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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue #523 June 19, 2002 Refreshing Tools I walked around the lake in the rain yesterday. It rained enough to help some with the forest fires but not enough to really help with the drought, although any rain of late has been a real blessing. As I walked I could almost hear the ground sighing with relief as the water soaked in. In very short order, there was a noticeable increase in green everywhere. The lake is fed in part by storm sewers, and the water poured in through that system in great streams. I stood in the rain and watched some of the ducks playing in the incoming stream. They rode the current coming in, dipped and dove and seemed to be having a wonderful time. They were giddy with gladness. Like the land here, we go through times of drought on our lives. Each day in our prayer team mailbox, we see letters from people who are going through trials and droughts. Every day we hear through people experiencing loss and pain, who are only sustained by their faith. God has provided times and means for refreshing our bodies, spirits and souls, not only in times of drought, but also in everyday life. We can be refreshed through rest: "Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed. Exodus 23:12 NIV We can be refreshed through giving and service: A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NIV We can be refreshed through the love and generosity of others I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. 1 Corinthians 16:17-18a NIV Even non-believers can be refreshed and blessed through these means. They are tools to guide us through everyday life. Yet there is one more source of refreshing, true deep refreshing that is available only to those who believe. Christ brings living water of refreshing: Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14 NIV Until next time, take the time to avail yourself of God’s refreshing even in the midst of hard times or drought. Be blessed. Hallelu Yah Kevin Are you looking for the deep satisfying refreshing that nothing seems to provide? Turn to a personal relationship with Jesus. Email me and I’ll share some Bible verses that explain why a personal relationship with Jesus is so important and a prayer that will make it possible Or simply begin the relationship by saying a prayer along the lines of: Dear God: I have made many mistakes in my life and done things I am not proud of. 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 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 prayer concerns and praise reports email us. If you enjoy 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 To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://hundred-acre-woods.com/magic-list/lists/ or email me at gleanings@gleaningsfromtheword.com
To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us or write us at Gleanings From The Word 114 Oak St Sherwood Park, AB Canada T8A 0V8 © 2002 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin Gleanings From The Word Ministries International All Rights Reserved
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