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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue # 784 April 17, 2003 Black and White Kathy, Genni the wonder dog and I walked around the lake last night after supper. As we walked and talked, we checked out the new species of ducks and other birds that have begun arriving in ever increasing numbers. As we turned a corner, we were delighted to see a pair of Barrow's Goldeye ducks. Some would say that they aren't particularly pretty ducks, because they're black and white and not as brightly coloured as many of the other species. Yet their plumage shone with such brilliance that they stood out against all the other species we saw. We were struck with their beauty. That's the way the people of the church should be. Even if we're not particularly pretty, we should stand out. We need to shine. One of the greatest tragedies in the world is when two people who have known each other for a long time are surprised to find out they are both Christian. Our walk is designed to stand out. It's more than our verbal witness. Yes it is important to tell people that you are a Christian and to share about your faith at EVERY possible opportunity. We're called to holy living. The very way we live our lives should stand out above the world in such a way that even if they don't agree with our faith they know there is something different. I am the LORD who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy. Leviticus 11:44 NIV But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do 1 Peter 1:15 NIV That doesn't mean we run around in a self-righteous fog, patting ourselves on the back because of our great level of "holiness". We're also called to humility. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 NIV We may not understand all of Scripture. We may not be familiar with all the intricacies of doctrine. There are plenty of grey areas in Scripture, not everything is clear-cut or black and white. However, if we put into practice the areas we do understand and actively pursue holiness every day, our lives will be transformed. We're not called to call non-believers to holiness and put them down. We need to strive for holiness in our own lives. True holiness only comes from Holy Spirit in your life. When we're given the opportunity and their permission to talk unbelievers about their sin, we should do so, but we need to remember that ungodly people will have ungodly lives. We're not called to condemn them but to love them. We need to point them towards Jesus and let them know the consequences of sin but we need to let Holy Spirit transform them. While we're not called to correct the world in its sin, we are called to keep others in the body accountable. "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that `every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17 NIV It's to be done gently and in love, but it is to be done. If we walk in humbleness, in holiness, in love and we gently hold one another accountable to standards of holiness our lives will stand out. People will know that there's something different about us. They won't understand us, but when they have a crisis, they'll turn to us. Then we will have the permission and authority to tell them what makes our lives different ... Jesus. The world might not see us as exciting but they will know that we are there and that will transform the world for Jesus. Until next time, may you walk in holiness every day. Be blessed. Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour you are called to holiness and made holy. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Ephesians 1:4 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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