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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #409 February 9, 2002 Upside Down Thinking The trees echoed with what sounded like a duck with a cold. "Kvaak" "Kvaak". I knew from experience that it wasn’t a duck, but was in fact a nuthatch. Around here, we have two species of nuthatch. Both are small and seem to be quite territorial. There is usually a pair of each in a given neighbourhood. Nuthatches are one of my favourite birds to watch because of a habit that I’ve never seen any other bird exhibit. They walk on the tree with their heads facing downwards, in other words, they walk upside down. It is as if they have their own unique perspective on the world. A nuthatches view of the world is completely opposite that of a chickadee or a sparrow. They just turn the world on its head. When Jesus came, he turned the religious establishment on its head. He became a friend to the unloved, the unwanted and the unwashed. He forgave sins and loved unconditionally. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and `sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: `I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:10-13 NIV Mercy for the sinners was a concept that the Pharisees, despite their religious observation of the Law never understood. It is a concept I'm grateful for. Until next time, spend a few moments reflecting on what a joy it is that Jesus set the world on its head and came to forgive people like you and me. Praise God for His mercy and grace. Hallelu Yah
Kevin If you’ve never encountered this Jesus who turned the world upside down, maybe you should have a look. He is the one who loves you despite your mistakes, who will forgive your sins and who wants to spend eternity with you. He is the one who loved you enough to die for you. Email me and I’ll share a few Bible verses that explain why a relationship with Him is so important and a prayer that will make it possible. Don’t wait; turn your thinking upside down today! To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. or write us at : Gleanings From The Word 114 Oak Street Sherwood Park, AB Canada, T8A 0V8 At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential. 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 on our website
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin All Rights Reserved SUBSCRIBE TO GLEANINGS FOR FREE
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