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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue 742 February 26, 2003 - Safekeeping I stood in line at the bank for what seemed like days, and then made my request known to the customer service representative. She took me around to the vault, matched my signature to the one on file, sorted through the keys to find the right one and we went to my safety deposit box. She unlocked her half then I unlocked mine and I was able to access the box. There wasn't anything of great monetary value in the box, simply some insurance papers but it still took two of us and two keys to access what was already mine. In some bigger branches, you also have to go through extra security and get beyond the armed guards before you gain access. The blessings of God in our life are often like that. Once we have accepted Him as Lord and Saviour, He's brought us into the family and unlocked His half of the box. Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation--but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:12-17 NIV This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:6 NIV If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:29 NIV Now we need to unlock our part of the box. What parts of your heart and life remain unlocked? Are you holding onto bitterness? Are you worshipping your possessions ahead of God? Are you giving out of a sense of obligation rather than cheerfully? Perhaps you haven't unlocked the room of time and are "too busy" for worship, prayer and Bible study. Maybe it's the door of trust that needs to be unlocked and fear hinders you from being blessed by God. The blessings are ours for the claiming, if we do our part. Does that mean we'll all be healthy, wealthy and have a life of ease if we just follow some secret biblical formula? No. We have the blessing of forgiveness and eternal life when we accept Him. He has the power to heal any of us or make any of us wealthy, if that is His plan. The greatest blessing though is worth far more than money, is far better than an easy life that is pain free, it's the true intimacy and joy of a life filled with Jesus and the presence of Holy Spirit. When you know those moments, you find out quickly that all the rest really doesn't matter. As the old saying goes, just give me Jesus. He'll satisfy you in everyway if you just open yourself up to Him. Until next time, may you open the doors of your heart and let Him bless you. Be blessed Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you are a king's kid. You are my King and my God Psalm 44:4a 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. Have you opened the door to forgiveness and eternal life. God has turned His key in your life and is just waiting for you to turn yours. It doesn't matter who you are or what you have done. It doesn't matter what other people say about you. God is poised and ready to forgive you and love you more than you can ever imagine. Have you opened the door to forgiveness and eternal life. God has turned His key in your life and is just waiting for you to turn yours. It doesn't matter who you are or what you have done. It doesn't matter what other people say about you. God is poised and ready to forgive you and love you more than you can ever imagine. 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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