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November 2016 Archives

Printable Issue 3427  Today is Tuesday, November 1st, 2016; Karen's Korner #3427

Written by Max Lucado:

What Will God Do?

"Maybe God and prayer are all you have. Your face discouragement, deception, defeat, destruction, death. They roar into your world like a Hells Angels motorcycle gang. Their goal is to chase you back into the wilderness or sin.

"Don't give an inch. You are a member of God's family. You come to God not as a stranger but as an heir. Earnestly make your requests know to Him, not because of what you have achieved, but because of what Christ has done. Jesus spilled His blood for you. You can spill your heart before God. Jesus said if you have faith, you can tell a mountain to go and jump into the sea (Mark 11:23).

"What is your mountain? Call out to God for help.........today! Will He do what you want? I cannot say, but this I can. He will do what is best!"

******

Praying for our election, taken from "31 Days" by Focus on the Family:

PRAYER FOR TUESDAY:

Day 30:  Pray for God's will in our elections.

"Heavenly Father,

I know You have America's future in Your hands and I trust You. I ask that Your will be done during the elections and that You work through voters to place people in power who will accomplish Your purposes. Bless the election of our new president, members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and other critical races that impact the future of our nation. Give me wisdom in my vote. Thy will be done! In Jesus' name. Amen."

****


Printable Issue 3428  Today is Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016; Karen's Korner #3428

Focus on the Family's "31 Days of Prayer" for our nation and our upcoming elections include, not only 31 different days of prayer but also several Bible verses and a handful of prayers by various people.

Here are three of them:

"And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him."

~ I John 5:14 -15 ESV

*

Written by

Dr. Tony Evans

Honorary Chairman, National Day of Prayer Task Force, 2016

"Dear Heavenly Father,

 We come to You today as a humble people desperate for Your supernatural intervention on behalf of our beloved nation. First, we thank You for all the blessings You have bestowed on our land, blessings that have allowed us to bring so much good and benefit to not only our own citizens but also to the rest of the world.

Enable us, by Your Spirit, to no longer be secret agent Christians but rather to publicly declare and live out Your truth in a spirit of love so that You feel welcome in our country once again.

"In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."

*

Prayer for Wednesday.

DAY 29:  Pray for the safety of the election process.

"Heavenly Father,

I ask You today to keep Your hand of protection over our election process. Keep election workers and participants safe as they exercise their right and responsibility to vote. Keep anyone who wants to do evil at the polls from succeeding. In Jesus' name. Amen."

***

Printable Issue 3429  Today is Thursday, November 3rd, 2016; Karen's Korner #3429

A couple of short thoughts:


Several weeks ago, six of us met for a few days as a reunion in Las Vegas. We enjoyed seeing some of the sights, sounds and 'bling' of the city; we saw a couple of shows and took a couple of tours. Probably the best part was just being together.

I didn't buy very many souvenirs. I already have enough stuff, but I decided the last morning to buy several small items for myself and to give to a friends. One of my purchases was a Las Vegas ball point pen. The clerk grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled a bit to make sure that it worked. Yes, it worked.

I brought it home. I don't think it worked for five minutes. Then it didn't work at all!

I thought, "This pen is a lot like Las Vegas, in general. Many things that are said and done in that popular town won't last much longer. But all of the things we think and believe about God will last forever." Praise God!

***

As we were wrapping up our worship service last Sunday,

Pastor Warren said, "If the 'evil one' is trying to remind you of your past, remember to remind 'him' of his future!"

The evil one loves to run things through our mind over and over again. Somethings we have said, done, didn't do, or thought. If we have come as a little child to Christ, we are told 'in Christ, I am free forever from condemnation' (Romans 8:1-2). Think on that!

And the devil's future, 'he will be throne into the Lake of Fire' (Revelation 20:14). Don't hesitate to remind him.

**

Praying for our election from Focus on the Family's '31 Days of Prayer'.

Prayer for Thursday:

Day 2: Pray for healthy marriages.

"Heavenly Father,

I'm grateful for Your plan for marriage as the foundation for a thriving family. Will You restore love and commitment to couples who struggle today? Give them hope, peace, and real help. Protect and bless the institution of marriage. In Jesus' name. Amen."

*****


Printable Issue 3430  Today is Friday, November 4th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3430

A couple of sayings by Mother Teresa, focusing on JOY:


"Joy is a need and a power for us. A Christian who has cultivated a spirit of joy feels less tired and is always ready to go doing good. A Christian filled with joy preaches without preaching. She is like the sunshine of God's love, the hope of eternal happiness, the flame of burning love."

*

"Joy is one of the best safeguards against temptation. The devil is a carrier of dust and dirt; he uses every chance to throw what he has at us. A joyful heart knows how to protect herself from such dirt. Jesus can take full possession of our soul only if it surrenders itself joyfully."

*

"We may not be able to give much but we can always give the joy that springs from a heart that is in love with God. Joy is very infectious."

*

"Joy is prayer; joy is strength; joy is love, a net of love by which you can catch souls."

***

We are coming to the end of our "31 Days of Prayer" by Focus on the Family.

Here is one of the prayers written by Gary D. Chapman, Ph. D., who is an author, speaker, pastor:

"Father God,

I pray for our fractured families:  for those who have gone through the trauma of divorce; for children who are growing up without a father; for single moms who face the challenge of parenting alone. I pray that you will bring comfort and direction to all who feel unloved. Stir the hearts of your people that we may be agents of love and hope; that we will seek your plans for our role in your kingdom and in our culture Give us courage to speak the truth in love. May our lifestyle demonstrate that we are followers of Christ. In His Name we pray. Amen.

***



Printable Issue 3431  Today is Monday, November 7th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3431

A 'Max Lucado' for today:

Everything Answers to God

"Why do we get sick? For the same reason we still sin! Jeremiah prayed, 'Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise' (Jeremiah 17:14 NIV).

"This is a fallen world, and the kingdom is a coming kingdom. Sickness and sin stalk our planet. But neither sin nor sickness will have dominion over God's people. Sin cannot condemn us and disease cannot destroy us. Guilt is defanged, and death has lost its sting. The very sin and sickness that Satan intends for evil, God redeems---He redeems it for good. Sin becomes a showcase of his grace. Sickness becomes a demonstration of God's ability to heal. Every fiber, molecule, and brainwave answers to his command. God is in charge!

*

Praying for our elections, '31 Days of Prayer' by Focus on the Family.

PRAYING FOR MONDAY:

Day 31:  Pray for state and local elections:

"Heavenly Father,

My local community needs Your guiding hand during the elections. Put people in leadership who will stand up for faith and morals according to Scripture. I know that their decisions will have a big impact on the lives of my family, friends, and neighbors. Thank You for caring for my community. Let me know Your will as I vote. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

*

Prayer written by Jim Dally, President and CEO of Focus on the Family:

"Father in Heaven,

Help us remember that, as Your peculiar people, we Christians have always been strangers and sojourners on the earth. Remind us that it is not our job to direct the destinies of nations, but simply to shine for You, reflect Your image, and bloom for Christ wherever You choose to plant us. In that spirit, inspire us to seek our country's peace and wellbeing, even as Jeremiah instructed the Jewish exiles to work for the peace of the city to which they had been carried captive. Teach us to pray to You consistently on its behalf, knowing that in its welfare we will find peace for ourselves. Never let us forget that, come what may, our calling is always to obey God rather than man. In Jesus' Name. Amen."


***

Printable Issue 3432  Today is Tuesday, November 8th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3432

Today is election day in the United States. We sometimes tire of the advertisements and bombarding messages, but we need to remember what a privilege we have in selecting the people to represent us and our views in various levels of governments. Many countries are not so fortunate.

As I heard it said recently, as Christians we are to be 'salt and light' wherever we go. Voting is one of those opportunities, as we seek to select people who most closely identify with our views. Elected people work for us, so we need to let our voices be heard.

*

Last entries taken from '31 Days of Prayer" from Focus on the Family:

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives, and the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 'Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?"

~ Matthew 7:7-9

*

Written by Anne Graham Lotz, Honorary Chairman, National Day of Prayer Task Force, 2014:

"Lord of the Universe. Lord of the Planet. Lord of the nations. Lord of our hearts. In response to our heartfelt repentance, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Father of Jesus Christ, in keeping with all Your righteous acts and according to Your promise, turn away Your anger and wrath from the United State of America. For the glory of Your Name hear our prayer, forgive our sin, and heal our land. We ask this in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ who offers us salvation from Your judgment, forgiveness for our sin, and reconciliation with You through His own blood shed on the Cross. Amen."

***


Printable Issue 3433  Today is Wednesday, November 9th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3433

The election for our country is over. So it is time to give thanks.......if it went the way we liked. Give thanks if it didn't, as we are to give thanks for all things and at all times. And maybe we give thanks because we don't have to listen to campaign ads for awhile!


"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his lovingkindness continues forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his lovingkindness continues forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his lovingkindness continues forever. Praise him who alone does mighty miracles, for his lovingkindness continues forever. Praise him who made the heavens, for his lovingkindness continues forever. Praise him who planted the water within the earth, for his lovingkindness continues forever."

~ Psalm 136:1 - 6 LAB

***

Printable Issue 3434  Today is Thursday, November 10th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3434

Something from Anne Graham Lotz for the day:

Love Written in Red

"God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

~ John 3:16 NKJV

*

"For God so loved you that He gave His Son, His only Son, the Son Whom He loved -- He gave heaven's most precious Treasure -- He gave everything He had -- in order to offer you eternal life.

"Do you doubt the love of God? Why? ? Because of the bad things that He allows to happen to good people? Because of the unfairness and injustice and unkindness and misery and suffering and pain and cruelty of life? Some questions we won't have answers for until we get to heaven. But one thing we can know for sure is that God you and me. How do we know that? We know if by just looking at the cross where He proved His love for the world that mocks Him and ignores Him and despises Him and scorns Him and rejects Him.

"We look at the cross and see 'I love you' written in red -- the red of Christ's blood."

***



Printable Issue 3435  Today is Friday, November 11th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3435

"Silver and gold are purified by fire,

but God purifies the hearts."

~ Proverbs 17:3 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  "It takes intense heat to purify gold and silver. Similarly, it often takes the heat of trials for the Christian to be purified. Through trials, God shows us what is in us and clears out anything that gets in the way of complete trust in him. Peter says, 'If your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise' (1 Peter 1:7). So when tough times come your way, realize that God wishes to use them to refine your faith and purify your heart."

***


Printable Issue 3436  Today is Monday, November 14th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3436

Friday was Veterans Day and communities across the nation celebrated. Ours did; yours probably did too.

In Clarion, ours is held at the high school and organized by the local VFW members. Lots of school kids also participate; each adding to the event. Veterans attend as well as community members.

Our guest speaker, Mark Thompson, talked about 'Patriotism', recently returning here to his hometown area after a number of years; first as a career Marine and then the same amount of years in the U.S. State Department. He recounted some of his experiences with his military mates.

One of the last paragraphs of his speech addressed some of the issues currently being experienced in our nation:

"Finally, I want to take the opportunity to address one more issue. Respect for our flag. There has been considerable publicity given to public figures who chose to show disrespect for our flag, and more important what it stands for. Our flag represents all those things I just spoke about, and more. Respect for our flag does not mean we ignore those times when our nation has not lived up to our ideals----the flag represents those ideals-----those aspirations. Respect for our flag is recognition that we must continue to strive to make ourselves, as well as our country better, through our words as well as our actions. Just as we as individuals must strive to become better versions of ourselves, we owe the same to our nation and its flag. When the flag is disrespected, those who have sacrificed to make it better and to protect others, are disrespected. Again, when we stand for our national anthem, when we place our hand over our heart, it is much more than tradition---it represents a small or large portion of our life making what that flag stands for--better."

*

There were two times in the event when those in attendance gave presenters a standing ovation:  after Thompson's speech and during the song "God Bless The U.S.A.", sung by school vocal instructor David Ackerman. Usually it takes a handful of people to begin the standing ovations. This was no exception:  first ovation began with a small group of high school chorus members on one side of the gym standing and the second was with another small group within the high school band, getting the room on its feet.

The kids get it and we got to experience it!

*

GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.

By Lee Greenwood

"If tomorrow all the things were gone, I worked for all my life.

And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.

I thank my lucky stars to be living here today.

'Cause the flag still stand for freedom and they can't take that away.

And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me.

And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend Her still today.

'Cause there ain't no doubt, I love this land.

God Bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee.

Across the plains of Texas from sea to shining sea,

From Detroit down to Houston, and New York to L.A.

Where's pride in every American heart, and it's time to stand and say,

That I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend Her still today.

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land.

God Bless the U.S.A.

And I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me.

And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend Her still today.

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land.

God Bless the U.S.A.

***


Printable Issue 3437  Today is Tuesday, November 15th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3437

Sometimes life is hard; other times sad. The list of emotions can be long.

But God also gives us opportunities for smiles and laughter. This is today's Karen's Korner! My long-time Montana friend Judy Gollehon sent me a 'pass-along' email with about three dozen graphics and sayings which caused me to smile and several caused me to laugh out loud. I am including several of them here.

If you'd like the entire email, ask me and I will forward it to you:


"I always carry a knife in my purse. You know, in case of cheesecake or something.

*

"One of the happiest moments ever is when you find the courage to let go of what you can't change!

*

"Accidentally went grocery shopping on an empty stomach and now I'm the proud owner of aisle #4!

*

"Some things are better off unsaid, which is generally right after I have said them!

*

"I might wake up and go running. I also might wake up and win the lottery.

The odds are about the same.

*

"I hate when I gain 10# for a role and realize I'm not an actress.

*

"Don't be afraid of death; be afraid of an unlived life.

You don't have to live forever; you just have to live!"

***




Printable Issue 3438  Today is Wednesday, November 16th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3438

"What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for all of us, won't he also surely give us everything else?

"Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? Will God? No! He is the one who has forgiven us and given us right standing with himself.

"Who then will condemn us? Will Christ? NO! For he is the one who died for us and came back to life again for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us there in heaven."

~ Romans 8:31-34 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  "Do you ever think that, because you aren't good enough for God, he will not save you? Do you ever feel as if salvation is for everyone else but you? Then these verses are especially for you. If God gave his Son for you, he isn't going to hold back the gift of salvation! If Christ gave his life for you, he isn't going to turn around and condemn you! The book of Romans is more than a theological explanation of God's redeeming grace---it is a letter of comfort and confidence addressed to you."

****


Printable Issue 3439  Today is Thursday, November 17th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3439

Today's writing by Sarah Young in her daily inspirational thoughts "Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence"


"There is no condemnation for those who are in Me. The law of the Spirit of Life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Not many Christians know how to live in this radical freedom, which is their birthright. I died to set you free; live freely in Me!

"To walk along the path of freedom, you must keep your mind firmly fixed on Me. Many voices proclaim:  'This is the way for you to go', but only My voice tells you the true way. If you follow the way of the way of the world with all its glitter and glamour, you will descend deeper and deeper into any abyss. Christian voices also can lead you astray:  'Do this!' 'Don't do that!' 'Pray this way!' 'Don't pray that way!' If you listen to all those voices, you will become increasingly confused.

"Be content to be a simple sheep, listening for My voice and following Me. I will lead you into restful green pastures and guide you along paths of righteousness."

- Words taken from Romans 8:1-2; Isaiah 30:21; John 10:27; Psalm 23:1-3

****

Printable Issue 3440  Today is Friday, November 18th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3440

A small band of gals from our church meets weekly as a prayer group. We start by making one another aware of needs and concerns, personally or collectively.

My list from this week  included:  surgeries, pending health diagnoses, ongoing health concerns - several of them tabbed as terminal, stressed or broken relationships, people dealing with the aging process, financial dilemmas, issues surrounding government at various levels.

As I looked at it, I thought, "Now I know why we pray. I can't handle any of them!" I can't change medical needs of anyone. Probably am not in a position to repair any relationships. Government concerns change slowly, if at all.

But we can pray! Then God can work to do what only He can do!

He might show me some simple ways I can contribute. And He wants me to continue to believe. I can do that........with His help!

"Always keep on praying." ~ I Thessalonians 5:17 LAB

Commentary:  "We cannot spend all our time on our knees, but it is possible to have a prayerful attitude all the time. This attitude is built upon acknowledging our dependence on God, realizing his presence within us, and determining to obey him fully. We then find it natural to pray frequent, spontaneous, short prayers."

*** 


Printable Issue 3441  Today is Monday, November 21st, 2016; Karen's Korner #3441

A writing for Thanksgiving week:

Humility

"...in wrath remember mercy."

Habakkuk 3:2

*

THE FIRST NATIONAL DAY OF THANKSGIVING

By Dr. Richard G. Lee from 'In God We Still Trust"

"in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln initiated the first annual National Day of Thanksgiving and Praise on October 3, 1863, issuing a formal Proclamation, passed by an Act of Congress:

"...No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

"And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, and sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to head the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and Union."

- words by Abraham Lincoln

***


Printable Issue 3442  Today is Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016; Karen's Korner #3442

One day last week I wanted to walk outside. Boy was it windy; didn't know if I was going to keep going or not.

When I turned out of my driveway to head south, I walked in front of our neighbor's building site to the west. It blocked off the winds. Still windy, but I couldn't feel it. I did a couple of laps in front of the buildings using them as protection from the blasts.

Sort of like life itself. Sometimes the winds of change blow. But if we trust God and walk with Him, the wind still threaten us but we walk with His protection and we can't feel it, as those without His guarding hands.


"This I declare that He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I am trusting Him. For He rescues you from every trap, and protects you from the fatal plaque. He will shield you with His wings! They will shelter you. His faithful promises are your armor. Now you don't need to be afraid of the dark any more, nor fear the dangers of the day, nor dread the plagues of darkness, nor disasters in the morning."

~ Psalm 91:2 - 6 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  "God is a refuge, a shelter when we are afraid. The writer's faith in God as Protector would carry him through all the dangers and fears of life. This should be a picture of our trust---trading all our fears for faith in Him, no matter what kind of fear it may be."

(If you have the chance in the near future, read all of Psalm 91.)

****

Printable Issue 3443  Today is Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016; Karen's Korner #3443

It's Thanksgiving tomorrow. A time to be thankful!

But every day is a day to be thankful. Adds to our good mental health.

Here is my broad list:

* I am thankful for God, who is also my heavenly Father. He takes good care of me;

* I am thankful for a measure of good health. I think of being able to breathe, hear, see, and the list goes on and on;

* I am thankful for my family who I can love/care for and they can love/care for me;

* I am thankful for friends, more than I could have ever have dreamed of;

* I am thankful for jobs to do; several for which I receive compensation, more that I do as a volunteer;

* I am thankful for the gift of time which I can share with others;

* I am thankful for resources - more than I need - which I give away to those more needy than I am;

* I am thankful for being raised and continue to live on a farm in Iowa, and in being able to reside in the U.S.A.;

* I am thankful that regardless what might happen next in the world or my world, God has my back and He will be there today, tomorrow, and forever!


What a broad list and it could be longer!

What about you? What would you share as your 'thankful' list for November?


"No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16 LAB

****


Printable Issue 3444  Today is Thursday, November 24th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3444

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sarah Young's entry for today from "Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence";:


"Thankfulness takes the sting our of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction:  You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience--at times, blind obedience. To people who don't know Me intimately, it can seem irrational and even impossible to thank Me for heartrending hardships. Nonetheless, those who obey Me in this way are invariably blessed, even though difficulties may remain.

"Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective. It is this Light of my Presence that removes the sting from adversity."

` Written as if Jesus is speaking; taken from Ephesians 5:20; Psalm 118:1; Psalm 89:15

***



Printable Issue 3445  Today is Friday, November 25th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3445

(First an apology for the several typing errors in yesterday's Karen's Korner. It doesn't work well to be the typist and editor because I tend to read what I want it to say and not what is there. I have corrected it; should you want to print it out/copy it for any reason, go to www.karens-korner.com, find the computer printer icon in the right hand corner to print out a copy.)

Everyone Has a Plan

By Dr. David Jeremiah

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

~ Jeremiah 29:11

"Boxer Mike Tyson once said, 'Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth.' It's amazing how easily our plans are derailed. If you've ever planned a trip, a church event, a family gathering, or the launch of a business plan, you know to expect the unexpected. Sometimes life punches us in the mouth.

"Our Almighty God has a plan for our lives, and His plans are never derailed. In Jeremiah 29, the prophet Jeremiah warned his people of coming judgment and impending invasion. The nation of Judah was about to be punched in the mouth. But God's plans were undeterred, and Jeremiah reassured them of their eventual return and restoration to the land. 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you.........plans to give you hope and a future.' (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

"It's important to plan and prepare for life. But if your plans have suffered a setback, don't let discouragement overtake your mind. Your heavenly Father loves you. He knows all about it, and His plans will unfold with grace and mercy, in His timing and for His glory."

"Sometimes our plans don't work out because God has a better one."

~ Anonymous

****


Printable Issue 3446  Today is Monday, November 28th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3446

In the first chapter of John, there is a listing of the disciples as Jesus began picking them. Not only are they named, Jesus comments on them. Here are what He said about two of them:


"Jesus looked intently at Peter and said, 'Your are Simon, John's son--but you shall be called Peter, the Rock."

"As Philip and Nathanael approached, Jesus said (of Nathanael), "Here comes an honest man...."

~ John 1:42 & 47 LAB

*

So Jesus calls Peter and Nathanael and He speaks of them as a 'Rock" and an 'honest man'. Do you think they each might have looked over their shoulder saying, "Are you talking about me?"

What does He say about each of us as we are 'called'?

Faithful?

Leader?

Wise?

Hope?

And we might be saying, "No, not me!"

But Jesus looks beyond who we know to be us, to who He knows we can become as His followers!

Dear Father God, thank You for who we are and thank You that you see us for who we can become as we look to You for Your wisdom and care. Help us to agree with You and Your assessment of each one of us, and become all we were designed to be in You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

***



Printable Issue 3447  Today is Tuesday, November 29th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3447

Something written by Max Lucado:


It's Not The Journey

"This is God's invitation to us. Set your hearts on your home! In God's plan, it's all about the King and His kingdom. He wrote the script, built the sets, directs the actors, and knows the final act---an everlasting kingdom. Scripture say, 'At the right time, He will bring everything together under the authority of Christ---everything in heaven and on earth' (Ephesians 1:10 NLT). Reach for it.

"The journey home is nice, but the journey is not the destination. Those who are content with nothing more than joy in the journey are settling for too little satisfaction. There is more to this life than THIS life. The Bible tells us 'God.......has planted eternity in the human heart' (Ecclesiastes 3:11). In God's narrative, life on earth is but the beginning. It's the first letter of the first sentence in the first chapter of God's great story that He is writing with your life."

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Printable Issue 3448  Today is Wednesday, November 30th, 2016; Karen's Korner #3448

I was reading John 3 this morning. Once again it is inspiring.

We don't have to be around Christian circles very long before we read, hear, or know, John 3:16:

"For God loved the world (us!) so much that He gave His only Son so that anyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."


The next one is lesser well-known but also a good one:

"God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it (us!), but to save it (us!)." ~ John 3:17


The whole chapter is a good one, but the last verse really grabbed my attention:

"And all who trust Him---God's Son---to save them have eternal life; those who don't believe and obey Him shall never see heaven, but the wrath of God remains."  ~ John 3:36

Bible Commentary on this verse:  "Jesus says that those who believe in Him have eternal life (not will have eternal life). Thus eternal life begins at the moment of spiritual rebirth. To receive eternal life is to possess God's life which by nature is eternal. The reception of this life now guarantees an eternal life with God.

"Jesus sets before us the greatest choice of life. We are responsible to decide today whom we will obey; God wants us to choose life. To decide to put off the choice is to choose not to follow Christ. Indecision may prove fatal."

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Eternal life. Not condemned. And that eternity begins when we ask Jesus to part of that 'forever life' and 'forever family'. Sounds like a plan; sounds too good to be true. And it sounds too good to pass up!