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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #451 March 23, 2002 Close Friends When I was a small boy, I had two great friends and constant companions. Pretty much everywhere I went they went. When I was happy, they were happy, when I was sad they were my comforters. The first friend was named Bimbo. Bimbo was a stuffed bear that I carried around with me so much that he just wore out. My folks painstaking repaired him many times, but eventually there wasn’t enough left of him to repair. The second friend was a stuffed donkey called Donkey Burro. I guess I didn’t have a lot of imagination when it came to names. In those days, Donkey Burro seemed "huge"; he was as big as I was. Eventually he too wore out. Wouldn’t it be nice if, as adults, we had those same kinds of friends and companions? Friends that we could count on to be there no matter what. I’m blessed to have several very good friends who I can call night or day and know they will move heaven and earth to be there in my times of need. The kinds of friends who know all my deep dark secrets but still like me. Yet, sometimes life gets in the way and despite our best intentions, we can’t always be there for each other. Fortunately, I also have another friend who is always with me no matter what. He too knows all my secrets and still loves me. He is there 24/7 to meet my needs, comfort my hurts and share my joy. That friend is the Lord. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 NIV Until next time, may you rejoice in the fact that you have something many people do not, a 24/7 friend who will always be there for you. May you have many opportunities to introduce your friend to others. Hallelu Yah. Kevin Do you have a personal relationship with this 24/7 friend? Do you know this Jesus who will be there for you no matter what you go through? 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
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