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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue # 774 April 5, 2003 Folding Under Pressure Over the past few days, we've received a number of emails indicating that the font was appearing huge on some monitors. We've made some adjustments this morning that will hopefully eliminate the problem. I recently heard a preacher (I've forgotten which one) speaking about what he called "accordion Christians". Accordion Christians are the ones who fold under the least amount of pressure and make a lot of noise as they fold. I had never heard the expression before, I don't know if it is one of his originals, or just a regional expression I hadn't come across before. His remark was said a little tongue in cheek and there is some merit to it, but at the same time it is heart breaking. You see many people in the church, and many of those who left the church who would fit that very description. Why do people who hear the life giving message of Jesus Christ and accept Him fall away from the truth? Often times, it is because as other believers and as a church we have failed them. We treat salvation as the goal and not the entry point. As wonderful as being accepted by Father and forgiven of all our sins is, that's just the beginning of a life long journey. Jesus sent us forth to gain new converts Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Matthew 28:19 NIV But the commission doesn't stop there. We're called to teach them as well. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20 NIV While the church is called to teach, individual members also we have an ongoing call from God to learn more about Him. The responsibility doesn't just fall to pastors and elders, we can't blame them alone; we must take responsibility for ourselves. We need to learn what the Bible has to say for ourselves and share that with one another. We're called to go to God for wisdom. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:5-8 NIV That means more than just a quick prayer. It means reading and studying the Bible for yourself. Don't be satisfied with a few verses thrown your way on a Sunday morning or the couple of verses that come each day with Gleanings. Dig out the book and read it. Read it over and over until it makes sense. Attend a solid Sunday school or Bible study and read some more. There is no reason to fold under pressure. God has equipped us for everything we will face in life. He is there to walk with us. We simply need to get familiar with His Word to understand better who He is and who we are in Him. Grab the Bible, blow the dust off it and begin to see what God has to say. He has wonderful plans for your life; let Him tell you about them. There is power in the Word. There is wisdom in the Word. There is truth in the Word. There are promises for your life in the Word. I know I've said it before in other issues of Gleanings, but studying the Word is such a vital part of the Christian walk that it can never be over emphasized. Until next time, read the Word, READ the Word, READ THE WORD. Be blessed. Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour you are family A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Psalm 68:5-6 NIV 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 can simply begin the relationship by honestly and completely opening your heart, admitting you need God's help, and saying a prayer along the lines of: 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 If you pray this prayer for the first time let me know so I can rejoice with you. 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 questions, comments, thoughts, prayer concerns and praise reports email us 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 . You can write to us at Gleanings From The Word Ministries International 114 Oak St Sherwood Park, AB Canada T8A 0V8 © 2003 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin Gleanings From The Word Minististries International - All Rights Reserved
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