GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue # 776 April 8, 2003 Pretty in Pink  Last night, after supper, Genni the wonder dog and I went for our usual walk around the lake. We saw two preschool girls, dressed in identical pink spring jackets and matching rubber boots. They were throwing what looked like bread to a couple of geese with that combination of unbridled, uncoordinated enthusiasm and grace and gentleness that only a small child can manage. As we approached, they made a big fuss about a doggie and asked if they could pet Genni. After getting the mom's approval, I said yes. "We don't have a doggie at home."  "She's so soft"  "We're feeding the ducks"  The mom piped in "geese"  "Oh yes, we're feeding the geese. We're feeding them these old donuts."  The mom smiled and said, "bagels."  "We're feeding them these old bugle things."  We talked about the ducks and geese for a few minutes. Every now and then one of the girls would run and throw a bagel bit in the general direction of the geese then run back and pet the dog. I told them that in the summer the ducklings and goslings would come and eat right out of their fingers. "You mean they'll eat the bugles right our of our hands?" asked the one.  "Or do you mean they'll eat our fingers?" asked her sister.  I explained again and they seemed excited that the ducks would eat out of their hands, not actually eat their hands. We visited for a little longer then Genni and I moved on down the path. Hearing the two girls react so differently to the same comment about feeding the ducks reminded me of the importance of clear communication. Churches, and Christians, are often guilty of unintentionally unclear communication. We talk of heaven but forget about hell. We preach on hell but forget to preach on grace. We talk of God as love but forget He is also a God of righteous wrath. We speak of forgiveness but not repentance. We talk of the joy of the Lord but not of counting the cost. We talk of salvation but neglect to mention that it is only the starting point of a lifelong journey not the destination. We need to hear and teach the whole counsel of God. It's the scale upon which everything is measured.  For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV As believers we need to study the Word to get the best possible understanding of the nature of God and people. We need to share the whole truth with others, not just the little bits we're comfortable with. Until next time, read the Word and teach the whole truth of God and His character.  Be blessed.  Hallelu Yah (Praise God)!  Kevin  We are in the process of enlarging our prayer team. If you think you might be interested drop us an email with the subject line "Prayer Team" and we'll send you more information. YOU ARE  Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour you are being refined.  See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10 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. Perhaps you've only heard part of the truth about God. He is righteous and holy and will not allow sin in His presence. He doesn't "send" people to hell but He honours their choices. He is also loving and merciful and sent His Son to die so that we could be made right with Him. Your choice is simple, be eternally separated from God in hell or spend eternity in His presence in heaven. You can't get to heaven based on your own merits, either good or bad, but you can through a relationship with Jesus. You don't have to "do" anything to be destined for hell other than keep on rejecting Jesus. Today is the day to make the decision to get right with Him. If you want to know how that's possible simply email us and we'll send you some Bible verses that will explain it to you. 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. 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