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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life NEWS FLASH OUR SOUTH AFRICA MINISTRY TRIP IS A GO!! For a look at where we will be going and what we will be doing there click here.
Issue #1,072 April 1, 2004 In His Image They say (whoever the great "they" is) that dogs resemble their owners. I had a look at Genni the wonder dog the other day and there seems to be a lot of truth in that saying. She's long in the body, short in the legs and has big fat feet. We're three for three there. Fortunately, I'm the taller of the two and walk on two legs so people can tell us apart. The superficial resemblances between us got me thinking about the fact that we're created in the image of God. Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27 NIV What does that mean? It doesn't mean we look like Him, since we have physical bodies, we all look different and God doesn't have a physical body. So it must refer to something else. We're unlike all the other things or beings that God created. We're the only ones that Scripture describes as being created in His image. We were created with a higher purpose, to rule over all the earth. Being created in His image is both an honor and a huge responsibility. When creation looks to people it should see the image of God. What part of Him were we designed to reflect? His character and His personality. We were created to walk in holiness and righteousness. We were designed to walk in faithfulness and in integrity. We were to have passion and compassion; loyalty and levity; love and light; and more. We were designed to be wise and selfless. Since the time of the Garden of Eden, we've been sinful people, with a sinful nature in a sin filled world. We don't reflect much of the image of God. Yet, for the believer, there are ways we can begin to resemble the one in whose image we were created. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit Galatians 5:22-25 NIV When we begin to exhibit the fruit of the spirit, we begin in a small way to show the image of the Creator. That fruit comes with maturity (as indeed does all fruit). We mature in our walk through testing and trials; through worship; through giving and through service. We mature when we spend time communing with Him in prayer and in meditating on and study of the Word. The fruit doesn't just happen, it must be nurtured. Until next time, rejoice in the fact that you were designed in His image and open your heart to being more like him every day. Hallelu Yah (Praise God) Be blessed Kevin 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 are so precious to God that heaven will not be complete without you. HELP FOR THE HURTING God never gives up on His creations, that includes you. No matter what you've done or what has happened to you, God loves you. He wants nothing more than for you to be reconciled to Him and to have an intimate personal relationship with you. God isn't some distant, uncaring, mean spirited cosmic force. He designed you for the express purpose of walking with Him. Your part of the equation is to set aside your pride and go to Him in humility, acknowledging who He is and repenting of your sins. If you choose not to do that, He'll reluctantly respect that decision and allow you to face the consequences. The choice is yours, become all that you were create dto be and spend eternity with Him or never live up to your potential and be separated from Him for all eternity. We can only make that decision while we're alive in this life and none of us is guaranteed tomorrow. Will you reach out for Him today? You can simply begin the relationship by honestly and completely opening your heart; admitting you need God's help; turning away from your sin and saying a prayer along the lines of the one below. There isn't any "magic" in the prayer, it's simply a way to open up to the gift that Jesus already bought for you with His very life. You can't earn it. You don't deserve it. He freely offers it to all who will accept it: 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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