Yesterday was our final early morning church service at Lake Cornelia. Casey Simmons was our guest speaker.

In the last year, he took several challenges by John MacArthur to read the Bible through in one year and to memorize one Bible verse each week.

He handed each of us a listing of those 52 Key Passages. And then he began to recite all 52 of them, as we followed along with the references.

I am going to share four of them with ‘korner’ readers today:
 

“I bless the holy name of God with all my heart. Yes, I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me.He forgives all my sins. He heals me. He ransoms me from hell. He surrounds me with lovingkindness and tender mercies.

~ Psalm 103:1 – 4

*
“Don’t hide your light!
Let it shine for all;
Let your good deeds glow for all to see,
So that they will praise your heavenly Father.”
~ Matthew 5:16
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“And we know that all that happens to us
Is working for our good if we love God
And are fitting into his plans.”
~ Romans 8:28
*
“I have told you all this so that you will have
Peace of heart and mind.
Here on earth you will have many trials
And sorrows; but cheer up,
For I have overcome the world."
~ John 16:33
****
(All of Casey's memory work was taken from The New American Standard Bible.
These are from the Life Application Bible.)

Here’s a good one by Sarah Young and her “Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence” for today, August 5:

 
“Sit quietly in My Presence while I bless you.
Make your mind like a still pool of water,
Ready to receive whatever thoughts I drop into it.
Rest in My sufficiency,
As you consider the challenges this day presents.
Do not wear yourself out by worrying
About whether you can cope with the pressures.
Keep looking to Me
And communicating with Me,
As we walk through this day together.
Take time to rest by the wayside,
For I am not in a hurry.
A leisurely pace accomplishes more than hurried striving.
When you rush, you forget who you are
And Whose you are.
Remember that you are royalty in My kingdom.”

~ Taken from Psalm 17:7, Romans 8:16 –17; I Peter 2:9

***

 

Reading in Psalm 80, the same verse is pretty much repeated three times:

"Turn us again to yourself,
O God.
Look down on us in joy and love;
only then shall we be saved."
~ verse 3
*
"Turn us again to yourself,
O God of Hosts.
Look down on us in joy and love,
only then shall we be saved."
~ verse 7
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"Turn us again to yourself,
O God of the armies of heaven,
and bless us."
~ verse 19

*

Bible Commentary:  "Three times the writer calls on God to 'turn us again to yourself'. Repentence involves humbling ourselves and turning to God to receive his forgiveness and restoration. As we turn to God, he helps us to see ourselves more clearly, including our sin. And as we see our sin, the process of repentence must be repeated over and over again."

***

As I continue my trek through the book of Psalms,a couple of Bible verses from Psalm 84, talking about worshiping in the Temple. And the advantages of being in God's presence together. Perfect as we head into the weekend and our opportunities to worship together in our various churches.

"How lovely is your Temple,
O Lord of the armies of heaven.

"How happy are those who can live in your Temple, singing your praises."

~ Psalm 84: 1, 4 LAB

Bible Commentary:   "The writer longed to step outside the bustling world and meet God inside his holy Temple. We can meet God anywhere at any time, but we know that going into a church building helps us step aside from the busy mainstream of life into a place where we can quietly meditate and pray. We find joy, not in the beautiful building, but in the praying, singing, teaching, preaching, and fellowship that take place there."

***

Thank You, God, for being able to worship together in our churches of choice. Help us not to take that opportunity for granted. Lead and guide us as we choose to sing, pray, worship, and fellowship together this coming week. Thank you, that while our 'how' might change, our 'Who' never changes. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

This Bible commentary talks about 'as we face sunset years'. At a time in our lives when he visit more hospitals and funeral homes than weddings and baby showers, we can relate!

"Lord, you are my refuge! Don't let me down!

"I will keep on expecting you to help me.

I praise you more and more.

I cannot count the times when you have faithfully rescued me from danger.

I will tell everyone how good you are, and of your constant, daily care."

~ Psalm 71: 1, 14, 15 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  "As we face the sunset years, we recognize that God has been our constant help in the past. As physical powers wane, we need God even more and more and we realize he is still our constant help. We must never despair, but keep on expecting his help no matter how severe our limitations. Hope in him helps us to keep going, to keep serving him.

***

Somethinng written and sent recently by Allen Jackson:

Transformation of Heart & Mind

Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

"Our God is a God of radical transformation. And He does not just perform an outward transformation, although that often occurs. The transformation He is most interested in is internal: a transformation of the heart and mind.

"In this passage, God is promising transformation to the Hebrew people and also to the land of Israel itself. If they will allow God to work in them as individuals and as a people, their very land will be changed as well. In Romans 12, Paul speaks of the transformation that comes when you turn away from the pattern of the world and allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind.
 
"When you are transformed in that way, and begin to think in a more godly way, you are better able to know and do God’s will. Spiritual transformation is an important goal because the potential, the momentum, and the outcome of your life will be determined in your mind before they are reflected in your actions."

THINK ABOUT IT

"When individuals are transformed, their culture will be as well. If you guard your heart and mind and allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life, spiritual transformation will change the way you think and the way you act."

PRAYER

"Heavenly Father, grant me a fresh revelation of Your transforming power. Show me how to think and act in a way that honors You and brings blessings to not only myself, but also to my family, community, and nation. Help me to be faithfully obedient to what You reveal. In Jesus’ name, amen."

***

Today is Wednesday, August 12, 2026; Karen’s Korner #5669!

This morning I was looking back at a Karen's Korner from ten years ago. I want to share it with "korners' readers, as we come closer to this year' Iowa State Fair.

Today is Friday, August 12th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3375

I had the opportunity to help with counties' 4-H entries at the Iowa State Fair on Tuesday. I couldn't believe all of the activity on the fairgrounds. There were so many people, trucks, set up equipment, it was almost like the fair was already in progress, it was so busy.

When we'd stop to think about it, of course, there would need to be all that work.......getting ready for the big days, beginning several days later.

Fairgoers just show up and enjoy what has been for them in advance.

It made me think about heaven. Jesus says, 'I am going to prepare a place for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with me where I am." (John 14:2 & 3 LAB)

Like those awaiting us to come to the state fair, Jesus is planning for our coming to His 'forever home'. The Bible Commentary says, "We can look forward to eternal life because Jesus has promised it to all who believe in Him. Although the details of eternity are unknown, we need not fear, because Jesus is preparing for us and will spend eternity with us."

So our job? Believe in Jesus and His promises. And get ready for a future with Him..........for eternity!

I enjoyed reading Psalm 37 yesterday. So I am including a couple of verses today in Karen’s Korner: 

“Trust in the Lord..
Be kind and good to others;
Then you will live safely
Here in the land and prosper;
Feeding in safety.
Be delighted with the Lord.
Then He will give you all your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust Him to help you do it
And He will!”
~ Psalm 37:3 – 5 LAB
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Bible Commentary:  “David (writer) calls us to take delight in the Lord and to commit everything we have and do to Him. But how do we do this? To delight in someone means to experience great pleasure and joy in his or her presence. This happens only when we know that person well. To commit ourselves to the Lord means to entrusting everything---our lives, families, jobs, possessions---to His control and guidance. Thus, to delight in the Lord we must know Him. Knowledge of His great love for us will indeed give us delight. To commit ourselves to the Lord means to trust Him, believing that He can care for us better than we can ourselves. We should be willing to wait for Him to work out what is best for us.”

***

Lots of things posted on Facebook aren't the best. But this morning, I read a saying by Corrie ten Boom which was really inspirting.

For anyone who may not remember who Corrie ten Boom was, she and her family were Dutch watchmakers. During WWII, they risked their lives hiding hundreds of Jewish people from the Nazis in the Netherlands.
 Her family was later captured and sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp. She was the only family member who survived the ordeal.

Corrie later spent the balance of her life as a worldwide message of her Christian faith and forgiveness. Her nickname became "Tramp for the Lord".

Her saying:

"If you look at the world,
you'll be 
distressed.

If you look within yourself,
you'll be
depressed.

But if you look at Christ,
you'll be 
at rest!"
*
Father God in Heaven,
Thank You that You didn't leave us alone in the world; 
to do life all by ourselves.
You knew we couldn't do it.
Help us to keep our eyes on You.
Not on things happening in
our world;
nor in our lives!
You make
ALL THINGS POSSIBLE!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Last night, there was a ‘praise and prayer’ night at our downtown gazebo park; praying for Clarion-Goldfield-Dows upcoming school year.

Here is a portion of the handout we were given. While it is for CGD schools, you can personalize it for with whatever school you might be involved. (Part 1):

Opening prayer:
 
“God, you alone are all powerful, all-knowing, and present everywhere. We worship you and thank you for your love and care for our community and CGD students.

Student Focus Area:

Elementary School

Safety & Peace:  Shield our grounds, media use, and homes (Psalm 18:2). Bring safety to those in danger.

Value & Respect: May every child know their intrinsic worth as image bearers (Genesis 1:26-27), Psalm 139:13-14).

Transitions:  Cover new preschool, K, and transfer students with your peace and compassionate peers.

Middle School

Respect & Culture:  Stop bullying; bring swift help and counsel to all involved. Foster inclusion and kindness.

Transitions:  Grant smooth adaptations through change for both students and staff.
Hope: Guide students struggling with health and food insecurity to trusted adults and support services.

High School

Protection & Choice:  Block drugs, violence, and harm (Psalm 46:1). Protect hearts and minds in technology.

God’s Light:  May believers boldly share Christ’s light (Matthew 5:14-16) and none believers come to know Him (John 3:16-18)."

"For God has said,
"I will 
never,
never 
fail you nor forsake you."
~ Hebrews 13:5b LAB
*
"Jesus Christ
is the same
yesterday,
today,
and forever." 
~ Hebrews 13:8 LAB

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Bible Commentary:  "We must keep our eyes on Christ, our ultimate leader, who, unlike human leaders, will never change. He has been and will be the same forever  In a changing world we can trust our unchanging Lord."

***

This morning I was rearranging some of my storage containersin my cupboard. I had one larger one that needed to be at the bottom of the pile.

I was moved some of the 'too many' around, I saw one smaller one which I really like. It has a snap on top, which many of my others do not. But I hadn't used it for awhile. Forgot I had it!

I wonder how often I do that with my faith in God. In the busyness of life, I set Him aside. Or forget some of the vast things I have been taught,  lived, or should know?

Dear Father In Heaven,
Help me never forget
Your kindness, gentlemess,
love.
Help me not to set You aside.
Teach me.
Let me remember what I already know.
I need Your help today,
and every day!
Amen.

Yesterday's Max Lucado.

SUFFICIENCY IN ALL THINGS

"Soon after I began following Jesus, I sensed a desire to write Christian books. I cobbled together a manuscript and mailed it to fifteen publishers. Fourteen rejected it. I was beginning to think I should take the hint when one said, “Yes.” Before I knew it, my writing ministry was airborne.

"It’s been over forty years and nearly fifty books. I seem to have more book ideas than I have time to write them. I am a testimony to God’s provision. Trust him. If he calls you, he will equip you. He will give you what you need when you need it.
“God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV).

***

“This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
~ Psalm 118:24 LAB

 
Pretty familiar Bible verse.

I am continuing my reading of the book of Psalms. But here is a second look of the first verse of the same chapter:

 
“Oh, thank the Lord,
For He’s so good!
His lovingkindness is forever.”
~ Psalm 118:1 LAB

Want to know the last verse of that same chapter?
 

“Oh, thank the Lord,
For He’s so good!
His lovingkindness is forever.
~ Psalm 118:29 LAB

 
The introductory theme for the chapter:  “Confidence in God’s eternal love. God’s love is unchanging in the midst of changing situations. This gives us security.”

A week ago Sunday there was a Prayer and Praise time at our local park, praying for our Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Schools as we begin the school year.

On Monday, I included Part 1 from the prayer brochure. Focus was on elementary, middle, and high schools. 

Prayers offered could be for any school. Many schools in our area begin today.

Part 2 today focuses on school Leadership & Staff:

Superintendent, Principals, Deans, Board

Unity Vision: Build teamwork, heal disagreements, and grant wisdom from above (James 1:5, Colossians 1:9).

Rest & Renewal: Strengthen leaders in moments of weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Help them set down work at day's end..

Teachers, Paras, Counselors, Nurses

Learning Environment:  Fill classrooms and offices with peace, resources, and room to heal and flourish.

Discernment & Endurance: Remind staff that nothing separates them from God's love (Romans 8:38-39).

 Coaches, Janitorial, Kitchen, Transportation

Facility & Travel Safety: Protect all vehicles, sports spaces, and equipment. Guard daily commutes.

Support & Health:  Grant physical, mental, and spiritual strength for every role behind the scenes.

CLOSING PRAYER:

"Lord, let your light fill every hall in CGD. Open eyes to your salvation and protect every family represented. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I send out a weekly email newsletter, The Clarion Wire, every week on Friday mornings, of things that are happening in our area.

Last Friday's included an hour meeting with Wright County's Economic Development Director Aaron Budweg, telling us about what is developing in our county. It said the meeting was to be held at Clarion's Senior Citizens Center at 1:30 p.m. on Friday. Only one problem; it was the wrong day!

Where was the mistake made? I don't know. But I am taking the responsibility for it. For that I apologize.

A good thing:  day hadn't passed. It is set for this Thursday, August 27. Same time. Same place. Time to recover the error. But one problem:  I don't have another Clarion Wire newsletter coming out until Friday!

If anyone came the wrong time, they could return on Thursday. The senior citizens center organizers have time to tell others, people could come this Thursday.

And if any of you reading this note, have time or  interest:  Aaron Budweg at Clarion's Senior Citizens Center, 302 South Main in Clarion. On Thursday, August 27 - 1:30 p.m.

Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into His plans."

Even our mistakes!!