of God's Love to help carry us through the day from "100 Things 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."
****
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Today is Thursday, March 7th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5074
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JESUS PREDICTS HIS DEATH THE FIRST TIME
~ Mark 8:31 & 32 LAB
"Then He (Jesus) began to tell them about the terrible things He would suffer, and that He would be rejected by the elders and the Chief Priests and the other Jewish leaders---and be killed, and that He would rise again three days afterwards. He talked about it quite frankly with them, so Peter took Him aside and chided Him, 'You shouldn't say things like that,' he told Jesus."
Bible Commentary: "From this point on, Jesus spoke plainly and directly to His disciples about His death and resurrection. He began to prepare them for what was going to happen to Him by telling them three times that He would soon die.
"In this moment, Peter was not considering God's purposes but only his natural human desires and feelings. He wanted Christ to be King, but not the suffering servant the glory of following the Messiah, but not the persecution. The Christian life is not a paved road to wealth and ease. It often involves hard work, persecution, privation, and deep suffering. Peter saw only part of the picture. We should not repeat his mistake---instead, we need to focus on the good that God can bring out of apparent evil, and the resurrection that follows crucifixion."
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Today is Friday, March 8th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5075
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Something written by Anne Graham Lotz and in my inbox earlier this week:
FOLLOW THE LIGHT
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
~ Psalm 119:105 NIV
"In what area of our lives do we need illumination? Discouragement about the future and the direction we have chosen, depression over the lack of fulfillment in our lives, or disillusionment by our previous attempts to find meaning for life through organized religions can all plunge us into the darkness. Do you evern wonder,
"What is the meaning to my life?"
"Why is genuine happiness so elusive?"
"Why do I feel guilty?"
"Why do I feel afraid?"
"Is there a God?"
"Is there life after death?"
"God's written Word and the answers we find there turn our darkness into light. God's Word' is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path'. So......follow the light!"
*****
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Today is Monday, March 11th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5076
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For a few days, we hear discussion on Daylight Savings Time. Lots of talk about LIGHT.
Good time to think about Jesus and His Light:
"Eternal life is in Him,
and this life gives light to all mankind.
His life is the light
that shine through the darkness---
and the darkness can never extinguish."
~ John 1:4 & 5 LAB
*
"Jesus said to the people,
'I am the Light of the world.
So if you follow Me,
you won't be stumbling through the darkness,
for living light will flood your path.'"
John 8:12 LAB
*
"God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all.
So if we say we are His friends,
but go on living in spiritual darkness and sin,
we are lying.
But if we are living in the light of God's presence,
just as Christ does,
then we have wonderful fellowship and joy with each other,
and the blood of Jesus his Son
cleanses us from every sin."
~ I John 1:5 - 7 LAB
****
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Today is Tuesday, March 12th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5077
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Yesterday's Sarah Young and her "Jesus Calling", as if Jesus is talking with us:
"WALKING BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT.
As you take steps of faith,
depending on Me,
I will show you how much I can do for you.
When I gave you My Spiriti,
I empowered you to live
beyond your natural ability and strength.
That's why it is so wrong
to measure your energy level
against the challenges
ahead of you.
The issue is not your strength
but Mine,
which is limitless.
but walking close to Me,
you can accomplish My purposes
in My Strength."
~ Taken from 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KNJV),Galatians 5:25
****
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Today is Wednesday, March 13th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5078
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"Sing a new song to the Lord!
Sing it everywhere around the world!
Sing out His praises!
Bless His name.
Each day tell someone that He saves.
Publish His glorious acts throughout the earth.
Tell everyone about the amazing things He does.
For the Lord is great beyond description,
and greatly to be praised.
Worship only Him among the gods!"
~ Psalm 96:1-4 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "If we believe God is great, we cannot help but tell others about Him. God has chosen to use us to 'publish His glorious acts throughout the earth'. Praise for our great God overflows from His creation and should overflow from our lips. How well are we doing at telling others about God's greatness?"
****
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Today is Thursday, March 14th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5079
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Something taken from the March 2024 Decision magazine (publication Billy Graham Evangelistic Association); first two paragraphs written by John MacArthur.
WE,TOO, WILLL RISE
For Those in Christ,
A Glorified Body Awaits
"So also is the resurrection of the dead,
It is sown a perishable body,
it is raised an imperishable body;
it is sown in dishonor,
it is raised in glory;
it is sown in weakness,
it is raised in power."
~ 1 Corinthians 15:42 - 43
"The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of Christian testimony and the basis for the very hope of the Gospel itself. And as the first 34 verses of 1 Corinthians 15 tells us, the resurrection of Christ is the basis and guarantee of our resurrection. We, too, Will rise."
****
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Today is Friday, March 15th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5080
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Lots of writings on the internet about Saint Patrick and the Day we celebrate each year.
Here is something that I found:
"Saint Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at 16. He later escaped but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people.
"In the centuries following Patrick's death (believed to have been on March 17, 461) , the mythology surrounding his life became ever more ingrained in the Irish culture. Perhaps the most well-known legend of St. Patrick is that he explained the Holy Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock."
Don't know the contributing writer. At any rate, some of this has a grain of truth to it and he had to have had a life well lived.
Praise God for people like Saint Patrick; with lives well lived!
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
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Today is Monday, March 18th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5081
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I caught just a portion of a program by Dr. David Jeremiah this weekend. His teaching was on 'Living a Disciplined Life". So I didn't get all of what he was talking about.
What I did get I enjoyed. One of the Bible verses he used, "The path of the godly leads away from evil; he who follows that path is safe." (Proverbs 16:17)
Jeremiah said that the Christian life is one of 'falling down; getting up and going again". Again and again on our path toward heaven. The key is not falling down and not getting up, but going again. We just need to keep going!
He gave an illustration of people who know they should read the Bible daily. They know of a friend who is planning to read the entire Bible this year. The illustration he used, "Start by reading one paragraph every day. "Don't try to pattern what you are going to do with friend. You might not even begin."
That teaching could be used in many ways of our daily lives. We might think, "I need to loose 50 pounds!" How about a goal of five pounds!
"My friend runs five miles a day!" How about a goal of walking two blocks every day?
The thinking could be carried over to many, many things. And we need to ask God to enter into our thinking and plans to help us make any changes!
God, You are so good!
Help me; help us
to be all that we want to be.
Lead us.
Guide us!
Thank You,
that You are a God
who never gives us on any of us.
In the name of Your Son, Jesus!
Amen.
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Today is Tuesday, March 19th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5082
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Yesterday's Max Lucado in my computer's inbox:
IF GOD IS FOR YOU
“'If God is for us, who can be against us?' (Romans 8:31 NKJV). If God is for you, shouldn’t you be for you? So how do you begin to see yourself as God does?
"First, remember that your words matter. You are either your worst critic or greatest cheerleader.
"Hold fast to the promise of scripture. The apostle Paul models this for us. 'No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.' (Romans 8:37 NIV).
"Personalize Romans 8:38-39. 'For I am convinced that neither poor health, neither college debt nor pink slips, neither today’s deadline or tomorrow’s diagnosis, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'
"Be for you – God is."
****
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Today is Wednesday, March 20th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5083
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Our today's ecumenical Bible study; we were assigned to read five specific chapters in Psalms. The reading reminded me why I enjoy them. Many of the writings are positive.
Today's 'korner', I am sharing a couple of the verses:'
"God is our refuge
and strength,
a tested help in times of trouble.
And so we need not fear
even if the world blows up,
and the mountains crumble
into the sea.
Let the ocean roar and foam;
let the mountains tremble."
~ Psalm 46:1 - 3 LAB
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Bible Commentary: "The fear of mountains or cities suddenly crumbling into the sea by a nuclear blast haunts many people today. But the psalmist says that even if the world ends. 'We need not fear!' Even in the face of utter destruction, he expressed a quiet confidence in God's ability to save him. It seems impossible to face the end of the world without fear, but the Bible is clear---God is our refuge, even in the face of total destruction. He is not merely a temporary retreat; He id our eternal refuge and can provide strength even in the face of global destruction."
*****
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Today is Thursday, March 21st, 2024; Karen's Korner #5084
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Entry #90 from Tama Fortner's "100 Things God Loves About You"; Simple reminders for when you need them most:
GOD LOVES THE TOUCH OF YOUR FAITH
"Jesus turned and saw her,
'Take heart, daughter,' he said,
'your faith has healed you.'"
~ Matthew 9:22
"How frightened she must have been. Alone, untouchable, and untouched for so very long. And there He was, standing before her, her one last hope. Would she dare? Perhaps just the hem of His robe.
"Tentative, and trembling, she stretched out a hand. And Jesus felt, turned, and saw. He saw the heart that no one bothered to look at for so very long. He felt her touch of faith, and He gave her new life.
"No matter how tentative, how trembling your touch, Jesus feels it. He turns, He sees, He give you a new life. Because He treasures the touch of your faith."
**
Jesus,
thank You so much for
loving us!
You didn't have to do it!
You lived.
You loved.
You were persecuted.
You died!
But You rose from the dead!
All for us!
Thank You
for that kind of love,
which we don't deserve!
Thank You for Your care.
Amen.
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Today is Friday, March 22nd, 2024; Karen's Korner #5085
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This is Palm Sunday weekend! It is recorded in the first four gospels. Matthew 21; Mark 21, and John 12 And also in these verses of Luke:
"Then the crowds spread out their robes along the road ahead of Him, and as they reached the place where the road started down from the Mount of Olives, the whole procession began to shout and sing, as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles Jesus had done."
~ Luke 12:36 & 37 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "The people who were praising God for giving them a king had the wrong idea about Jesus. They were sure he would be a national leader who would restore their nation to its former glory, and thus they were deaf to the words of prophets and blind to Jesus' real mission. When it became apparent that Jesus was not going to fulfill their hopes, many people turned against him."
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Today is Monday, March 25th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5086
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It's amazing how the masses went from praising Jesus to wanting to crucify Him in a week! Isn't human nature wonderful?
"Then Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, went to the chief priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them.
"When the chief priests heard why he had come, they were exited and happy and promised him a reward. So he began looking for the right time and place to betray Jesus."
~ Mark 14:10 & 11 LAB
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Bible Commentary: "Why would Judas want to betray Jesus? Judas, like the other disciples, expected Jesus to start a political rebellion and overthrow Rome. As treasurer, Judas certainly assumed (as did the other disciples) that he would be given an important position in Jesus' new government. But when Jesus praised Mary for pouring out the perfume, thought to be worth half a year's salary, Judas finally realized that Jesus' kingdom was not physical or political, but spiritual. Judas' greedy desire for money and status could not be realized if he followed Jesus, so he betrayed Him in exchange for money and favor from the religious leaders."
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Today is Tuesday, March 26th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5087
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I am embarking on reading the book of Revelation. I must admit I have a hard time reading and understanding what I am reading.
But in the midst of Chapter 2 there is a graphic with the words "The Names of Jesus", found in the pages of Revelation:
"A to Z, Beginning to End
Lord; All Powerful One
Son of Man; First and Last
The Living One; Son of God
Witness; Creator;
Lion of Judah; Root of David
Lamb; Shepherd
Christ; Faithful and True
Word of God; King of Kings
Lord of Lord; The Morning Star"
***
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Today is Wednesday, March 27th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5088
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"Then, accompanied by the disciples,
Jesus left the upstairs and went as usual to the
Mount of Olives.
There He told them,
'Pray God that you will not be
overcome by temptation.'
"He walked away, perhaps a stone's throw,
and knelt down and prayed this prayer,
'Father, if you are willing,
please take away this cup of horror
from Me.
But I want your will, not mine.'
Then an angel from heaven appeared
and strengthened Him,
for He was in such agony of spirit
that He broke into a sweat of blood,
with great drops falling to the ground
as He prayed more and more earnestly.
At last He stood up again
and returned to the disciples---
only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief.
"'Asleep', He said.
'Get up!
Pray God that you will not fall
when you are tempted.'"
~ Luke 22:39 - 46 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "Was Jesus trying to get out of His mission? It is never wrong to express our true feelings to God. Jesus exposed His dread of the coming trials, but He also reaffirmed His commitment to do what God wanted. The cup He spoke of means the terrible agony He knew He would endure---not only the horror of the crucifixion but even worse, the total separation from God He would have to experience in order to die for the world's sins."
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Today is Thursday, March 28th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5089
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Today is Maundy (the celebration of washing the feet of the poor, especially commemorating Jesus' washing of His disciples feet) Thursday.
For the past number of years, Methodist men from our neighboring town of Belmond have hosted a portrayal of the Last Supper. This year will be no exception.
Events surrounding the event are recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
"As they were eating,
Jesus took bread
and asked God's blessing on it
and broke it in pieces
and gave it to them and said,
'Eat it---this is my body.'
"Then He took a cup of wine
and gave thanks to God for it
and gave it to them;
and they all drank from it.
And He said to them,
'This is my blood,
poured out for many,
sealing the new agreement
between God and man.'"
~ Mark 14:22 - 24 LAB
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Bible Commentary: "Mark records the origin of the Lord's Supper, also called Communion or Eucharist, which is still celebrated in worship service today. Jesus and His disciples ate a meal, sang Psalms, read Scripture, and prayed. Then Jesus took two traditional parts of the Passover meal, the passing of bread and the drinking of wine, and gave them new meaning as His body and blood. He used the bread and wine to explain the significance of what He was about to do on the cross."
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Today is Friday, March 29th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5090
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JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
"That afternoon, the whole earth was covered with darkness for three hours, from noon until three o'clock.
"About three o'clock, Jesus shouted, 'Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'
"Then Jesus shouted out again, dismissed his spirit, and died.
"And look! The curtain secluding the Holiest Place in the Temple was split apart from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and rocks broke, and tombs opened, and many godly men and women who had died came back to life again. After Jesus' resurrection, they left the cemetery and went into Jerusalem, and appeared to many people there."
` Matthew 17: 45 & 46; 50 - 53 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "Christ's death was accompanied by at least four miraculous events:
*darkness,
* the splitting of the curtain in the Temple;
*an earthquake,
* dead people rising from their tombs.
"Jesus' death, therefore, could not have gone unnoticed. Everyone knew something significant had happened."
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