Christmas The Beginning

Isaiah 9:6-7, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." NIV

Matthew 1:18-24, "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:  His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeard to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. 
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel" which means, "God with us."
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.  Be he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son.  And he gave him the name Jesus." NIV

Isaiah 53, "Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?  He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground.  He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.  He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.  Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised , and we esteemed him not.  Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.  But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.  We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.  He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.  By oppression and judgment, he was taken away.  And who can speak of his descendants?  For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of my people he was stricken.  He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.  Yet it was the LORD'S will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.  After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life, and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.  Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors.  For he bore the sin of many, and he made intercession for the transgressors." NIV

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

www.karenejklein.com

Prayers for Your Children

Do you know the cure for worry? It is having faith in Jesus and prayer.  I am always worrying about my son.  His health, his safety and so on.  When John was around the age of 12 he went to a Christian middle school.  There was a group of moms that would meet once a week called "Mom's In Touch".  We would pray together for our children using a Bible verse.  It was really great to pray the Scriptures over our children.  I came away from that group with a really nice friend named Lisa, who I still pray with over the phone to this day. When you read a Bible verse and pray just insert the name of your son or daughter in the blank space. Here are some of the Bible verses that I still pray over my son today:
 
Psalm 1:1, "Bless and keep_____, so the he will not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers."

Psalm 37:40, "When _____is set upon by bullies or assaulted by other wickedness, please help him and deliver him.  Deliver him from the wicked and save him, because he takes refuge in you."

Psalm 121:3-8, "Watch over______life.  Do not slumber or sleep, but keep him from all harm.  Watch over his life, his coming and going, both now and forevermore."

Job 1:10, "Put a hedge of protection and blessing around______and everything he has."

Matthew 6:8; Romans 8:28, "You know our needs even before we ask you, Lord, and you promise to work in all things for the good of those who love you.  Handpick each one of_______teachers, and surround him with classmates of your choosing."

Ephesians 5:15-17, "Let________be careful and wise in how he lives, making the most of every opportunity and understanding your will for his life."

Proverbs 19:21, "No matter what________is planning in his heart, let your purpose prevail in his life."

1 Corinthians 2:9; Isaiah 64:4, "Thank you that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what you have prepared for_________because he loves you.  Cause him to be willing to wait on you, and act on his behalf."

John 3:16, "Thank you for loving_______so much that you gave your one and only Son, that when _____believes in him he will not perish but have eternal life."

Colossians 2:6-7, "I pray that_______would continue to live in Christ, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as he was taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

Titus 2:6-8, "Help_____to be self-controlled.  Let him show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose the gospel may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about him."

2 Timothy 1:7, "Do not give_______a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline."

So when you pray the Bible verse or verses over your child know that the Lord hears your prayers.  Do this everyday when you have a quiet moment. You will find that the worry that seems to come with being a mother lessens and is replaced with faith in the Lord above to care for your child.

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus, I pray for all the mother's out there who worry about their children.  I pray that You would comfort them and take their worry away.  In Jesus' name. Amen.

www.karenejklein.com

Angels

Hebrews 1:14, "The angels are spirits who serve God and are sent to help those who will receive salvation."

Matthew 18:10, "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones.  For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven."

2 Corinthians 11:13-15, "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ.  And no worder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.  It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.  Their end will be what their actions deserve."

Revelation 12:7-9, "And there was war in heaven.  Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.  But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven.  The great dragon was hurled down--that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.  He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him."

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus, I pray for all those who have prayed for You Lord Jesus to come into their hearts.  I pray Your protection will be over them.  I bind Satan's power in Jesus' name for Satan is not welcome here, and I say to leave and not bother us anymore, in Jesus' name.  I pray on this halloween night that Jesus will be with us protecting us all and that fear will leave. I pray for those who are deceived that You Lord Jesus will visit them in a dream, I pray they will listen to Jesus and that the spiritual blindness will fall from their eyes, and then they will see the truth.  I pray Lord that those who are deceived will see the truth that only comes from You, Christ Jesus.  I pray this through Jesus' name. Amen.

www.karenejklein.com

Real Jesus?

Matthew 24:4-5, "Jesus answered, Watch out that no one deceives you.  For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ and will deceive many.'"

Matthew 24-23-25, Jesus says, "At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it.  For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible.  See I have told you ahead of time."

Galations 1:6-9, "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--which is really no gospel at all.  Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.  But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!  As we have already said, so now I say again:  If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!"

Above there are two paintings of Jesus.  They both look like Jesus.  They both call themselves Jesus. One is real, one is false.  Do you know how to tell the difference?  The Bible warns us of false Christs.  The first place to know if you have the real Jesus is to read the Bible.  This is the ONLY place you will find the real Jesus.  Many people I know do not think the Bible is the inerrant Word of God so they only take the words in the Bible with a grain of salt.  That just breaks my heart because they are so deceived and are following the words of people instead of the Word of God.  Words have meanings and when someone preaches a "different gospel" many times they will use the same words that are in the Bible.  They will twist the meanings and so they may sound Christian, but in fact are far from it. For example: In Mormonism they use the words Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  As a born again Christian I hear those words and think, one God, three persons in one God, the Trinity.  One way to explain the Trinity is: You are only one person, yet you consist of a body, a spirit, and a soul, but you are still only one person.  When the Mormon uses the words Father, Son and Holy Spirit they are saying they are three seperate gods, one in thought and purpose.  So the Mormons are preaching a false gospel by using Christian words, but they have changed the meanings. So if anyone tells you that you will be a "god" or they talk of a "Christ Consciousness" and say that Jesus was just a master teacher and a loving, powerful man who walked the earth you are following a false gospel.  The human race is not divine, we are sinners in need of a Savior.  The real Savior who loves you even while you trash His words and trash what He has done for you and me.  So, in conclusion, if someone comes knocking at your door claiming they have Jesus, ask them who they believe Jesus is?  If it doesn't match up with the Jesus in the Bible then you DO NOT have Jesus or His message of grace and salvation. 

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus I ask for Your wisdom and favor.  I pray that Your Word will reach those lost in a false gospel.  I pray that the blanket of deceit will be removed from their eyes and they will see the truth found only in the Bible.  I speak this out loud and I bind this spirit of confusion in the name of Jesus and I say go away for you are not welcome here.  I pray for the salvation of those reading this blog who are not saved.  I pray for those in countries where it is hard to be a Christian and I ask for Your favor and protection on them.  Please Lord keep us all safe and healthy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

www.karenejklein.com

Forever

Tonight we went to a concert to hear a wonderful Christian singer named Laura Story.  She wrote a song called "Mighty to Save" and it is my all time favorite worship praise song.  When I hear this song I get teary eyed it is just so beautiful. Some of the words to Laura's song are, "Savior, He can move the mountain, my God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save.  Forever, author of salvation.  He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave."
When you think about it "Forever, author of salvation. He rose and conquered the grave...."  Jesus is the author of salvation and many times people will try to change His message by re-writing it to suit themselves.  Nevertheless, Jesus is still forever the author of salvation.  Jesus says in the Bible, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  The only way to the Father is through me." John 14:6.

You can listen to Laura Story's music on UTube and Facebook. 

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus, I am so grateful that You are forever the author of salvation!  For You truly are Mighty to Save and You have saved me.  I pray that You will use this blog to save others and bring joy into their lives.  I say these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

www.karenejklein.com

Truth and Light

1 John 1:5-10, NIV, "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you:  God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.  If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin.  If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."

1 John 2: 1-2, NIV, "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin.  But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."

Light and truth go hand in hand.  You cannot have one without the other.  If you don't have the truth found only in the Bible then you can't walk in the light.  Many people think they have "the truth", and think they are walking in the light, but they are not and are sadly being deceived. Don't be one of them.  Read the Bible, and ask the Lord to show you the truth.  I promise you He will.

Salvation is such a wonderful gift.  If you belong to Jesus you will be walking in truth and light. He loves you all so much. 

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus.  Thank you for Your Word and for Your gift of salvation.  I pray for all those who are deceived and I ask that You would open their eyes and show them the truth.  Thank You Father for being so faithful and never leaving us even when we have left You.  Your love is unending and I for one am grateful for Your sacrifice and love.  I say these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

www.karenejklein.com

9/11 Cross

Matthew 5:43-45 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.  He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus, I pray for all those families that lost loved ones on 9/11/2001.  Please give them peace, hope and healing.  I pray for all those widows, widowers and children who lost spouses and parents that day that you would provide for them and heal them. I pray for all those unsaved people that Your love would touch their hearts and that they would choose Jesus. Please heal our land Lord Jesus.  I say these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

www.karenejklein.com

Faith

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 NIV

"By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." Hebrews 11:3 NIV

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus,  I pray for everyone reading this from all over the world.  I pray that the Lord will give you the gift of faith.  I pray for strengthened faith.  I pray for those who are having financial troubles that You, Lord would provide.  I pray for those whose health is failing that You would heal and restore.  I pray for those unsaved that they would ask You to show them the truth, and in so doing they would choose Your gift of salvation.  I say these things in Jesus' name amen.

http://www.karenejklein.com/

Do You Believe in God For Miracles?

"Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 4:14-16

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened."
Matthew 7:7

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus, I pray for those reading this around the world that You would touch them in their lives and give them Your peace.  I pray that they will have faith in You Lord Jesus and that those seeking You will find You.  I pray that millions will give Jesus their hearts and lives and then come miracles from You. I ask that You would hear their cries for help.  I pray Lord that You will perform miracles in the lives of Your people.  Thank You for the miracles you have brought about in my life.  I am eternally grateful for them and think of them when I need encouragement.  I pray for healing of diseases and I also pray for restoration of marriages, finances.  I ask that You would also heal our land here in America that there would be a turning away from evil and a turning towards Jesus found only in the Bible.  Thank You for Your mercy.  In Jesus' name. Amen.

www.karenejklein.com

By Their Fruit You Will Recognize Them

I was watching "The O'Reilly Factor" last night on television.  Bill O'Reilly and his guest, I think her name is Sally Quinn, were talking about the man who murdered a lot of people in Norway.  Sally said that it was reported that this man is a Christian and we just have to take his word on it.  Why do we have to take his word on it?  Does this man, Anders Behring Breivik bear good fruit or bad fruit?  Answer: Bad fruit.

"Watch out for false prophets.  They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  By their fruit you will recognize them.  Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."  Matthew 7:15-20 NIV

"I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.  If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.  This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John15:5-8 NIV

Let's pray,  Dear Lord Jesus, I pray for the people of Norway in this sad, difficult time.  I pray that You would  comfort them.  I pray for those people who have lost loved ones and parents who have lost their children.  I ask Lord that You would help them get through their grief and give them hope for there is hope in You.  I say these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

www.karenejklein.com

Why is Love and Marriage a Beautiful Thing?

Genesis 2:23-24, "The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." NIV

Mark 10:5-9, "It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law, "Jesus replied.  "But at the beginning of creation God made them male and female.  For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.  So they are no longer two, but one.  Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." NIV

Ephesians 5:31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." NIV

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus, I lift up everyone who is reading this around the world, for there are many of you.  I pray for their marriages that You, Jesus would be invited to come and be in the center of those marriages.  Please protect marriage and protect Your people.  Please bless Your people and keep us safe and healthy.  I say these things in Jesus' name.  Amen.

www.karenejklein.com

Can You Paint The Wind?

I was sitting in my car the other day waiting for my son.  It was a beautiful, sunny, windy day.  The trees were swaying so gracefully in the wind.  As I watched those trees it brought me back to a day in 1991.  My dad was dying of cancer. My mom,  myself and our pastor the Reverend Cully Anderson were in the hospital cafeteria.  There were lots of big windows all around the cafeteria and it also was a sunny spring day.  I remember crying about missing my dad and all those things father's do for their children.  I was so very heartbroken at the coming loss of my dad.  Pastor Cully said some comforting words that still comfort me to this day.  He asked me to look out the window and notice how the trees are moving in the wind.  Pastor Cully went on to say that the wind is like the spirit, invisible, yet we can see the effect from the wind.  We cannot see the wind itself, but we can feel it and we can see the things it moves. The next day my dad passed on.  Because he was a born-again Christian I know my dad is in heaven with the Lord.  In my grief I found myself taking really long walks.  These walks were so soothing because I would feel the wind on my face and in my hair.  With the gentle wind I felt God's arms wrapping around me and letting me know He was taking care of my dad and me too.  So back to my question, can you paint the wind?  No I cannot paint the wind, but I can paint the effects from the wind.  Our Father in heaven is an awesome God who has created everything on this earth and in the universe.  Our God from the Bible is the only one who can paint the wind. So remember, when you are feeling like God isn't there or He doesn't hear you go outside and feel the wind.  He is there wrapping His arms around you too. 
John 3:8 NIV, "The wind blows where ever it pleases.  You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.  So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
Mark 11:22 NIV, "Have faith in God, Jesus answered."

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus, I pray for anyone who is reading this that they will come to have faith in You.  I pray that You will wrap Your loving arms around them. I pray for anyone reading this who is unsaved.  I pray for your salvation and I remember Jesus' words "Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.  You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born-again.'"  John 3:5-7 NIV.  My prayer for you out there in the world is that you will choose Jesus.  I pray you will choose to be born-again. Ask Jesus into your heart and ask Him to forgive you for your sins.  Jesus loves you and He is waiting to hear from you. I say these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

www.karenejklein.com

Answered Prayers

This is a painting of my dog Amy Rose.  She loves to play soccer so that is why I included her favorite soccer ball.  Amy is such a sweet dog and we really love her.  Back in 2003 when my golden ret. Sophie died suddenly I was heartbroken.  I remember praying that the Lord would bring another sweet golden ret. into our lives.  Well, the Lord answered that prayer and Amy Rose entered our lives.  She and our other little dog, Misty are best friends.  Fast forward to 2011 and Amy Rose started having seizures.  We had an MRI done and it revealed a benign brain tumor.  The surgery  to remove this tumor is pretty expensive and so I prayed that the Lord would provide the money.  Again, the Lord answered my prayer because within two hours of praying I had the money for Amy's surgery.  Amy had her surgery a week ago and she is doing great.  Today I was feeling a little anxious about Amy's future health.  I said out loud to God to please heal her completely and I just need to hear His voice. In the past the Lord has spoken to me through His word and so I opened the Bible.  Many times a verse will pop out and this is what I read: "When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death.  No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." John 11:4.  After I read this all my anxious feelings went away.  I know the Lord's hand is on my Amy Rose.  I know she will be OK because the Lord said "this sickness will not end in death". Talk to the Lord, read the Bible and listen for His still, small voice.  Then rest in the peace that only Jesus can give you.

www.karenejklein.com

I Am The Way

"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."  John 14:6 NIV

Jesus did not say that he is one of many paths to the truth and life.  Jesus said he is the way and the truth and the life.  None of us would go to heaven if it were not for Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.  That one loving sacrifice paid the price for our sins.  It is very simple.  If you want to spend eternity in heaven with God then ask Jesus into your heart and ask Him to forgive you for your sins and to be your Lord and Savior.  After you do that no one can take you away from Him.  You will be saved.  Think about it.  Forever is a very long time.     
 
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.  I and the Father are one." John 10:27-29 NIV

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Perseverance

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.  And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:1-8 (NIV)

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Stuff Happens

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
This past month has been difficult.  I had major surgery, my husband has had some problems with his inner ear and my golden, Amy Rose, had a big seizure.  The good news is my major surgery is over, my husband got medication that is working and my golden is doing well.  We live in a broken world that has sin in it.  Things will be difficult at times. It is just the way of the world.  The comfort you have is what Jesus said.  "We will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world."  We have the assurance that even in hard times Jesus is with us and helping us get through it.  You will get through whatever it is that is happening to you.  Just remember to put your trust and faith in the Jesus of the Bible.  Set aside a little time each day to read your Bible and talk to the Lord.  He speaks to you through the pages of the Bible.  Give Jesus your heart and life and He will give you eternal life.  Remember, Jesus overcame the world.

www.karenejklein.com

Health

The day before I found myself facing major surgery in the hospital was a really good day.  I finished this painting, paid all my bills, did a 5 mile aerobic walk with hand weights, walked my dogs and various other things around the house.  After watching some TV I started to get a little stomach pain.  The pain kept getting worse and I was up all night.  We went to the doctor in the morning and he sent me to the emergency room.  I thought the doctors there would give me some stomach medicine and then send me on my way.  That did not happen.  Gall stones caused my liver enzymes to go up and I have to stay.  I first saw the Lord's hand on me as I asked to use the ladies room.  While I was walking down the hallway I saw my surgeon walking towards me.  He asked me what I was doing here and I said I had some severe stomach pains.  From then on he took over. He is a wonderful doctor so I was happy about that.  I was put into a shared room. The woman who was my roommate was a born again Christian, and years ago our children had been in kindergarten together.  It was nice that I was sharing a room with someone I already knew. God's comforting hand there again. She got to go home pretty quickly.  On Sunday night I was then moved to a private room on the next floor.  I had to have an endoscopy and then I had to have surgery to have my gall bladder removed.  The private room had a beautiful view.  So many people were praying for me and  with each step of this journey each prayer was answered.  Even when I was alone in the hospital our Father in heaven was always there with me.  He always provided the doctors with wisdom and helped me get through all this.  A hospital chaplin came in before my surgery and read  from the Bible. 

"Is anyone of you in trouble? He should pray.  Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise.  Is any one of you sick?  He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well, the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:13-16

"A thousand my fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.  You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.  If you make the Most High your dwelling- even the LORD, who is my refuge-then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.  For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you in in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.  You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.  "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."  Psalm 91:7-16

www.karenejklein.com

Sapphire, Diamonds and a New Creation

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.  And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:4-9 NIV

I enjoyed watching the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.  Now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  I thought Catherine, her dress and jewels were all beautiful.  Prince William looked really handsome too.  I loved all those hats!  Everyone is talking about Catherine's engagement ring with the beautiful sapphire and diamonds. I thought it was very sweet of Prince William to give his mother's ring to his beloved Catherine.  This got me thinking about when you first find a diamond in the ground it is rough and dirty and sometimes cloudy.  You have to polish it and have an expert diamond cutter cut it into a beautiful gem.  Before we accept Christ's gift of salvation we are like a diamond in the rough.  After we are saved and Christ comes to live in our hearts we are a new creation. As we mature in our faith the diamond is polished and cut into a beautiful gem--until it sparkles.  The sparkle is Christ and we are His. He will never leave or forsake us. 

Let's pray:  Thank You Father God for Your free gift of salvation.  We praise Your name and we thank You for all the blessings You have given to us.  I pray that Your hand of protection will be upon us. Please Father, keep us safe and healthy. Thank You for always being there for us.  I say these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

www.karenejklein.com

Happy Easter!

Isaiah 53 (NIV)
"Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?  He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground.  He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.  He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and a familiar with suffering.  Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.  But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.  We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.  He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.  By oppression and judgement, he was taken away.  And who can speak of his descendants?  For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of my people he was stricken.  He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.  Yet it was the LORD'S will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.  After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.  Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors.  For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

May you all have a happy and blessed Easter!

www.karenejklein.com

Pray and Rejoice!

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)
God hears all our prayers, even the most simple ones.  The summer of 1995 was terrible.  I had an abnormal mammogram and my mother had a small heart attack. After my mother's heart attack we stayed with her to help out.  One afternoon I took my beautiful golden, named Ashley for a walk.  Many times when I walk my dogs I will silently pray. I was alone and as I passed by the houses on one street I said to God, "I wish we could afford to live here.  Any one of these houses would do Lord, this one, or that one."  Then I turned to this really cute home and I said to God, "That is a really pretty house Lord, I would love to live there."  I continued on my walk and didn't think much more about it.  Two years later in 1997 we were able to move to that neighborhood.  Our realtor brought us to look at a really pretty house and when we walked into it we immediately felt like this was "home".  It was the house that I had prayed for two years earlier.  We moved in about two months later. It was so nice that the Lord heard my little prayer and I am still rejoicing and still thankful to Him.  This beautiful home is truly a gift from God.
No prayer is too small  for God.  He wants to hear from you.  God wants to bless you.  Talk to Him!

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus, I lift up the people who are reading this devotional.  I pray that they will talk to You Lord and I pray that their hearts will be open to what You have to say.  I pray that those reading this will ask Jesus into their hearts to be their Lord and Savior.  Please keep us safe and healthy Lord.  Thank You for answering our prayers, for You are always there ready to listen and ready to rescue us.

www.karenejklein.com

Can You Trust Your Feelings?

Feelings.  We have so many feelings.  Happy, sad, angry, hurt, comfort.  Do you base your faith on feelings?  I am an ex-Mormon, now born-again Christian, but when I was going through the Mormon missionary lessoms they asked me to read The Book of Mormon.  The Mormon missionaries asked me to pray with a sincere heart and if I did that I would get a "feeling" of a "burning in my bosom".  It was that "feeling" of burning in my bosom that was supposed to let me know that The Book of Mormon was true.  Unfortunately, feelings can deceive you and this "burning in your bosom" is one of many deceptive feelings.  Many people involved with Mormonism, New Age, Jehovah Witness, etc. are deceived into thinking that are Christians.  Their leaders want to give them a good, happy, comfort "feeling" that all is well. This subjective feeling will fade and then what?  They go back for another dose of  postive "feeling", but then they are left anxious and frustrated over and over again.  It never ends. This is spiritual bondage and you can get out of it by asking Jesus into your heart, to forgive you of your sins and to be your Lord and Savior.  Jesus said in John 5:39-40, "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."
 
In John 10:27-30, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.  I and the Father are one."

In Galations 1:6-9,  "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--which is really no gospel at all.  Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.  But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned.  As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!"

If you are one of those people who trust your feelings then I would like to challenge you to prove me wrong.  Go get a Bible and start with the Gospel of John and read the Bible like you were a child.  Ask God to show you the truth.

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus, I lift up the people who are reading this blog today.  I pray that they will not be in confusion.  I pray that they will know You and the truth found in Your Word.  I would also like to pray for the people of Japan.  I pray that You will provide healing for their land and provide food, water, and electricity.  I pray that the nuclear plants will not have a meltdown.  Please keep us all safe and healthy. I say these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
God bless you all.  Have a great day.

www.karenejklein.com

Fame

Fame. Why do people want it?  Why do people admire it?  Think about it.  Unless you have Christ in your heart fame can become bondage.  Famous people can't go out to the store and relax or go on vacation with their families because there is always someone with a camera to take their picture and criticize them.  They have to constantly worry about their children and the telescopic lens of a distant camera. Their life becomes lonely and they can't trust new people in their lives.  Everyone wants to be their friend.  Not because they like them as a person, but because of what the famous person can do for them.  Famous people most likely have lots of money and that becomes their security.  As you look at my painting of this "famous" ballet dancer she has just given her life to Christ and has taken off her (4 sizes smaller than your regular shoe size) dancing shoes and is finally free to walk and not feel lonely and afraid.  The weight of the world is now off her shoulders.  Her security is not in her fame or money, but in the Jesus, found only in the Bible, who made her and loves her more than we can ever imagine. 

"But seek first his kingdomn and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  Matthew 6:32-33

"Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you.  Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29

Lets pray:  Dear Lord Jesus, I lift up everyone who is reading this blog today.  I pray for famous people in the world and I pray You would touch their hearts and soften their hearts so that they may come to know You.  I pray for everyone that they will not envy famous people and wish that their life was like that.  I pray that Your contentment would touch our hearts and keep us in Your ways.  I pray that we will seek You first in all things. Please keep us all safe and healthy.  I say these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

www.karenejklein.com

Which Road Will You Choose?



In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few will find it." 

Which road will you choose the wide gate that leads to destruction and hell or the narrow gate that leads to comfort and heaven?   In this painting the young woman has a choice to make. She is walking down the road and comes to a turning point as she starts towards the wide gate she thinks it will be okay because the wide gate is lit up a little, but then she hears the Good News of Jesus in the Bible and chooses Him.  She goes toward the narrow gate.  The light of Jesus is wrapping Himself around her protecting her from destruction. She accepts the gift of salvation in Jesus and is saved.

If you haven't already then I would urge you without delay to ask Jesus into your heart. Ask Jesus to forgive you from your sins and to be Lord of your life. Get a Bible and start reading it and find a Bible teaching church.

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus I pray for those who have just become born again Christians.  Please protect them from evil and help them have a joyous life in You.  Right now I bind Satan's powers and cast it out in Jesus' name.  Thank You Lord Jesus for your sacrifice on the cross and for loving us and saving us.  I say these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

www.karenejklein.com

Do Not Lose Heart

How many of you can raise your leg high and rest it gracefully on a ballet dance bar?  Probably some of us could although maybe not so graceful.  In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV it says, "Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal."

In this earthly life we will get sick and our bodies will not always do what we it to do.  When you are a born-again Christian the Lord says to not lose heart becasue these mometary troubles are preparing us for our forever in heaven.  We need to not be weary because what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal. 
Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus I pray for all of those who are sick or experiencing difficult times.  I pray that they will put their faith and trust in You and not lose heart.  I pray for healing for anyone reading this and I pray that the Lord would deliver you from fear and anxiety.  I pray for the salvation of my unsaved friends and family.  Thank You Lord Jesus for Your sacrifice and for always loving us.  I say these things in Jesus' holy name. Amen.

I hope you all have a happy Sunday!
Blessings,
Karen EJ Klein

www.karenejklein.com

Who Do You Worship?

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--which is really no gospel at all.  Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.  But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other then the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemed!  As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!" Galatians 1:6-9 NIV

There are so many different cults today.  Many will tell you there is no hell and so you need not worry. Some will tell you that you can become a "god" or that there is the "god within" making you and everything a "god". Some will tell you all paths lead to God.  They don't.  I really don't understand why anyone would even want to be God.  I have accepted His gift of Salvation and want His protection and favor.  I do not want to compete with Him.  I love the Lord Jesus very much and I am very grateful to the Him for all the blessings He has given me.  If you are worshipping a Jesus that is not found in the Bible then you are on the road to hell.  I encourage you to pray to the Lord found only in the Bible and ask Him to show you the truth.  Go get a Bible and start reading it.  I guarantee you He will show you the truth. Ask Jesus to come into your heart. Ask Him to forgive you for your sins and be your Lord and Savior.

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus I lift up whoever is reading this blog today.  I pray that You will show them the truth.  If they are in a cult I pray that You Lord would take the blanket from their eyes and show them that they are on the road to destruction.  I pray for their salvation and I pray Lord Jesus that they will choose You.  Please keep us all safe and healthy.  Is say these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Have a great day. Blessings, Karen EJ Klein

 

www.karenejklein.com

 

Ever Feel Afraid?

Do you ever feel afraid like this cat who has just been told, "We're going to the Vet!".  We live in a world filled with fear, but we don't have to live with fear.  "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7.  As a Christian I am assured that no matter what happens in my life Jesus, my Lord is with me.  When panic and fear comes your way have faith.  Stay focused on God's promise.  He will give you His peace.

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus I pray for anyone who has been tormented and chained by fear.  I bind that spirit of fear in Jesus' name and I say to that fear be gone and never come back for you do not have permission to come around me.  I pray that we will not depend on our feelings, but on You.  I pray for Your wisdom and favor and I pray that Your truth that comes from Your Word will prevail.  I submit my life completely to You dear Lord Jesus and thank You that You are with me always.  I say these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

www.karenejklein.com

Who is the Lord of Your Dance?

When I was a teenager in the high school group at my Christian church we used to sing praise songs. There was one song in particular that is called "Lord of the Dance" I don't know who wrote it, but it is in my "Here Comes the Son Maranatha Song Book".  The refrain or chours goes something like this:

"Dance then wherever you may be,

I am the Lord of the Dance said He,

And I'll lead you all

Wherever you may be,

And I'll lead you all

In the dance said He."

Who is the Lord of your dance?  Do you know Jesus?  He loves you and would love to lead you wherever you may be.

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus, I pray for my unsaved friends and family.  I pray for unsaved people all over the world.  Please soften their hearts Lord and reveal Yourself to them. I pray that this blog will be a blessing and will glorify You Lord Jesus. I say this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Blessings,

Karen EJ Klein

www.karenejklein.com
 

Freedom

Ever run on the beach?  Do you love the cool wind on your face and in your hair?  I do.  Running on the beach  feels much like the freedom we have in Jesus.  When you come to Him with your sins, problems and fears He takes it all away. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16. 

"The wind blows wherever it pleases.  You hear its sound, but  you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.  So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." John 3:8

My prayer for you:  Dear Lord Jesus, I lift up everyone who is reading this right  now.  I pray for all my unsaved friends and family.  I pray Lord that they will choose You. I pray that the powers of darkness would not have a hold on them and I bind that evil in Jesus' name and cast it out in Jesus' name.  I pray that You will give us wisdom and I also ask for Your favor Lord.  Please keep us all safe and healthy.  I say these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Have a wonderful day!
Karen EJ Klein

www.karenejklein.com

A New Journey

When I create a painting it starts with a picture that the Lord places in my mind. I have a very romantic nature and love to paint the English countryside, long flowing hair and animals.  This painting is called "I Have Something to Ask You".  You can see the little jewelry box in the young man's hand and the church in the background so you can only imagine what he is going to ask her.  When I was done with this painting I thought it looked a little like Prince William and his Kate.  It also looks like the back of my son. It really could be anyone--even you and your beloved.  This painting is a tribute to Christ centered marriage.  It reflects the joy and anticipation that each couple getting married hopes for.

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.  However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." Ephesians 5:31-33 ESV

When Christ is at the center of your marriage you will have a love that is unconditional and enduring because it is Christ that supplies that love.  Without Christ your marriage will be dry like the desert.  My prayer for whoever is reading this is the following: 

Dear Lord Jesus, I lift up everyone who is thinking about getting married or who is married.  I pray that You would bless their marriages and be in the center of their marriages. I pray that no one will come between them and that You would protect their marriages.  I pray Lord Jesus that You would protect marriage and keep it true to Your word and design.  I pray that You will bless whoever is reading this with children and much happiness.  I pray for good health and when things get tough I pray that we will remember these words: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV.   I say these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

God bless you and have a lovely day.  Karen EJ Klein

www.karenejklein.com