Karen's Korner - Daily Inspirational Stories by Karen Weld
Browse my Site
Home
Archives
Karen's Guestbook
Search my Site



Subscribe to Karens Korner on Mail Chimp
Subscribing to Karens Korner will give you a new issue in your Email box almost every day
rss RSS Feed
I'm Karen

March 2018 Archives

Printable Issue 3745  Today is Thursday, March 1st, 2018; Karen's Korner #3745

Something written by Anne Graham Lotz and emailed as a daily 'inspirational thought' to readers in October of last year. It seem especially appropriate in light of her father, Billy Graham's death and pending funeral:

The Narthex to Eternity

"Now this is eternal life:  that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."

~ John 17:3 NIV

*

"Several years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Westminster Abbey in London. It is a grand cathedral where many of the kings and dignitaries of England are buried, and where the kings and queens receive their coronations. The narthex is small, dark, and cramped - just a brief space to pass through between the outside door and the door leading into the cathedral itself. I can't imagine anyone visiting the abbey and being satisfied to stay in the narthex. I also can't imagine anyone who would make an enormous effort to stay there with no thought to passing through to the glory of what lives beyond.


"Your life and mine here on earth is like the narthex to a grand cathedral. Our lives are simply an area to pass through on our way to the glory of eternal life that lies beyond the door of death. Physical death for a believer is simply a transition into real life. And it's God's purpose that you and I live forever ---- with Him!"


***




Printable Issue 3746  Today is Friday, March 2nd, 2018; Karen's Korner #3746

Billy Graham's funeral is this morning in North Carolina. He is gone from this earthly stage but the lives he has impacted are still here. His words will linger in the hearts and minds of many for generations.

No matter how familiar we are or aren't with his crusades, one song helped identify him and his outreach:  "Just as I Am, Without One Plea". It was written by Charlotte Elliott in 1835 with music written by Willima B. Bradbury in 1849.

Here the words to its six verses:

"Just as I am, without one please,

but that they blood was shed for me,

and that thou bidst me come to thee,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.


"Just as I am, and waiting not,

to rid my soul of one dark blot,

to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.


"Just as I am, though tossed about

with many a conflict, many a doubt,

fightings and fears within, without,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.


"Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind,

sight, riches, healing of the mind,

yea, all I need in thee to find,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.


"Just as I am, thou wilt receive,

wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,

because they promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.


"Just as I am, they love unknown

hath broken every barrier down;

now, to be thine, yea, thine alone,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come."

****


Printable Issue 3747  Today is Monday, March 5th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3747

I receive an inspirational thought written by Max Lucado every day. Here is his for today:


JESUS HAS AMPLE ROOM


"Some of the saddest words on earth are:  'We don't have room for you!' 'Sorry, I don't have room for you on the team.' 'I don't have room for you in my heart.' 'We don't have room for your type here.'


"Jesus was still in Mary's womb when the innkeeper said, 'We don't have room for you.' When the religious leaders accused him of blasphemy saying, 'We don't have room for a self-proclaimed Messiah!' Even today Jesus goes from heart to heart, asking if he might enter. But more often than not he hears the words of the Bethlehem innkeeper...'Sorry, too crowded. I don't have room for you.'


"But Jesus says 'I have ample space for you!' 'Trust in me. In my Father's house are many room' (John 14:2). We make room for him in our hearts, and he makes room for us in his house!"

****

Printable Issue 3748  Today is Tuesday, March 6th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3748

In Mike Redig's communion meditation at church on Sunday, he greeted us with these words, "Good morning, Saints!"

Whether we feel like it, act like it or not, that is how God sees us!

"Did you wake up this morning and think 'I am a child of God'?" Redig also asked.

In John 1:12, it says, "But all who received Him, He gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust Him to save them."

Sometimes we know that is who we are. Other times the world beats us around or we forget who we are because of what has happened to us, what others may have said to or about us, or how we think about ourselves.

No matter. God see us as His Children.

So, "Good morning, Saints! Have a great day!"

Printable Issue 3749  Today is Wednesday, March 7th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3749

Our church's Sunday School classes has been using the study series "Answers in Genesis" this school year. We are ready to start session #3. Included in the materials is a poster.

The title is "The Attributes of God" and includes fifteen of those attributes:


OMINIPRESENT

Always present; everywhere.

SOVEREIGN

In complete control of everything, does all that He pleases.

GRACIOUS

Gives great gifts to His children even when they are not deserved.

LOVING

Always wants what is best for His children.

MERCIFUL

Kind to thos in misery; withholds deserved punishment.

WISE

Does everything perfectly without mistakes.

ETERNAL

Always was and always will be.

JUST

Fair according to who He is; must punish sin.

INFINITE

Beyond all that we can imagine; cannot be measured.

HOLY

Cannot sin and hates all sin.

IMMUTABLE

Will never change.

OMINPOTENT

All-powerful to do whatever He wants.

FAITHFUL

Will always keep His promises; does not lie.

INDEPENDENT

Has no need of anything outside of Himself.

OMINSCIENT

Knows everything----past, present, future.


"God, thanks for being our Savior and our Friend. There is no one like you in our lives! Amen!!"

Printable Issue 3750  Today is Thursday, March 8th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3750

Rifling through my received emails, I found one emailed to me by Steve Watne in November. It's a good one, so I am sharing it with readers today:


In Washington D.C., at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station; most of them on their way to work.

After about three minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.

About four minutes later, the violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat without stopping, continued to walk.

At six minutes, a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked a this watch and started to walk again.

At ten minutes, a three-year-old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kids stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

At 45 minutes, the musician played continuously. Only six people stopped and listened for a short while. About twenty gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

After one hour, he finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played on of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million. Two day before, Bell sold out a theater in Boston where seat averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

This is a true story. Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and people's priorities.

This experiment raised several questions:  In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty. If so, do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:: if we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musician in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made, how many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

Enjoy life NOW! It has an expiration date.


Printable Issue 3751  Today is Monday, March 12th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3751

Haven't had something from Sarah Young's daily 'Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence" in a 'korner' recently.

Here is one of hers from March 10:


"You are mine for all time -- and beyond time, into eternity. No power can deny you your inheritance in heaven. I want you to realize how utterly secure you are! Even if you falter as you journey through life, I will never let go of your hand.

"Knowing that your future is absolutely assured can free you to live abundantly today. I have prepared this day for you with the most tender concern and attention to detail. Instead of approaching the day as a blank page that you need to fill up, try living it in a responsive mode:  being on the lookout for all that I am doing. This sounds easy, but it requires a deep level of trust, based on the knowledge that 'My way is perfect.'"


Taken from Psalm 17:23-24; Psalm 18:30

***

Printable Issue 3752  Today is Tuesday, March 13th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3752

"But I will always trust You and Your mercy and shall rejoice in Your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord because He has blessed me so richly."

~ Psalm 13: 5 & 6 LAB

*


Bible Commentary:  "David (writer) frequently claimed that God was slow to act on his behalf. We often feel this same impatience. It seems that evil and suffering go unchecked, and we wonder when God is going to stop them (it). David affirmed that he would continue to trust God no matter how long he had to wait for God's justice to be realized. When we feel impatient, we need to remember David's steadfast faith in God's unfailing mercy."

****


Printable Issue 3753  Today is Wednesday, March 14th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3753

Something mailed to me a few days ago by my Uncle Bud:


"A visiting priest was attending a men's breakfast in Ohio farm country. He asked one of the impressive old farmers in attendance to say grace that morning. After all were seated, the older farmer began:

"'Lord, I hate buttermilk.'

"The priest opened one eye and wondered to himself where this was going.

"Then the farmer loudly proclaimed, 'Lord, I hate lard.'

"Now the priest was overly worried. However without missing a beat, the farmer prayed on.

"'And Lord, you know I don't care much for raw white flour.'

"Just as the priest was ready to stand and stop everything, the farmer continued,

"'But Lord when you mix 'em all together and bake 'em up, I love fresh biscuits.'

"'So Lord, when things come up we don't like, when life gets hard, when we just don't understand what you are sayin' to us, we just need to relax and wait 'till You are done mixin', and probably it will be something' even better than biscuits.'

"Amen."

Printable Issue 3754  Today is Thursday, March 15th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3754

Something written by Max Lucado.

I'll have to admit that I am a better 'doer' than 'pray-er'. Max has a way of simplifying everything in his writings:


Teach Us To Pray


"We can't even get the cable company to answer us, yet God will? The doctor is too busy, but God isn't? We have our doubts about prayer!

"Jesus raised people from the dead. But a 'How to Vacate the Cemetery' seminar? His followers never called for one. But they did ask Him, 'Lord, teach us to pray'. Might their interest have something to do with the jaw-dropping promise Jesus attached to prayer? 'Ask and it will be given to you.' When the disciples asked Jesus to pray, He gave them a prayer. Could you use the same?


"Father, You are good.

"I need your help. Heal me and forgive me.

"They need help.

"Thank You.

In Jesus' name, amen."


"Before amen---comes the power of a simple prayer. Punctuate your day with it!"


Printable Issue 3755  Today is Friday, March 16th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3755

Billy Graham's words, like Mother Teresa's, will live on for generations. This is something he wrote and is part of his "day to day' book:


"As for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except he cross of our Lord Jesus Christ."

~ Galatians 6:14 TLB


"What glory is there in the cross? It was an instrument of torture and shame. Why did Paul glory in it? He glorified in it because the most selfless act every performed by men or angels took place upon it. He saw--emanating from that rough, unartistic beam upon which the Son of God had been crucified--the radiant hope of the world, the end of the believer's bondage to sin, and the love of God shed abroad in the hearts of men. A lone man dying on a cross did more to restore man's lost harmony with God, his fellowman, and himself than the combined genius and power of earth's mighty. With my finite limitations, I cannot fully comprehend the mystery of Christ's atonement. I only know that all who come to the cross in simple, trusting faith lose all guilty stains and find peace with God."


PRAYER FOR THE DAY:  "Like the Apostle Paul, Father, help me to glory in the cross of Jesus and more fully understand the tremendous meaning it has for me as a believer and for all who would come to its foot and kneel."

****


Printable Issue 3756  Today is Monday, March 19th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3756

Calder who is age 9 loves to sing. His mom mentioned at Sunday School class yesterday that some of his friends think he sings too loud.

Yesterday at worship service, he and his mother were on one side of our church's auditorium. I was on the other. As we were singing one of our hymns, I could pick out Calder's voice.

It made me step back to a number of years ago when shortly after we were out of high school, my sister Amy and I were in a Methodist Church service in Mason City. She was singing pretty loud. I wasn't.

"Doesn't she know she might make a mistake," I thought as I sang a little more quietly and carefully.

My next thought, "God just tells us to make a joyful noise!"

The Bible says, "Shout with joy before the Lord, O earth! Obey Him gladly; come before Him, singing with joy."

It doesn't say, "if you are a great singer"; "if you know the words frontwards and backwards". Just "sing with joy!"

Amy was doing it more right than I was.

Calder was too. And he was doing a pretty good job of it!

Don't you believe God was pleased?

Printable Issue 3757  Today is Wednesday, March 21st, 2018; Karen's Korner #3757

(My apology for no Karen's Korner yesterday. No reason why, I just forgot! My 'new way' of sending:  I post it and it is emailed out at 10 a.m. I looked at the clock yesterday morning; it was 10:20. Too late! So that means you'll get one on Saturday........to make my 'five per week'!)

Something forwarded to me by Shirley Choat who is a faithful 'forwarder' of writings by others. The one below is written by a Pastor Sydow; prayer by a Pastor Freeman:


Joseph, Guardian of Jesus

"Though the Bible tells us little about the husband of Jesus' mother Mary, we know that he was a carpenter or builder by trade. He is also shown as being devoted both to God and to Mary and Jesus. Is is assumed that he died before Jesus became an adult."

*

"May those who love your salvation say continually, 'Great is the Lord!'"  

~ Psalm 40:16

*

""Jesus said, 'You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I am coming to you.' If you loved me you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I.'"  

~ John 14:28

*

"I didn't really want her to go with friends to New York City. I was going to be by myself, but I'd miss having her at home when I came in. However, I knew she would have a great time. I had been there many years ago and had told her some of the things I saw. As much as I wanted her to stay, I wanted her to have a wonderful time.

"So, several years ago, Sue took the trip with 'the girls' and had the time of her life. I survived, but I also experienced great joy when she cam home and shared her stories with me.

"Jesus knew the joy of being with the Father and looked forward to His presence. It was hard for the disciples to understand or to let go. They wanted Him to themselves. They would have preferred that Jesus not journey through the cross and death into eternity. They still held on to the hope that an easier way could be found. But without the cross, there could not have been forgiveness. Without death, there could not have been a resurrection.

"Waiting for loved ones as they approach their deaths, we may be tempted to cling tightly to them, in hopes of keeping the alive just one more day. Jesus reminds us that if we really love them, we will rejoice with those we love that are 'going to the Father'. May we be among those 'who love the salvation of God and say continually, 'Great is the Lord!' May we learn to trust that what God has in store for us is far greater than anything we could cling to in this life."

*

"Oh, how I long for the company of loves ones who have died, my dear Father, But I know that they have already reached their final home with you. Comfort my heart with the knowledge that one day we will all worship you together once again. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen."



 

 


Printable Issue 3758  Today is Thursday, March 22nd, 2018; Karen's Korner #3758

If this Bible verse doesn't seem to fit for you today, it might another day. Or share it with someone else with a need to hear this word of God:


"Forgetting the past and looking forward to the 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 did for us."

~ Philippians 3:13, 14 LAB

*


Bible Commentary:  "Paul (writer) had reason to feel guilty---he held the coats of those who stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr. We have all done things for which we are ashamed, and we all live in the tension of what we have been and what we want to be. Because our hope is in Christ, however, we can let go of past guilt and look forward to what He will help us become. Don't dwell on your past, instead, grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating on your relationship with Him NOW. Know you are forgiven, and then move on to a life of faith and obedience. Look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of your hope in Christ."

****


Printable Issue 3759  Today is Friday, March 23rd, 2018; Karen's Korner #3759

Something written by Sarah Young and her 'Jesus Calling:  Enjoying Peace in His Presence" (as if Jesus is talking to us). It was an entry from a couple of days ago and talks about feelings. Sometimes I have to be careful not to let feelings control my thoughts and life. 'Feelings' do not match 'facts':


"Thank Me for the glorious gift of My Spirit. This is like priming the pump of a well. As you bring Me the sacrifice of thanksgiving, regardless of your feelings, My Spirit is able to work more freely within you. This produces more thankfulness and more freedom until you are overflowing with gratitude.

"I shower blessings on you daily, but sometimes you don't perceive them. When your mind is stuck on a negative focus, you see neither Me nor My gifts. In faith, thank Me for whatever is preoccupying your mind. This will clear the blockage so that you can find Me."


_ Taken from 2 Corinthians 5:51; 2 Corinthians 3?17; Psalm 50:14

***


Printable Issue 3760  Today is Saturday, March 24th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3760

I walked at our school's track a couple of days ago. As I rounded the first curve, I read a sign near the stadium seating.

It said:

CHEER (noun);

a shout of encouragement, approval, congratulation, etc.

The cheers of the fans filled the stadium.


I thought, "That is something we should do every day to God. A 'cheer'; a 'shout'....for all He has done and will do for us!

Take a moment, say a loud, "Yea! God!!"



Printable Issue 3761  Today is Monday, March 26th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3761

Yesterday was Palm Sunday and I doubt many churches didn't celebrate the day.

Ours was no exception

Recounting the story, why were so many people 'fans' of Jesus one week and not the next?

Sometimes we need to be reminded of how things were set, time-wise.

Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead and there were plenty of curiosity seekers, as the word spread quickly about 'this guy who could bring people back to life'. The recount our minister used was from John 12 verses 17 and 18:  "And those in the crowd who had seen Jesus call Lazarus back to life were telling all about it. That was the main reason why so many went out to meet Him---because they had heard about this mighty miracle."

The Bible commentary in my Life Application Bible says, "The people cam to Jesus because they had heard of His great miracle in raising Lazarus from the dead. Their adoration was short-lived and their commitment shallow, for in a few days they would do nothing to stop His crucifixion. Devotion based on curiosity or popularity fades quickly."

God, helps us to be committed to You, not only for what You do, but for Who You are! Thank You for being our Savior, our Helper in Times of Trouble, our Friend. You are the great I AM!

Printable Issue 3762  Today is Tuesday, March 27th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3762

This is a writing by Max Lucado which I received last week. I really liked it! I emailed it to a friend who is sick. But it is a good one whether we are sick or well!


Remember Who You Are

"Remember what you are worth! The Bible says, 'You were bought, not with something that ruins like gold or silver, but with the precious blood of Christ.......' (I Peter 1:18).

"Ever feel like you have nothing? Just look at the gifts he has given you. His Holy Spirit to dwell in you, his church to encourage you, and his Word to guide you. You have been chosen by Christ. He has claimed you as his beloved. You are spoken for, engaged, set apart, called out, a holy bride! Be obsessed with your wedding date. Be intolerant of memory lapses. Write yourself notes. Do whatever you need to do to 'aim at what is in heaven, to think about only the things in heaven' (Colossians 3:1-20).

You are engaged to Royalty----and your prince is coming to take you home!"


***

Printable Issue 3763  Today is Wednesday, March 28th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3763

I just got done reading "Giving It All Away (and getting it all back again)" by David Green. He and his family are the founders and owners of Hobby Lobby.

The Green family has always put God first in the operation of this growing, successful business. They have chosen to operate by Biblical principles. We are all more than aware that Hobby Lobby stores are not open on Sundays to honor God and support Sundays for families to spend time together.

From the beginning, David and his wife Barbara have tithed (10% of their income) to God.

From the book:

"As I was growing up, I'd hear my dad say, 'Ninety is greater than a hundred.'

"I remember asking him, 'What do you mean by that?'

"He replied, 'Ninety percent with God is more than a hundred percent without Him.'

"The value of giving to God was embedded in our children from their earliest days."

The Green family has ratcheted up that amount of giving, by one percent at a time. Now they are giving away 50% of all the money they earn! Which means millions of dollars annually......

And the company continues to succeed and grow! They are currently opening a new Hobby Lobby location every two months. Have more than 30,000 employees. The Green family are 'employees' like the rest of their workers. Because it is a business 'owned by God', should any future generations of Greens want to sell the business or portions of it, it will go to Christian-based entities, not to them. It doesn't belong to them!

Sometimes David is asked 'how many stores are enough?' He says, "It is just fun to see how much more God wants us to do. And how much more we can give away to do His work!"

According to Green, Hobby Lobby isn't one of the largest corporations, but it one of the most profitable. He believes it has to do with 'basing their efforts on God and what He teaches'.


Printable Issue 3764  Today is Thursday, March 29th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3764

Something taken from a facebook page, and posted by my long-time friend Sharon:


Science says that we need at least four basic elements to survive:

1) Water;

2) Air;

3) Food;

4) Light.


The Bible tells us about Jesus:

1) 'I am the source of Living Water';

2) 'I am the Breath of Life';

3) 'I am the Bread of Life';

4) 'I am the Light of the World'.


Science was right, we need Jesus to live!

~ Lury

***

Printable Issue 3765  Today is Friday, March 30th, 2018; Karen's Korner #3765

In a couple of days, the men's NCAA basketball tournament resumes. Right now there are four teams vying for the slot to be the 'winner'. Only one! All the rest of the teams which have won many, many games will all be 'losers'.

So goes the 'world's economy'. Only a handful make it to the top of their educational pursuits. Go on 'Wheel of Fortune' or "Price is Right' and there is only one big winner. Powerball! Wow! That is another story....there might not be any winners. And if there is:  only one or two out of millions of losers.

Here we are at Good Friday. Jesus was about to become the 'biggest loser' in the course of history. Or so the religious and government leaders thought. They decided to crucify him to get rid of their problem.

But the plan shifted on Easter. The 'big loser' became the 'biggest winner' in the course of history. Jesus returned to life!

Why did He do it? John 3:16 & 17 says, "For God so loved the world (me and you) that He gave His only Son so that anyone (that's us!) who believes in Him shall not perish (just like Jesus!) but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it (we are losers!) but to save it!"

If we believe those verses and accept Jesus, we know that we have been turned from losers to winners...w are saved for all eternity!

Not just a few of us are winners! We are all winners!

Congratulations, winners, it is Good Friday, which turns into Easter.

It's a good day to remind ourselves.......not only who we are but 'whose' we are!

Tell someone else, too.

Sometimes we have a tendency to forget.......