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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #1,001 January 7, 2004 Things Unseen The other evening, as Genni the wonder dog and I went for our evening stroll by the lake, it was bitter out. The temperature was only -30 or so, but the wind was brisk, making it feel more like -40 or maybe a little colder. Strangely enough, no one else was out and about. There weren't even any hardy souls out for a brisk skate. Like an old farmers grey rag-wool toque, pulled down hard to keep out the cold, the clouds were pulled snug over the horizon in all directions. The sky was close and tight. There wasn't a star to be seen anywhere and even the moon couldn't seem to break through. I know the moon and stars were still there, even though I couldn't see them. The night before last Genni and I were out, and the sky was a complete contrast. The deep black velvet night seemed to stretch out into eternity. More stars than I could count shone like so may jewels in the heavens and the moon looked like an airport search light in its brilliance. Life is like that. There is much that goes on unseen. We don't see the air we breath (okay, I know some times you can see the smog, but you know what I mean), but we would be dead without it. The sun is still there even in the black of night. God is ever present even though His face remains unseen in the sky. In the same way, battles still rage in the spiritual realm, invisible to the naked eye. Angels and demons struggle against one another for the most important thing in the universe, short of God Himself. They battle for the eternal souls of people. The struggle often manifests itself, at least to our physical senses, as struggles against people and circumstances, but it runs much deeper than we can see. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV The people and situations are not the true enemy. They may be willing or unwitting servants of the evil, one, but by themselves they hold no power. Our battle rages in the unseen realm. That's why believers are called to wear the armor. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:13-18 NIV If you've been a believer for a while, you knew I'd quote those verses, but there are some other components of the armor that you might not be as familiar with. And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:11-12 NIV But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 NIV There are more verses as well, but space is short, and this isn't intended to be an exhaustive study. The battle rages in the spirit realm but there is something we can do about it. We can stand equipped by God Himself to face whatever the enemy throws our way. Until next time, may you face the battle clothed in all the Lord has provided for your protection and victory. Be blessed Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin GOD IS Jesus is the Prince of Peace. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus as Saviour you belong to God I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. John 17:9 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. You are so precious to God that heaven will not be complete without you. HELP FOR THE HURTING Perhaps the world has told you that you were an accident or aren't worth much. Perhaps they've said you don't count or can't change. Don't believe them, the angels know better. They risk everything battling for your soul. They know something you don't realize, that every person is of incredible value to God, worth more than all the material wealth of the universe. God wants you to be right with Him and to realize the potential He has given you. All you have to door is open the door and let Him get to work. Will you please do that today? 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 Minististries International - All Rights Reserved
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