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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #475 April 28, 2002 The Race I’m not a mountaineer, but I wanted to see the view from the top. There were three choices, take the gondola lift (I couldn’t afford it), walk the long winding trail, or walk up under the gondola (almost vertical in places, not really an option). I started up the trail. If I got off the trail, the slope was so steep and the deadfall so thick I never would get through. Determined to get to the top before the clouds rolled in again and spoiled the view I raced them to the summit. As I got closer to the summit, the clouds beat me there, but I was to far to turn back. Okay, I wasn’t too far, but I was bull-headed and didn’t want to give up. It was surreal as I entered the clouds. It was like walking through a thick fog. To my surprise the clouds only lasted about fifteen or twenty feet and then it was back out into the sunshine. The sky was clear above me and as far as I could see in any direction. The view from the top was incredible. The mountain peaks around me, and even much of the countryside below me had been worth the trek. The Christian walk can be like that trip. If we get off the trail, it can snare us and trip us up. Sometimes the clouds roll in and discourage us, but the benefits of pressing on outweigh the benefit of giving up. In retrospect, it probably wasn’t wise of me to push through the clouds. I wasn’t prepared for poor weather and there was the danger of losing the trail in the fog. Unlike my push into the clouds, believers have the guidance they need to get through. God himself provides they way and He has walked before us. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus Philippians 3:12-14 NIV When the enemy clouds your path, press on. Even if the way is hard to see at times, the view from the top will be better than anything we can ever imagine. Until next time, fix your eyes on the summit, set your feet firmly on the trail and moved toward God. Hallelu Yah Kevin Are you in a cloudy or directionless point in your life? Look to the only one who can lead you clearly through it; look to God. 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 If you enjoy 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 To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://hundred-acre-woods.com/magic-list/lists/ or email me at corbin_writer@shaw.ca Archived issues of Gleanings From The Word can be found on our web site http://gleanings.jesusanswers.com To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@shaw.ca or write us at Gleanings From The Word 114 Oak St Sherwood Park, AB Canada T8A 0V8
© 2002 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin Gleanings From The Word Ministries International All Rights Reserved
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