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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #458 April 9, 2002 AN ODD GOOSE As I walked the dog yesterday, I paused for a while to watch the antics of a small flock of Canada Geese. There were five who seem to be settling in for the season even though the lake is still frozen over. Canada Geese mate for life, so it was kind of odd to see five, not six geese. I don’t know if the odd goose hadn’t mated last year, or if its mate had been killed. One pair of geese has staked out a corner of the island for their nesting ground. The other pair a spot on the mainland, not a wise choice with all the kids, dogs and cats that are visitors to the lake, I hope they change their site before nesting. My heart broke as I watched the odd goose out. It flew over to the island and was viciously driven off by the first pair. It flew over to the second pair and was driven off again. The odd goose then walked out onto the lake about halfway between the two pairs. Its head was bowed and it walked very slowly. Finally it stopped and sat dejectedly on the ice. Since geese are very social birds, it broke my heart to watch its lonely walk. That happens to people too. We’re social by nature and when we feel the odd person out, or driven away, it hurts a lot. After a while many people give up even trying and live a life of loneliness and pain. Churches and Christians are not immune. Sometimes people reach out to them and they are driven away. Sometimes people confuse a particular congregation and God, and when they feel abandoned by the congregation, they feel abandoned by God. As believers, we need never feel abandoned by God, even if we feel left out and rejected by people. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5 NIV 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 10:29-30 NIV Until next time, know deep in your heart that if you know Jesus you are never the odd goose out, you are never left alone. Keep your eyes open for those who feel like the odd goose out and look for an opportunity to introduce them to your good friend Jesus. Hallelu Yah If you’re feeling dejected and alone, let me introduce you to my good friend Jesus. He’ll never abandon you or reject you. Email me and I’ll share some Bible verses that explain why a personal relationship with Jesus is so important and a prayer that will make it possible. Or simply begin the relationship by saying a prayer along the lines of: Dear God: I have made many mistakes in my life and done things I am not proud of. 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 If you pray this prayer let me know and I will direct you to some free non-denominational resources that will help you grow in that newfound relationship. Did you know that at Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential? Your comments, your questions and your joys are shared with the prayer team, to keep me accountable as the head of the ministry and to encourage them as they see God at work in your life. As with prayer all these things are kept confidential within the Gleanings team. To share your prayer concerns and praise reports email us at corbin_writer@shaw.ca To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. or write us at : Gleanings From The Word 114 Oak Street Sherwood Park, AB Canada, T8A 0V8 At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential. If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page on our website
© 2002 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin All Rights Reserved SUBSCRIBE TO GLEANINGS FOR FREE
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