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April 2024 Archives
Today is Monday, April 1st, 2024; Karen's Korner #5091
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Happy Easter!
These are the words to the song "He's Alive!" by Don Francisco. It's a great song for which to listen. If you haven't heard the song, I hope the words make sense to you!
HE'S ALIVE!
The gates and doors were barred
And all the windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness
And rose at every sound
Half in hopeless sorrow
And half in fear the day
Would find the soldiers breakin' through
To drag us all away
And just before the sunrise
I heard something at the wall
The gate began to rattle
And a voice began to call
I hurried to the window
Looked down into the street
Expecting swords and torches
And the sound of soldiers' feet
But there was no one there but Mary
So, I went down to let her in
And John stood there beside me
As she told us where she'd been
She said they've moved Him in the night
And none of us knows where
The stone's been rolled away
And now His body isn't there
We both ran toward the garden
Then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and empty tomb
Just the way that Mary said
But the winding sheet they wrapped Him in
Was just an empty shell
And how or where they'd taken Him
Was more than I could tell
Well, something strange had happened there
Just what I did not know
John believed a miracle
But I just turned to go
Circumstance and speculation
Couldn't lift me very high
'Cause I'd seen them crucify Him
Then I saw Him die
Back inside the house again
The guilt and anguish came
Everything I'd promised Him
Just added to my shame
When at last it came to choices
I denied I knew His name
And even if He was alive
It wouldn't be the same
But suddenly the air was filled
With strange and sweet perfume
Light that came from everywhere
Drove the shadows from the room
And Jesus stood before me
With His arms held open wide
And I fell down on my knees
And just clung to Him and cried
He raised me to my feet
And as I looked into His eyes
Love was shining out from Him
Like sunlight from the skies
Guilt in my confusion
Disappeared in sweet release
And every fear I'd ever had
Just melted into peace
He's alive, He's alive
He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive, He's alive
He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive, He's alive
He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive, He's alive, He's alive
***
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Today is Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024; Karen's Korner #5092
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"In fact we can say that under the old agreement almost everything was cleansed by sprinkling it with blood, and without the shredding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins."
~ Hebrews 9:22 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "Why does forgiveness required the shedding of blood? This is no arbitrary decree on the part of a bloodthirsty God, as some have supposed. There is no greater symbol of life than blood, blood keeps us alive. Jesus shed His blood---gave His life---for our sins so that we wouldn't have to experience spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God. Jesus is the source of life, not death, and He offered His own life so that we might live. After shedding His blood for us, He rose victorious from the grave and proclaimed victory over sin and death."
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Today is Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024; Karen's Korner #5093
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Something written by Max Lucado and in my inbox last week
THE TRANQUIL SOUL
“Paul gave his guilt to Jesus. As a result, Paul would later
write, 'Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to
reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up
to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us’ (Philippians 3:13-14 TLB).
“What would the apostle say to the guilt-laden person? Simply this: ‘Rejoice in the Lord’s mercy. Trust in his
ability to forgive. Cast yourself upon the grace of God and his grace alone.’
“A happy saint Is one who is, at the same time, aware of the severity of
sin and the immensity of grace. The saint dwells in this grace, not guilt. This
is tranquil soul
****
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Today is Thursday, April 4th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5094
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The nation of Israel makes the news headlines
a lot.
"He has made known
His laws and ceremonies of worship
to Israel
----something He has not done
with any other nation;
they have not known His commands."
~ Psalm 147:19 & 20 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "The nation of Israel was special to God because to its people God brought His laws, and through its people He sent His Son, Jesus Christ. Now any individual who follows God is just as special to Him. In fact, the Bible says that the real nation of Israel is not a specific people or geographic place, but the community of all who believe in and obey God."
*
Thank You, God,
that I am -
we are -
special to You!!
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Today is Friday, April 5th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5095
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We have just finished the week since Easter when 'love' for us was most evident in Jesus' life, death, burial, and resurrection.
We are stuck with the reality that He loves us. And I have no idea why!!
Another entry from "100 Things God Loves About You" written by Tama Fortner. Number 81:
GOD LOVES WHEN YOU OPEN THE DOOR.
"Here I am! I stand at the door
and knock. If anyone hears my
voice and opens the door, I
will come in and eat with that
person, and they with me."
~ Revelation 3:20
*
"He stands. He knocks. He waits. But opening the door? That's up to you. Because He will never push it open or break it down. He will never threaten or shout. He will simply knock and wait for you to answer, for you to invite Him in.
"And when you do choose to open that door, the angels in heaven rejoice and your Savior smiles! For one of God's greatest joys is when you open the door."
****
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Today is Monday, April 8th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5096
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"It is good to say,
'Thank You'
to the Lord,
to sing praises to the God
who is above all gods.
'"Every morning tell Him,
'Thank You for Your kindness.'
and every evening rejoice
in all His faithfulness.
'You have done so much for me,
O Lord.
No wonder I am glad! I sing for joy.'
"O Lord, what miracles You do!
And how deep are Your thoughts!"
~ Psalm 92:1,2,4,5 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "During the Thanksgiving holiday, we focus on our blessings and express our gratitude to God for them. But thanks should be on our lips daily. We can never say thank you enough to parents, friends, leaders, and especially to God. When thanksgiving becomes an integral part of our lives, we will find that our attitude toward life will change. We will become more positive, gracious, loving, and humble."
***
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Today is Tuesday, April 9th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5097
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Today's entry from "Jesus Calling' by Sarah Young; written as if Jesus is talking to us. Her words are taken from Romans 8:38 &39 and Exodus 33:14.
"You are Mine for all time,
nothing can separate you from My Love.
Since I have invested My very Life in you,
be well assured that I will also take care of you.
When your mind goes into neutral
and your thoughts flow freely,
you tend to feel anxious and alone.
Your focus becomes problem solving.
To get your mind back into gear,
just turn toward Me,
bringing yourself
and your problems into My Presence.
"Many problems vanish
instantly in the Light of My Love,
because you realize your are never alone.
Other problems may remain,
but they become secondary
to knowing Me
and rejoicing in the relationship
I so freely offer you.
Each moment you can choose to
practice My Presence
or to practice the
presence of problems."
***
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Today is Wednesday, April 10th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5098
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The assignment for our weekly ecumenical Bible study this morning is to read Matthew 6:25 - 34. It was the first verse (vs.25) which really caught my attention:
"So my (Jesus) counsel is: 'Don't worry about things - food, drink, and clothes. For you already have life and a body -- and they are far more important than what to eat and wear.'"
*
Bible Commentary: "Because of its ill effects. Jesus tells us not to worry about those needs that God promises to supply. How many ill effects are we experiencing? Worry:
1) affects us physically --
making us unable to sleep or eat;
2) causes the object of our worry
to consume our thoughts;
3) disrupts our productivity;
4) negatively affects the way we treat others;
5) reduces our ability to trust in God.
Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern -- worry immobilizes but concern moves us to action."
***
God, one more thing I can't do
without Your help.
Help me when I want to worry!
Amen.
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Today is Thursday, April 11th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5099
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Chad Chapman gave us his thoughts during our communion meditation time. I enjoyed what he had to say and asked him if he would share them with Karen's Korner readers:
"Some of you might know this and some might not, Raejean and I bought my parent’s house and have started the remodeling process. Yes, I’m excited about the end result, but the journey so far has not always been pleasant. I am guessing many, if not all, of you have remodeled something at one time or another. As I walk through this process, God is showing me similarities between house remodeling and spiritual growth. Here are a few thoughts from these past weeks.
1. You may want to quit before you get to the finished product.
There have been times during these past four-ish weeks when I have wanted to say, “Enough. Let’s just stop here. I can’t take anymore!”
There are times in the Christian life when I am tempted to quit the journey God has me on because it’s too challenging. I begin to question if it’s worth it, and I convince myself that I don’t need to go any further. But if I quit, I miss all that God has in store for me.
2. It’s inconvenient and uncomfortable at times, but the end result is worth it.
Luckily for us we are not living in the mess, we are still in our house for now. But every time I need a different tool, I must go back to my current home and get it. Then something comes up there and I need that same tool back at my current home.
Spiritual growth, like remodeling, stretches me and takes me out of my comfort zone. It can be uncomfortable at times, but the process is necessary to experience something far better in the end.
3. It’s not going as quickly as I’d like.
Inevitably in remodeling, the process doesn’t tend to go as scheduled. There’s always a glitch, a delay, something unexpected that comes up, slowing things down. Why can’t it go faster?
In the same way, I want spiritual maturity…today! But spiritual growth doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, and there are delays—delays caused by circumstances out of my control or by my actions. I have to learn patience – with home remodeling and spiritual growth.
4. It gets messy.
In the midst of remodeling, I see debris all over the place that wasn’t there before, or I hadn’t seen before. I can either ignore it and let it build up until I can’t stand it anymore, or I can sweep up the dust daily to keep it from getting out of control.
It’s the same way in my spiritual life. As I grow more like Christ, He will show me “dust” in my life—not to discourage me, but to prompt me to deal with it and confess it. I have to make a choice: clean it up as God shows me sin, or ignore it and let it get out of control.
5. It’s never finished.
When I remodel, it never seems to be finished. There’s always something else that can be done beyond the original goal. So I just keep remodeling…
In the Christian life, we never arrive at spiritual maturity and achieve Christ-likeness while we’re on this earth. There’s always more to be done. Only when we see Him face to face will the spiritual renovation in our lives be done.
" Heavenly Father, thank You for being the ultimate builder or even rebuilder in our lives. Thank You for the guidance to constantly keep me growing and moving forward. In Jesus name I pray, Amen."
*****
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Today is Friday, April 12th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5100
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Today's writing and in my inbox by Anne Graham Lotz. It reads like Easter morning. If it was good news that Sunday, it remains good news today!
THE TOMB WAS EMPTY!
"Christ died and rose and lived again,
that He might be Lord of both
the dead and the living."
~ Romans 14:9 NKJV
"Early Sunday morning, in the inky blackness before dawn, soldiers stood guard over Christ's tomb. Knowing that to go to sleep on duty was an offense punishable by death, the highly trained unit remained alert. Some may have been rolling dice or stoking the fire to keep warm, but there was no question that all were awake and on duty. Their lives depended on it.
"Suddenly, 'there was a violent earthquake'. If, by chance, the soldiers had been distracted in their night watch, God now had their undivided attention! Almost simultaneously, the predawn darkness was split by a light so brilliant it looked like a laser of lightning! The 'lightning' took the shape of an angel who seemed to reach from heaven to earth. Against the inky blackness of the night the terrifying awesome being fearlessly descended, walked over to the stone that blocked the tomb's entrance, flicked it away as though it were dust, and then sat on it! And the gaping hole where the stone had been, revealed. there was nothing inside the tomb! The tomb was empty!
***
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Today is Monday, April 15th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5101
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Our church family is making its way through the book of 1 John; five chapters. Our minister has asked us to read one chapter each weekday; repeating it each week until we are done with the worship service series.
I read two chapters last week until I forgot to read more. Isn't two chapters better than none?
Here are the first two verses of chapter 2:
"My little children,
I am telling you this so that you will stay
away from sin.
But if you sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. His name is Jesus Christ, the one who is all that is good and who pleases God completely. He is the one who took God's wrath against our sins upon himself, and brought us into fellowship with God; and he is the forgiveness for our sins,
and not only ours but all the world's."
~ 1 John 2: 1 & 2 LAB
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Bible Commentary: "To people who are feeling guilty and condemned, John offers reassurance. They know they have sinned, and Satan is demanding the death penalty. When we feel this way, we can't give up hope---the best defense attorney in the universe is pleading our case. Jesus Christ, our advocate, is the Judge's Son. He has already suffered our penalty in our place. We can't be tried again for a case that is no longer on the docket. United with Jesus, we are as safe as he is. We don't need to be afraid to ask him to plead our case--he has already won it!
"We sometimes have a difficult time forgiving someone who wrongs u. Imagine how hard it would be to tell everyone we are willing to forgive no matter what they do! This is what God has done in Jesus. No one, no matter what they have done is beyond hope of forgiveness. All we have to do is turn to Jesus and commit our hearts to him."
***
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Today is Tuesday, April 16th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5102
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Something taken from "365 Days of Prayer for Women" by Stephanie Sample. This one is from a couple days ago, April 14:
STILL PROMISED
"'For ( know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
"Loving Father, from the moment you dreamed me up and began numbering the hairs on my head, you planned the many blessings you'd rain down on my life. The plans and dreams of an earthly father are just an inkling, a mere glimpse of the hope and promise you hold in your heart, ready to pour into mine. Help me to trust always that your plans are best, that your hope for my life is greater than i can imagine. Help me face boldly, gladly into your plans. I thank you for all you've done for me, and I marvel at the thought of all you still promise to do. You love me so well, Father!"
"Do you know that God has plans to give you hope and a future?"
****
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Today is Wednesday, April 17th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5103
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A writing by Max Lucado and sent to my computer's inbox several weeks ago:
AN ORDINARY LIFE
“God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27 NLT).
"Invite you to pray with me:
"Loving Father, you made me, so you know very well that I am but dust. Yet you have called me into your kingdom to serve you at this specific place, at this specific time, for a very specific purpose.
"Despite my ordinariness, I belong to you—and you are anything but ordinary! Help me pour out your grace and compassion upon others that they, too, may experience the richness of your love. Through me, my Father, show others how you can use an ordinary life to bring extraordinary blessing into the world.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.'
***
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Today is Thursday, April 18th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5104
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"Shout with joy before the Lord, O earth! Obey Him gladly; come before Him, singing with joy.
"Try to realize what this means--- the Lord is God! He made us--- we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
"Go through His open gates with great thanksgiving; enter His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and bless His name. For the Lord is ALWAYS good. He is ALWAYS loving and kind, and His faithfulness goes on and on to each succeeding generation."
~ Psalm 100 LAB
***
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Today is Friday, April 19th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5105
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A writing from "100 Things God Loves About You: Simple Reminders for When You Need Them Most" by Tama Fortner. Number 92:
GOD LOVES THE WAY YOU LET HIM LEAD
"Come, follow me," Jesus said.
~ Matthew 4:19
"Living a faithful life is a lot like a dance--- not a solo performance, mind you, but a grand waltz with twists and turns, dips and sways, intricate steps and tricky combinations. And as with any great dance, there must be a Leader and one who is led.
"If you try to take the lead yourself, to spin off in your own direction, you'll end up in a tangled mess on the floor. You know that because you've been down there before. So you place your hand in His. You let His touch be your guide. And you trust Him to lead you safely through this dance of a faithful life."
***
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Today is Monday, April 22nd, 2024; Karen's Korner #5106
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I am wading my way through Revelation. Do I understand it all? No! But I am getting a bit more of it.
There is a graphic in amongst the reading "The Beginning and The End. The beginning to end - from the fall into sin to the redemption of Christ and God's ultimate victory over evil....."
Genesis vs. Revelation
The sun is created vs The sun is not needed
Satan is victorious vs Satan is defeated
Sin enters the human race vs Sin is banished
People run and hide from God vs Peope are invited to live with God forever
People are cursed vs The curse is removed
Tears are shed, with sorrow for sin vs No more sin, no more tears or sorrow
The Garden and earth are cursed vs God's city is glorified, the earth is made new
The fruit from the Tree of Life is not to be eaten vs God's peopple may eat from the Tree of Life
Paradise is lost vs Paradise is regained
People are doomed to death vs Death is defeated, believers live forever with God"
*
Have we made our reservations?
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Today is Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024; Karen's Korner #5107
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It was 12 years ago in April, when eight of our Marys & Marthas (M & Ms) group went to Washington D.C. to receive our Make a Difference award for volunteer work we did as a community the fall before. We were one of ten winners of $10,000 each.
Our M & Ms group organized another 26 groups in our area to 'make a difference'. And we shared the winnings with those same groups for some of their projects at the time!
Here is a writing on M & Ms shared by a friend:
Me and My M & Ms
"i have always liked M & Ms.
The most diverse, multicultural
integrated candy in the world.
You have your red ones
your yellow ones
your orange ones
your brown ones
and your green ones.
All in one package
All co-existing together.
One color doesn't think that it is
superior to the other.
All colors are the same size
shape an weight.
All colors look different on the outside
but
have the same ingredients on the inside.
M & Ms all have the same flavor
and they all taste
G-o-o-o-o-o-d.
Not all M & Ms are perfect though.
Some have nuts!!
Wouldn't it be nice if like M & Ms
our prejudices melted into the abyss
like chocolate melts in our mouth
and all people were judged
by what was inside
rather than the color
you see on the outside??
If candy can be prejudice free
why can't we?"
- By Marilyn Kern-Foxworth
**
Makes me think of the news right now. We are hearing lots of words - Israel, Palestine, Hamas, Jews - and the like. Why can't we be like a package of delightful M & Ms??
Father in Heaven,
help us.
Lead us!
Guide us!
Free us!!
Amen.
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Today is Wednesday, April 24th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5108
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Monday's Max Lucado in my inbox:
God's Strategy for Human Hurt
"Bzuneh
Tulema lives in Ethiopia. Just a few years ago he and his wife were so
consumed with alcohol that they farmed out their kids to neighbors and
resigned themselves to a drunken demise. But then someone saw them. A member
of an area church shared Jesus with them. Then Meskerem Trango, a
World Vision worker, arranged a loan through the World Vision
microfinance department. Within a year Bzuneh had repaid the loan, built
his house, and reclaimed his kids.
"Could this be God’s strategy for human hurt? Kind eyes meet
desperate ones, strong hands help weak ones, then the miracle of God. We
do our small part, he does the big part, and life begins again."
****
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Today is Thursday, April 25th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5109
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I finished wading
through the book of Revelation this morning! Did I understand all of what I
read? NO! Did I understand more of it than the last time I looked at it? I
think so.
Here is the last verse of Revelation and of the entire Bible:
"The grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ
be with you all.
Amen!"
~ Revelation 22:21 LAB
*
Bible Commentary: "Revelation
closes human history as Genesis opened it.......in Paradise. But there is one
distinct difference in Revelation......evil is gone forever. Genesis
describes Adam and Eve walking and talking with God. Revelation describes
people worshiping Him face to face. Genesis describes a Garden with an evil
serpent; Revelation describes a perfect city with no evil. The Garden of Eden
was destroyed by sin, but Paradise re-created in the new Jerusalem.
"The book of Revelation ends with an urgent request: 'Come, Lord
Jesus!" In a world of problems, persecution, evil, and immorality,
Christ calls us to endure in our faith. Our efforts to better our world are
important, but their results cannot compare with the transformation Jesus
will bring about when He returns. He alone controls human history, forgives
sin, and will re-create the earth and bring lasting peace.
"Revelation is above all a book of hope. It shows that no
matter what happens on earth, God is in control. It promises that
evil will not last forever. And it depicts the wonderful reward that is
waiting for all those who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord."
***
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Today is Friday, April 26th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5110
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A couple of thoughts from Mother Teresa and her "Heart of Joy" flip calendar.
Her words and thoughts will be repeated and felt across eons of time.
To take us into the weekend. Happy Friday!
"A joyful heart
is like
a sunshine
of God's love."
*
""The time we spend
in having our daily audience
with God
is the most precious part
of the whole day."
*
"What is important
is that you are holding on,
that you have got a grip on Christ
and he will not let
your hand go."
***
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Today is Monday, April 29th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5111
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"But Peter said,
'We don't have any money for you!
But I'll give you something else!!
I command you
in the name of
Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
WALK!'"
~ Acts 3:6 LAB
* Bible Commentary: "The lame beggar asked for money, but Peter gave him something much better---the use of his legs. We often ask God to solve a small problem, but he wants to give us a new life and help for all our problems. When we ask God for help, he may say, 'I've go t something even better for you.' Ask God for what you want, but don't be surprised when he give you what you really need."
***
Thank You, God,
that Your Word
is filled with
good news
for all of us!!
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Today is Tuesday, April 30th, 2024; Karen's Korner #5112
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Today's "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young is a good one. They are all good, but I really liked this one. For April 30:
"When some basic need is lacking----time, energy, money----consider yourself blessed. Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unashamed dependence. When you begin a day with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts on the present moment. This is where you are meant to live---in the present; it is the place where I always await you. Awareness of your inadequacy is a rich blessing, training you to rely wholeheartedly on Me.
"The truth is that self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success. Health and wealth can disappear instantly as can life itself. Rejoice in you insufficiency, knowing that My Power is made perfect in weakness."
~ Taken from
James 1:2; 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB)
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