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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 524 June 20, 2002 A Passing Grade? Here in Alberta we’re rapidly approaching the end of the school year. My son is studying for his grade nine finals and is counting the days until his summer begins. If getting into heaven depended on our prep work, none of us would get in. We can’t even depend on some time cramming for the real final because the date will be a surprise. Heaven doesn’t grade on a curve, and the pass mark is 100% so all of us would fail. Fortunately, heaven marks on a cross and all who accept Jesus as Lord will get a passing grade. There is a lot more to our faith than just a one way, guaranteed ticket to heaven. As wonderful a gift as that is, it is just the first present in the box. Our relationship with Christ is an ongoing relationship that is designed to keep growing. Relationships grow by time spent together, learning about one another and commitment. We spend time with Him in worship and prayer. We learn more about Him by reading, studying and meditating on His word. Some estimates say that more than 95% of all Christians have never read their entire Bible. Are you one of the 95% or one of the 5%? I don’t know how many times I have read the Scriptures through, but it is a lot more than one. Some of the books of the Bible I have read more than 50 times, but every time I read the Bible God reveals something new to me. There are some fictional books that I have read over again many times, but after a few reads to catch some details, nothing more is ever revealed. The Bible is different, it’s more than just words on a page, it is God’s living Word and He reveals His truth to us through it. How much time have you spent of late getting to know more about the One who loved you enough to die for you? Do you limit yourself to hearing a few verses on Sunday morning, or do you have a regular time of reading His Word. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 NIV Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 NIV He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. Psalm 147:19 NIV Getting into heaven doesn’t depend on reading your Bible. The depth of your relationship here on earth with Christ does. Until next time, may you make time in the Word a priority in your life. Hallelu Yah Kevin Do you know the secret to eternal life with God? It’s not in what you do, because the entry mark is perfection and none of us is perfect. The secret to eternal life in heaven, forgiveness for our mistakes and being recipients of God’s blessing lies in 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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