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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue 723 February 4, 2003 - Garbage Day Today is garbage day. Last night, I hauled the bags out of the shed and put them out on the curbside along with those of our neighbour. Now I’ll be the first to admit that garbage day is pretty unremarkable, mundane stuff. It is something that happens once a week, year in and year out. Occasionally it gets a little more exciting if I forgot the night before and have to rush to get the bags to the curb before the truck leaves or if I have to chase the magpies away from the bags in the summer. It's no different than a thousand other mundane tasks we all have to do in life. Buy the groceries (that's today's project it's 10% off Tuesday at my favourite grocer), do the laundry, fill the car, drive to work, clean the house, eat, work, sleep. In the midst of what can easily become mind numbing routine, we often forget that one of God's favourite places to meet us is in the midst of the ordinary. It's not by accident that we use the slogan "Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life." God isn't just some distant, impersonal god. He isn't just some strange cosmic force. He isn't just interested in the big events of life. Nothing in our lives is there by accident. It is all God ordained or allowed by God for a reason. One of the best places to see God in the midst of our daily grind is in the lives of those around us. We can have when an impact when we allow God to work through us in their lives and it can be incredible to see. Look at the people around you. If you stop and look, you might be amazed at the number of people you encounter during the day. We're surrounded by people that we don't even see or that we take for granted. How many of them need an encouraging word from you? You could create an entire ministry by just stopping and listening to the people God puts in your path. No one is ever put in our path by accident. The cashier at the grocery store made need a word of encouragement. The co-worker who makes you crazy may have been put there by God to soften your heart, and teach you how to love people Maybe my neighbour needs a hello as he puts the garbage out. Perhaps my wife and sons need to be shown today just how much I love them. My love might help them see His love for them. The light in our lives should be the encounter with God that others have in their ordinary lives. Christianity is a frontline faith. It's seen in the trenches of daily life, not just in moments of greatness or on a Sunday morning. You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 NIV Our God is an amazing God, and one of the most amazing things about Him is that when we bless others in His name, we're often blessed by seeing His hand at work. If you want to encounter an extraordinary God in ordinary life, take a moment or two out of the daily grind and bless those around you. The experience will give you new eyes to see God through. Until next time, share the love of Jesus by taking the time to listen to someone today. Share a smile. Give an encouraging word. Give something to someone in need. Be the salt and the light He's called you to be and watch the amazing places you encounter Him. Be blessed. Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you are a living stone in a spiritual house. As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 1 Peter 2:4-6 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. Are you stuck in the grind? God is in there with you and He can turn the most ordinary life into the most extraordinary if you will let Him. All you have to do is begin by letting Him into your life. 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. "Kevin" Corbin Gleanings From The Word Ministisries International - All Rights Reserved
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