Issue #1,169 September 3,2004 Little Things
Those of you who read the html version of Gleanings From The Word, got a scrambled version showing all the html code yesterday. It can out all messed up simply because I missed putting in a single character. There was no "<" in front of the "html" command.
Now if you're not into writing code, that means very little. To the computer it meant a great deal. Without that first character the computer didn't know to convert all those extra characters into the right language for Gleanings to come out looking right and you got what looked like gobbley-gook.
Sometimes it's the little things that make a huge difference.
Sometimes the difference can be found in subtle differences in the English language, such as whether the definite article "the" is used or an indefinite article such as "a". Let me demonstrate with a couple of examples from God's Word.
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
John 14:6-7 NIVThe way, the truth and the life all show something specific. Jesus was clear that he was not a way, a truth and a life. That means He is the only, not one of multiple options. He makes a specific claim here. "The" not "a" shows a huge difference in the claims of Jesus over other faiths.
We see the same principle at work in the next verse. Once again, look for "the" meaning the one and only not one of a variety.
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
John 11:25-26 NIVJesus is making an exclusive, not inclusive claim. Little words can make huge differences.
"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
John 8:58 NIVIn this case Jesus is talking with a hostile crowd of Jews. His claim "I am" was understood by them to mean Jesus was saying He is God. God is the great "I am". That means, he isn't just the I was (the God of yesterday) or the I will be (the God of tomorrow). He is the I Am. He was God yesterday (and forever before that), He is the God we can rely on today, and He is the God we can trust in tomorrow (and for eternity beyond). That little word "am" carries with it a huge punch, both from a theological perspective and from a practical day-to-day, grab hold of God perspective.
Until next time, watch out for the small stuff. It can make a huge difference.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed
Kevin
Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. You have value in the eyes of God so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that heaven will not be complete without you.
HELP FOR THE HURTING
Do you know Jesus? I don't mean do you know about Jesus. Many people know about Jesus but don't have a personal relationship with Him.
It sounds like a small difference, but in reality there is a huge difference. You see without knowing Jesus, without that one on one personal relationship with Him, your sins can never be forgiven. Without knowing Him, you can never be filled with Holy Spirit or empowered, anointed and gifted the way God intends for you to be. Without knowing Him you face eternity in hell.
Knowing Him brings huge rewards. Knowing about Him means nothing more than a little knowledge. It does nothing to help you through all of life's pain and struggles.
If you don't know Him, or aren't certain that you do, it is time to make the introduction. Take the time, right now, to ask Jesus to be Lord of your life. It's a decision that you'll never regret.
You can simply begin the relationship by honestly and completely opening your heart; admitting you need God's help; turning away from your sin and saying a prayer along the lines of the one below. There isn't any "magic" in the prayer; it's simply a way to open up to the gift that Jesus already bought for you with His very life. You can't earn it. You don't deserve it. He freely offers it to all who will accept it.
Jesus:
I have made many mistakes in my life and done things I am not proud of. I have sinned. I need your love and forgiveness. I believe that you came into this world and gave your life on a cross to pay for my sins and that you defeated death and rose again. Please forgive me, and be the Lord of my life. I give my life to you Lord.
Amen
NEED PRAYER? GOT QUESTIONS?
If you're in need of prayer or answers to questions about the faith email us
SUPPORT OUR MINISTRY
Gleanings From The Word is distributed free of charge, six days a week to readers in more than 180 countries. It reaches into homes, hospitals, care centers, prisons and many other places. People comment regularly on how God has used Gleanings to change their lives, bring them to know Christ or brought them through difficult times.
While we offer Gleanings free to anyone who asks, that does not mean it is without cost to produce. We request that you prayerfully consider supporting us in prayer and with your finances. While we are unable to provide tax receipts at this time, we are registered as a non-profit corporation. Please know that your gift of any amount is appreciated and will pay eternal dividends.
Please make cheques payable to: Gleanings From The Word Ministries International
and send them to 114 Oak St, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada T8A 0V8Thank You.
BACK ISSUES
Looking for a previous issue of Gleanings From The Word? Selected back issues are available on our website
SHARING GLEANINGS
If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. Better still, get their permission and sign them up for their own subscription, after all it's free.
We do not rent, sell, trade or share our mailing list with anyone. Your email address is kept completely confidential. We also send no forms of unsolicited email.
For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page on our website.
CONTACT US
To share your questions, comments, thoughts, prayer concerns and praise reports:
you can email us
Or you can write to us at
Gleanings From The Word Ministries International
114 Oak St Sherwood Park, AB Canada T8A 0V8© 2001-2004 Gleanings From The Word Ministries International - All Rights Reserved
