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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue # 855 July 9, 2003 A Different Perspective Yesterday, Genni the wonder dog and I took a different route around the lake. Instead of walking around it from end to end, we crossed the bridge at the narrows and walked it like a figure eight. Not a huge difference, to be sure, but different enough to give a slightly different perspective to the familiar. It's important to take a look at the familiar with fresh eyes now and then to make sure you're still seeing and not just traveling on auto-pilot. In the evening, Kathy and I read the Bible aloud to one another. Over the past number of years, we're read the Bible aloud from several different translations. We've just started again with Genesis. This time we're reading through using a well known paraphrase rather than a translation. It brings a fresh perspective. We still use our translations for individual study and devotional reading, but hearing the Word from a different viewpoint helps keep it fresh. We've found ourselves saying, I don't remember the Bible saying that and going to check. Perhaps you might consider doing something similar. If God has blessed you with a Christian spouse read the Word aloud to each other. Try reading the Bible out loud to your children. If you've always read the Word quietly, try reading it aloud. It takes on a fresh perspective. Try reading a different translation than your favorite, you'll find yourself actually reading passages you just skimmed over before. Listen to the Bible being read on cassette (or CD) as you read quietly. Hearing and reading the Word at the same time can give you insights you never had before. You can never be too familiar with God's Word. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:15-16 NIV My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. Psalm 119:148 NIV As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30 NIV Until next time, look at the familiar with different eyes, you'll be amazed at what you discover. Be blessed Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour you are cleansed and pardoned. I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. Jeremiah 33:8 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 you've never accepted Jesus because you've relied on second hand opinions of His promises. Don't let opinions get in the way, see what Jesus really has to say from His Word. He wants to establish a relationship with you and to forgive you of your sins. 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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