Another of Allen Jackson’s “Let’s Pray for AMERICA”; Thirty Prayers for Our Nations’ Future:
 

FOR HEALTH
 
“I will bring health and healing to it;
I will heal my people
and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”
~ Jeremiah 33:6

 
“Healing is a consistent part of God’s interaction with humanity.  From the opening chapters of the Bible to its conclusion. God’s healing power plays an important part of His invitation. For forty years in the desert, God kept the Exodus generation from getting sick. Jesus gave sight to the blind, strength to the lame, and hearing to the deaf. But He didn’t stop with physical ailments. He also brought freedom and wholeness to minds and broken spirits---casting out deception, hopelessness, rejection, and mind torturing demons. To make a true impact to our culture and expand God’s Kingdom, the twenty-first century American Church needs to believe in experience God’s healing power.
 
“God created every living thing to heal. So when we ask God to bring healing to our bodies and minds, we’re doing something that is completely consistent with His character. Let’s ask the God who created us to make us whole again. Whatever need you, a friend, or a family member may have, now is a wonderful time to simply say, ‘Lord, we receive Your life, Your healing, Your wholeness, and Your peace. Amen.”
 

LET’S PRAY

 
“Father, thank You for Your great love for us and for Your healing power that has been expressed toward us. You are a God who delivers, redeems, restores, and renews, and we praise You. Thank You that You deliver men and women from darkness and sickness today, just as You delivered so many in the Bible. We pray for health for our bodies, for sound minds, and for Your protection and healing over us. We also pray for healing over all that ails our nation. May we know that we stand because of Your divine power and supernatural strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.
 

****

Yesterday's Max Lucado. Always good ones! So many things we can't do!!

CHRIST DOES WHAT WE CAN'T

"The crowd followed Jesus around the Sea of Galilee. The 15,000 people—5,000 men plus women and children—were hungry. Philip and Andrew counted the hungry people. They counted the money in their bag. They counted the amount of fish and bread.

"They did not, however, count on Christ. And he was standing right there! Yet the idea of soliciting his help did not dawn on them. Even so, Jesus went right to work. “Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to those who were seated…and as much fish as they were wanting, too” (John 6:11). The impossible task of feeding all these people became the unforgettable miracle of all these people fed.

"What we cannot do, Christ does. The problems we face are opportunities for Christ to prove his point. Remember friends, you are never alone!"

***

 Today's Karen's Korner is from October, nine years ago. I like it!

It refers to our local group of Marys and Marthas. Our group is still going; in our 25th year! In fact we had our monthly meeting yesterday.

It says, 'seventeen years'. You do the math. I think it should have said 'soxteem'!

Today is Wednesday, October 4th, 2017; Karen's Korner #3658

"Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better.

If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone, he's in trouble."

~ Ecclesiastes 4:9 & 10 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  "There are advantages to cooperating with others. Life is not designed for isolation, but companionship; not for loneliness, but for intimacy. Some people prefer isolation because they feel they cannot trust anyone. But we are not here on earth to serve ourselves, but to serve God and others. Don't isolate yourself from others and 'go it alone'. Seek companionship; be a team member."

*

Over a number of years, I have been asked to talk to groups of people about Clarion's Marys & Marthas (M & Ms), of which I am a part. One of my closing comments has been something I once heard:  "It is said that one horse can pull five tons; pair that horse with another horse of similar size and together they can pull 32 tons!"

The Marys & Marthas have learned over our nearly seventeen years, we can accomplish so much more together than we could have ever done as an individual. Pulling together is one of the keys.

God knew it. He designed it!

Another entry from Allen Jackson’s “Let’s Pray for America”; Thirty Prayers for Our Nation’s Future.
October is Fire Fighters’ Month!

“FOR OUR FIRST RESPONDERS AND MILITARY”
“Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid;
do not be discouraged,
for the Lord, your God
will be with you wherever you go.”
~ Joshua 1:9

 
“For more than two centuries, we have been a nation that stands for freedom and liberty, and our first responders and military members are the warriors who have stood on the front lines. From the beaches of Normandy to the jungles of Vietnam and the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, our Navy, Air Force, Army, Marines, and Coast Guard have fought for freedom and defended our country. Our fighters have been on call, running into destruction and chaos---from the Great Fire of Chicago to the World Trade Center of 9/11. Our EMTs and police officers have protected and served this nation with sacrifice and honor, even when others didn’t have the decency to say, ‘Thank you.’ Our doctors, nurses, and medical professionals have bravely faced pandemics---from cholera and measles to COVID-19.

“If anyone has embraced God’s command to Joshua to ‘be strong and courageous’, it’s these people. When you see them, thank them for their faithfulness and their service. Remember the sacrifices they make to protect us. And when we see their vehicles with flashing lights coming to assist those in need, let’s be faithful to pray."

LET’S PRAY

“Heavenly Father, we pray today for those assigned by You to watch over us: our military, police, firefighters, and emergency medical teams. Give them wisdom and reward them for their sacrifices and service. Provide wise leaders to direct and support their efforts, and comfort their families. Almighty God, we know only You can establish us in peace and safety. We ask You to bless and protect those who bless and protect us. In Jesus’ name. amen.”

***

As our congregation waits for our next minister to come to serve us, we are having guest speakers. Yesterday’s was a ‘new’ former pastor, Mark Young.

His topic was “The Gift of the Church”. As a guest for several weeks, Mark is taking us through the book of Ephesians. Yesterday’s was taken from Ephesians 3:10 – 21. Read it if you have time!

He named ‘4 things you experience by being a part of God’s church':

1. It is through the church the Holy Spirit strengthens and empowers you.
2. It is through the church you experience true faith!
3. It is through the church you experience true love.
4. It is through the church you experience the fullness of God.

“May God be given glory
forever and ever through endless ages
because of His master plan of salvation
for the Church through Jesus Christ.”

*

“Thank You, God, for the Church.
For being part of Your forever family.
For being with others.
For being with You.
Amen.”

I am reading Michael Medved's book titled “The American Miracle”; divine providence in the rise of the republic.

Amazing stories as the United States of America is finishing celebrating 250 years in 2026!

It should never have happened! From George Washington, through Sam Houston, Abraham Lincoln and many others. Most (maybe all!) men have been underdogs: had limited abilities and/or resources. Still we prevailed.

Not done with my reading yet. I am mid-section of Lincoln. What a sad, sad man. Still he did an overwhelming job.

And God has been ‘in’ everything that has happened to us as a country!

*
“Under God”
was added to our Pledge of Allegiance” in 1954.
It was to distinguish the United States
from the official atheistic language of the Soviet Union
during the Cold War.
Following campaigns by religious groups
like the Knights of Columbus,
Congress passed the change,
which was signed into law by President Eisenhower.
It was to emphasis our nation’s spiritual and moral foundation.”
(taken from Google)

*
God,
You have blessed our country mightily
over the past 250 years.
Due in part, because we have blessed You!
We continue to bless You,
as You have everything under Your Control.
Lead us.
Guide us.
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen.

Got this little book in the mail yesterday from Allen Jackson ministries. It is titled “Let’s Pray for AMERICA”; Thirty Prayers for Our Nation’s Future.

Here is one of them:

FOR PROTECTION OF OUR LAND

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”
~ Psalm 34:7

 
“We have a uniquely beautiful nation with miles upon miles of scenic beaches and great lakes. We have majestic mountain ranges and vast deserts, great plains and picturesque forests. It’s an exceptional nation filled with space and resources. There is not another place on Earth, that even remotely resembles what we take for granted.
 
“It’s true we have seen many tragedies in our nation’s history----wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wars, and pandemics----but through great loss, we have endured. God has blessed America, and as our world spins toward instability and chaos, let’s be diligent to pray for God to protect this great land from storms and harm as may not foresee. Let’s ask Him to place His angels around our homes, our cities, our businesses, our natural resources, our borders, and our beautiful landscapes and vistas---that any threat to life or property would be diminished. He is sovereign Lord over all the earth, and He is our Protection.

LET’S PRAY
 
“Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Protector. We rejoice in it, and we declare that no disaster will overtake us. We dwell under the shadow of Your protection. Thank You for watching over our homes, our communities and the great nation we call home. You are our refuge and security. Protect this land and its people from the threats of weather, natural disaster, and strife. The winds and the waves answer to You, and we pray that You would intervene in whatever storms and challenges we may face now and in the future.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
 
***

This Isaiah Bible verse is familiar to many of us. It talks about ‘waiting’. God sometimes asks us to wait. We don’t like waiting: for the weather to change; for our finances to improve; for changes in a relationship or two; for the world situation to improve; for the political campaign ads to end!

Here is something God says:

 
"He (God) gives power to the tired and worn out,
and strength to the weak.
Even the youth shall be exhausted,
and the young men will all give up.
But they that wait upon the Lord
shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint."

~ Isaiah 40:29 - 31 LAB

*

Bible Commentary:  "Even the strongest people get tired at times, but God's power and strength never diminish. He is never too tired or too busy to help and listen. His strength is our source of strength. When we feel all of life crushing us, and we cannot go another step, we need to remember that we can call upon God to renew our strength.
 
“We all need regular times to listen to God. Waiting on the Lord is expecting his promised strength to help us rise above distractions and difficulties. Listening to God helps us to be prepared for when he speaks to us, to be patient when he asks us to wait, and to expect him to fulfill the promises found in the Bible.”

***

Yesterday's Max Lucado. It is a good one!

STUDIO OF DIVINE ART

"Do your days feel like a hike on an Appalachian Trail in winter? A struggle to place one foot in front of the other? If so, I urge you friend, hang on, hang on. Don’t give up. Help is here. It may not come in the manner you requested or as quickly as you desire, but it will come.

"Assume that something good is going to happen. The door of tomorrow is unlocked from the inside. Just turn the knob and step out. The divine artist isn’t finished. The earth is his studio. Every person on earth is one of his projects. Every event on earth is a part of his great mural. He is not finished. The scripture says in Philippians 1:6 (NCV), “God began doing a good work in you, and I’m sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.” Remember friend, you are never alone."

****

As rainy as it was last week, I didn’t get out to check my garden like I sometimes do. It seems like my cantaloupe can go from green to orange pretty fast.

My ‘sort of green’ ones move to ‘orange’ in about two days. As I grabbed to pick the ‘ripe’ one, it about disintegrated in my hand. Notoriously, once the outsides turn the least little bit orange, a few black bugs make their way into the stem.

Not this time, the entourage of black bugs had made their way into the fruit and had completely eaten the insides! Leaving nothing but the shell!!

I couldn’t help bug think about our lives and minor things that ‘infest’ our lives, either in thoughts or deeds, which can eventually ‘eat away’ at us!

Only one cure:  God helping us!

We need to give the ‘black bugs’ to Him. Let Him help handle it for us! We don’t have to be
hollowed out by things that tempt us to be ‘eaten alive’. We don’t have to do this ‘thing called life’ alone. He wants to help us; to take care of us; to love us unconditionally!

He wants us to bear good fruit for Him and His Kingdom!
 

Lord,
Thank You that You want to take care of every detail of our lives.
Thank for the way that You want to take care of us.
Forgive us for all the ways that we want to do things ourselves.
Thank You for Your Love and Care………
Just for today!
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen.