|
GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #440 March 12, 2002 New Flower Beds With a few leftover bedding plants, I decided to put a flowerbed into a spot that was covered in dry, dying, juniper bushes. The first year, I simply dug out the bushes and turned the soil then planted the bedding plants. They did okay, and the spot was transformed, but it wasn’t spectacular. The second year, I turned the soil properly, removed some old roots, added some peat moss for organic matter and some garden sand to break up the clay. The flowers did much better. By year three, I was adding compost on a regular basis. Each year the garden grew more and more lush. Every year, I had to disturb the flower bed by turning it to add the compost, and like all gardens it needed regular watering, but the more I worked at it the better the soil became and the more productive a flower bed it was. Our Christian walk can be like that. When we first come to accept Him, old life styles and habits are ripped from the ground. It can be painful, but it is transforming. After that, our lives can go through turmoil as He turns the soil, to remove old roots and debris. He waters us and nourishes us and makes us more beautiful. We have a choice, we can be content with just our salvation, or we can seek His working in us, to allow our lives to bloom. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 NIV How’s your garden? Are you content to be stuck with a life that is barely transformed or do you seek the abundance that He offers? Until next time, may you allow the Master Gardener room to work in your life. Hallelu Yah Kevin Where is your life? Are you stuck in dry, dying junipers? God can transform you into something far more beautiful if you open yourself to His work. 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 If you pray this prayer let me know and I will direct you to some free non-denominational resources that will help you grow in that newfound relationship. To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. or write us at : Gleanings From The Word 114 Oak Street Sherwood Park, AB Canada, T8A 0V8 At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential. 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 on our website
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin All Rights Reserved SUBSCRIBE TO GLEANINGS FOR FREE
|
||||