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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #1,007 January 14, 2004 Of Ice, Pride and Worms Today is traditionally the coldest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. The record was set in the 1700s when it hit the incredible temperature of -124F in Siberia. That's cold by anyone's standards. In opposition to tradition, we've had the mixed blessing the past few days of unseasonably warm temperatures. The warm temperatures have been nice, but they've been accompanied by freezing rain. Sheets of ice have covered everything, making driving a chore at times and walking very dangerous, especially for people like me who are coordinationally challenged on the best of days. Some might say I'm a klutz, but in these days of political correctness I'm not sure I can use that word. My schedule hasn't allowed for walking Genni the wonder dog during the day when it's above freezing and relatively safe to do so. That means she hasn't been for her walk since Saturday (although we should be able to go today). She hasn't been happy that the "boss" won't take her for her walks. Many people have taken falls on the ice and the number of vehicle accidents is astounding. Actually, even though the number of accidents is so high, I believe after watching people driving on the ice that it is only by God's grace that there aren't even more. I drove to a morning gathering of pastors early yesterday. During that fifteen minute drive, there were police at three accident sites that I saw, including one five car pile up. There were several vehicles in the ditch, and more near misses than I care to think about. Most people seemed to be driving in a relatively reasonable manner, but there were certainly many who weren't thinking. The sheets of ice are transparent so often times you can't even see them. It amazes me when something you can't see can cause such havoc. Yet, it shouldn't because the thing that wreaks the most destruction are invisible. I'm thinking of sin in general and pride in particular. We can see the results of the sin in people's actions, but the actual act of rebellion against God has already occurred in the mind when we commit the sin, or act out of pride. I don't believe Christians need to have a worm theology, as in "Oh what a wretched worm I am." There is a healthy sense of well being and humility that come from knowing our identity in Christ. We do have to recognize that we can't be reconciled to God on our own and turn to Him for help, but that shouldn't result in perpetual worm thinking. The problem for most people isn't a worm theology. Rather it's a sense of pride and a desire for control. We think we're better than we are and know better than God. That creates most of the problems in the world. It's no wonder Scripture calls out strongly against the sin of pride. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 NIV Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:10 NIV Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Proverbs 16:18-19 NIV Until next time may the Lord break you of your unhealthy, rebellious pride and replace it with a healthy sense of who you are in Jesus. Be blessed Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin OUR GOD IS Our God is the source of true peace and grace. "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26 NIV YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus as Saviour you being built up. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 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 Sometimes people reject the love and grace of God because of their pride (I believe that's probably the major reason when you cut to the core of all the "reasons"). Please don't do that. He is the true source of love; hope; peace; joy' forgiveness and eternal life. We can't earn those things on our own no matter how good we are. The entry price to heaven is one of two things, perfection or God's grace. No one, no matter how good will hit perfection and live a life without sin. That leaves His grace. Don't let your pride keep you from receiving His grace. Invite Him to take charge of your life 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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