Karen's Korner - Daily Inspirational Stories by Karen Weld
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Printable Issue 1773  Today is Wednesday, March 10th, 2010; Karen's Korner #1773
Today's Karen's Korner are three quotes from a daily flip calendar with quotes from Mother Teresa titled "Heart of Joy"; these are taken from days right around today's date.
 
This morning I heard that Mother Teresa spent most of her life on her knees:  in prayer and scrubbing the floors in her outreach faciliites in India. The television personality said that even though she headed the ministries, she believed it was necessary to remain faithful, humble, and filled with humility, so she scrubbed floors....
 
 
"Let us keep the joy of loving Jesus in our hearts.
And let's share that joy with everyone we meet.
Passing on joy is something which is very natural.
We have no reason for not being joyful, since Christ is with us.
Christ is in our hearts."
 
~
 
"We need to be able to pray.
We need prayer just like we need air.
Without prayer, we can do nothing."
 
~
 
"Every time we need to make a decision concerning our families,
we need to pray.
Jesus said, 'Ask and you will receive.
Seek and you will find.
Knock and the door will be opened.'
Nothing will be denied you."
 
***
Printable Issue 1772  Today is Tuesday, March 9th, 2010; Karen's Korner #1772
This is an introduction to a letter from Paul to his friend Titus who was a church leader on the island of Crete:
 
"From:
Paul, the slave of God and the messenger of Jesus Christ.
I have been sent to bring faith to those God has chosen
and to teach them to know God's truth--
the kind of truth that changes lives--
so that they can have eternal life,
which God promised them before the world began--
and he cannot lie.
 
And now in his own good time he has revealed this Good News
and permits me to tell everyone.
By command of God our Savior
I have been trusted to do this work for him."
 
~~ TITUS 1:1-3 (Life Application Bible)
 
Bible Commentary:  "The foundation of our faith is trust in God's character. Because he is truth, he is the source of all truth and cannot lie. The eternal life he has promised will be ours because he keeps his promises. Build your faith on the foundation of a trustworthy God who will not lie.
 
"God is called 'our Savior' as is Jesus. Jesus did the work of salvation by dying for our sins and therefore is our Savior. God planned the work of salvation and forgives our sins, thus, he is our Savior as well. Both the Father and the Son are involved in saving us."
 
Dear Father God, thank You for Your living and dying to save us from our sins and from ourselves. Thank You for Easter. In the name of Your Son Jesus who died but came back to life, Amen.
Printable Issue 1771  Today is Monday, March 8th, 2010; Karen's Korner #1771
A writing I received from Shirley Choat more than two years ago:
 

"and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justly, and to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God?"

~~ Micah 6:8

   If I were to challenge the most prominent “voices” in Christianity today I’m thinking that humility is the virtue we Christians are most lacking. This is noted by those outside our walls, and outside our love. We take the gift of our redemption, our belongingness in the body of Christ, our being claimed by Christ, and twist it to find ways to cheapen and devalue the “other”, our brothers and sisters in God’s family. We use our redemption as a way to push ourselves higher in the estimation of God, ourselves and others.

   The call to humility is to lower our egos to the point that we can freely, generously serve with authentic compassion, rather than condescension, pity, and arrogance. Humility is not just between ourselves and God. It is among ourselves. We need to authentically see our own worth, but also the worth of our neighbor, stranger, even our enemy. So many of Jesus’ parables and life teachings were object lessons in humility. Perhaps we should consider reviving the practice of washing of feet. The deafening arrogance of our religious culture and political culture seems to be calling for it.

  Jesus demonstrated humility by walking in total dependence on His Father and by serving others. Only as we take up His yoke and walk humble with the Father will we learn true humility.  Are we humbly depending on God, or just pretending to be humble?

Humility's a slippery prize

That seldom can be won.

We're only humble in God's eyes

When serving like His Son.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - To learn to walk humbly, start out on your knees.

***

Printable Issue 1770  Today is Friday, March 5th, 2010; Karen's Korner #1770
Our winter has been a long one. A thought I had quite often is that God has so ordered the universe that no matter what we were watching or experiencing..........spring was coming!!
 
Here is one chapter from Psalms:
Psalm 19 (New Living Translation)

 1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
      The skies display his craftsmanship.
 2 Day after day they continue to speak;
      night after night they make him known.
 3 They speak without a sound or word;
      their voice is never heard.
 4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
      and their words to all the world. 

   God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
 5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
      It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
 6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens
      and follows its course to the other end.
      Nothing can hide from its heat. 

 7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
      reviving the soul.
   The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
      making wise the simple.
 8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
      bringing joy to the heart.
   The commands of the Lord are clear,
      giving insight for living.
 9 Reverence for the Lord is pure,
      lasting forever.
   The laws of the Lord are true;
      each one is fair.
 10 They are more desirable than gold,
      even the finest gold.
   They are sweeter than honey,
      even honey dripping from the comb.
 11 They are a warning to your servant,
      a great reward for those who obey them.

 12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
      Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
 13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
      Don’t let them control me.
   Then I will be free of guilt
      and innocent of great sin.

 14 May the words of my mouth
      and the meditation of my heart
   be pleasing to you,
      O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

****
 
Commentary on a couple of the verses:   "We are surrounded by fantastic displays of God's craftsmanship--the heavens give dramatic evidence of his existence, his power, his love, his care. To say that the universe happened by chance is absurd--its intricacy and dependability give proof of a personally involved Creator. As you look at God's craftsmanship in nature and the heavens, thank Him for such magnificent beauty and the truth it reveals about the Creator."
Printable Issue 1769  Today is Thursday, March 4th, 2010; Karen's Korner #1769
The ministerial association in our community is hosting a Wednesday morning Lenten breakfast each week during the Easter season. They are using the booklet "Living with the Mind of Christ" by James A. Harnish.
 
Last week's topic was Love; yesterday's was Servanthood.
 
Our natural tendency is to 'look out for #1; ourselves'; not to serve or look out for others.
 
Reverend Geoffrey White read the "You might be a 'me-first mind-set' if....(taken from the booklet and shortened):
 
10. ...you pull into a parking space ahead of the retired guy......who has been waiting with his turn signal flashing while the other car pulled out;
 
9. .....you sneak into the express checkout line in a crowded grocery store with more than the ten items;
 
8. .... you empty the last scoop of ice cream, finish the last piece of pecan pie, or sneak away with the last chocolate chip cookie....when nobody else in the family is looking;
 
7. ....you forget to tell your parents about the call which came in on 'call waiting' while you were talking to a friend;
 
6. .... you pass along the dirty little rumor about a friend because it somehow makes you look better;
 
5. .... you vote for a candidate soley......because it will benefit your bottom line....
 
4. .....you accept credit from your boss for a job you know someone else has done;
 
3. .....you assume that anyone who doesn't like the same movies, music, or TV shows than you do is a person with little/no taste;
 
2. .... you give your spouse a gift that was something you really wanted for yourself;
 
1. .....you feel a sigh of relief in knowing that you aren't as poorly dressed, ill-mannered, unimportant, unintelligent, or tacky as all the self-centered sinners who are sitting around you in church.
 
The writer goes on to say, "We are all afflicted with the 'me-first mind-set'. The only way I know to be set from from its bondage is to begin to discover the mind-set of Jesus, who came among us not to be served, but to serve."
Printable Issue 1768  Today is Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010; Karen's Korner #1768
(Back after a few days away!)
 
For Christmas I gave my sister, Jan, a daily devotional book authored by Anne Gram Lotz titled "The Joy of My Heart". She likes reading the kinds of books which a person can just pick up and read several pages.
 
On Friday late afternoon, February 12th, our brother-in-law Dave died unexpectedly. As our family began to deal with the news, Jan thought, "I wonder what my book has as its reading for the day?"
 
Here is what she found:
 
NO MORE TEARS
 
"God will wipe away every tear from their eyes;
there shall be no more death, nor sorrows, nor crying."
-- Revelation 21:4 NKJV
 
    One day; God Himself will take your face in His hands and gently wipe away your tears as He reassures you there will be no more suffering.
   
    There will be no more.......
            suicide bombers or fiery infernos,
                    broken homes or broken hearts,
                            broken lives or broken dreams.......
 
    No more cancer or strokes or AIDS.....
 
    No more war!
 
    You can look forward with hope, because one day there will be.....
 
            no more separation,
                    no more scars,
                            no more suffering-----
                                    no more tears at all-----
 
    in My Father's House.
 
****
 
 
God has a way of making Himself known!
  
 
Printable Issue 1767  Today is Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010; Karen's Korner #1767
(Please note that this will be the last Karen's Korner until Wednesday, March 3 as I will be gone for a few days!)
 

OUR TRUE IDENTITY IN CHRIST*

(Third of 3 parts of who we are because we follow Christ!)

 

* We have been lifted from the grave to sit with Christ in glory

(Ephesians 2:6)

 

* We have been given new lives

(Ephesians 2:10)

 

* We have been brought near to God

(Ephesians 2:13)

 

* We will receive great blessings

(Ephesians 3:6)

 

* We can come fearlessly into God’s presence

(Ephesians 3:12)

 

* We are part of Christ’s body, the church

(Ephesians 5:29, 30)

 

* We have everything because we have Christ;, we are filled with God

(Colossians 2:10)

 

* We are set free from our evil desires

(Colossians 2:11)

 

* We will have eternal glory

(II Timothy 2:10)

 

~~

 

* Taken from chart in Life Application Bible,

Within Ephesians text.

Printable Issue 1766  Today is Monday, February 22nd, 2010; Karen's Korner #1766
Our topic for Sunday worship service was "Be Consistent in Prayer!"
 
I'll confess: I am not as consistent as I could/would/should be!
 
Prayer is something many/most Christians struggle with; we believe we could do better!
 
Most Christians have a life experience of an answered prayer, which brings us much happiness or joy. But, in our humanness, we forget....
 
A quote which our pastor said yesterday:  "Prayerless Christians get tired in God's Work, but also get tired of God's Work. And eventually will give up!
 
The Bible says lots of things about praying:
 
"Always keep on praying."  ~ I Thessalonians 5:18
 
(Jesus said) "...you won't need to ask me for anything, for you can go directly to the Father and ask him,
and he will give you what you ask for because you use my name.
You haven't tried this before, but begin now. Ask using my name, and you will receive, and your cup of joy, will overflow."  ~ John 16:23, 24
 
Pastor Warren gave all of us the opportunity to do the same thing. Anyone who wanted could take up  the challenge called: 'P-3'. Select three people for whom to pray; for three minutes each day; for three months.
 
It isn't just for our church; it could be for anyone. Want to take the challenge as well??
 
A couple of prayer answers:  Last week my sister lost her husband. Jill and her daughter Colleen were going through all of the things that needed to be done for the funeral. Their minister called to check on things the morning of the visitation. He asked how they were doing. She told that she didn't know if she could make it through the visitation.
 
He asked her, "Do you believe in telephone prayers?"
 
She said she did.
 
She told that he prayed and the heaviness or burden just seemed to lift from her.
 
Jill remarked that she went through the visitation, talking with people in an unbelievable fashion. "Several people mentioned that I just seemed to sparkle," she said.
 
And a pass along email from a Baptist church marquee:  "Whoever is praying for snow; please stop", as the sign is nearly covered with snow....
 
Dear Father in Heaven, You teach us about prayer and we know that it works. If we are going to pray like You want us to pray, we are going to need Your help. Help us; bring thoughts into our minds. Help us to actually take the time. Grabbing moments. We want to bring You into every situation we might face. Thank You for Your love and care. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Printable Issue 1765  Today is Saturday, February 20th, 2010; Karen's Korner #1765
(A Karen's Korner on Saturday to make up for the one missed on Wednesday!)
 
A couple of sayinsgs from my ongoing collection:
 
"For the Lord is ALWAYS good.
He is ALWAYS loving and kind,
and His faithfulness goes on and on
to each succeeding generation."
~ Psalms 100:6
 
**
"The democracy will cease to exist
when you take away from those who are willing to work
and give to those who would not."
~ Thomas Jefferson
 
**
 
"Look at a man in the midst of doubt and danger,
and you will learn in his hour of adversity what he really is.
It is then that true utterances are wrung from the recesses of his breast.
The mask is torn off; the reality remains."
~  Lucretius
 
**
 
"God has rescued me from all my troubles,
and triumphed over my enemies."
~ Psalms 54:7
 
**
 
"You can choose your sin, but you can't choose your consequences."
 
 ~ Jenny Sanford, soon to be ex-wife of South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford
 
**
Printable Issue 1764  Today is Friday, February 19th, 2010; Karen's Korner #1764
I received this from Gerry Hanson, who wanted me to have this as she really liked it. So do I; here it is:

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Our Father Who Art In Heaven.

Yes?

Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.

But -- you called ME!

Called you? No, I didn't call you. I'm praying...Our Father who art in Heaven.

There -- you did it again!

Did what?

Called ME. You said, "Our Father who art in Heaven" Well, here I am.. What's on your mind?

But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day.I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like fulfilling a duty.

Well, all right. Go on.

Okay, Hallowed be thy name .

Hold it right there. What do you mean by that?

By what?

By "Hallowed be thy name"?

It means, it means . . good grief, ..I don't know what it means...How in the world should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. ..By the way, what does it mean?

It means honored, holy, wonderful.

Hey, that makes sense.. I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before. Thanks.

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.

Do you really mean that?

Sure, why not?

What are you doing about it?

Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control, of everything down here like you have up there. We’re kind of in a mess down here you know.

Yes, I know;..but, have I got control of you?

Well, I go to church.

That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money -- all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read ?

Now hold on just a minute!...Stop picking on me!..I'm just as good as some of the rest of those People at church!

Excuse ME......I thought you were praying...for my will to be done..If that is to happen,

it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you -- for example ..

Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others.

So could I.

I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free.

Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together -- You and ME. I'm proud of You..

Look, Lord, if you don't mind, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.---Give us this day, our daily bread.

You need to cut out the bread...You're overweight as it is.

Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.

Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you ask for.

Remember, you called ME -- and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep praying.

( pause . . )..Well, go on.

I'm scared to. I know what you'll say.

Try ME.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

What about Ann?

See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories. She never paid back the money she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!

But -- your prayer -- What about your prayer?

I didn't -- mean it..

Well, at least you're honest. But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn't it?

Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her. Boy, have I got some plans for her.

She'll wish she had never been born.

No, you won't feel any better...You'll feel worse...Revenge isn't sweet. You know how unhappy you are -- Well, I can change that..

You can? How?

Forgive Ann. Then, I'll forgive you; And the hate and the sin, will be Ann's problem -- not yours.

You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned.

Oh, you know, you're right.--You always are. And more than I want revenge, I want to be right with You . . (sigh)...All right, all right . .I forgive her..There now! Wonderful!

How do you feel?

Hmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight. I haven't been getting much rest, you know.

Yeah, I know. But, you're not through with your prayer, are you? ...Go on.

Oh, all right...And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.

What do you mean by that?

You know what I mean.

Yeah. I know.

Okay. Go ahead. Finish your prayer.

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever .Amen.

Do you know what would bring me glory --What would really make me happy?

No, but I'd like to know..I want to please you now. I've really made a mess of things.

I want to truly follow you.. I can see now how great that would be. So, tell me . . .How do I make you happy?

..........YOU just did.

***