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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue 738 February 21, 2003 - What's it all about? Progress ... I looked out the window this morning, saw fresh snow on the car and didn't whine. I even remembered to say a little prayer of thanksgiving. Another small step made in the process of a faith walk. Our Christian faith walk is a process and completed at the same time. Ultimately, it has very little to do with us. How can I say that? If it isn't about us, then what's it all about? After all, we're the ones who have to live with the process. We're the ones who struggle with making the choice to obey or not hundreds of times a day. We're the ones who face being estranged from family and friends because of our faith. Surely it has everything to do with us. The reality is that once we've accepted Christ, we're made righteous in the eyes of Christ. We've been prepared to be in the presence of a Holy God for all eternity. But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. Philippians 3:7-9 NIV Christ died to make us His family. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises." Hebrews 2:10-12 NIV If that's the case, why doesn't He simply take all the believers home once they accept Him? Why leave us behind to fall on our faces and struggle? We've got a guaranteed gate pass to the afterlife with Him so why not simply redeem it for us? Our faith walk is to show others about Christ. As people see us change, some will be drawn to a relationship with Him and He will be brought glory. I think the Westminster Larger Catechism captures it well when it says: Question 1: What is the chief and highest end of man? Answer: Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever. Catechisms aren't the same as Scripture; they are simply man's attempt to explain the workings of God in a concise way, to define what it is that we believe. So what does the Bible say? Scripture echoes the thought that our purpose is to glorify God. We're the salt and light so that other people "may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." "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 Jesus commission to the disciples was to go tell others about Him. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, 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 28:18-20 NIV Jesus told us to love so that others would know we were His. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 NIV Everything we do and everything we face is an opportunity to share with Jesus with others through our attitudes, our actions or our words. The world is hungry for hope, healing, love and forgiveness. They are watching even when they say they are not. When you're struggling with life's ups and downs, take heart. Remember, you're part of a much larger picture, a piece of a giant puzzle. The way you react can draw others to be safe in the Father's arms forever. Until next time, rejoice in whatever comes your way. You have the privilege of bringing glory to the Creator of All Things, to the Most High God. You are part of an eternal plan to bring many sons [and daughters] to glory. Whatever you face pales in comparison to the things you are a part of. Be blessed Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you are Christ's brother [or sister] In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises."Hebrews 2:10-12 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 looking for purpose and meaning in life? Having a personal relationship with Christ makes you part of the most incredible plan of all time, the redemption of people and their eternal salvation. 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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