|
GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue 757 March 15, 2003 - Icicles The past few days we've had above freezing temperatures during the day with below freezing at night. Everywhere I walk, I see roofs with icicles hanging from them. No two icicles are the same, each has its own individual size and shape and each is constantly changing as the drops of water run along it. Some are not much more than thin slivers of ice, almost thread like and barely wider than a single drop of water. Others look like the "traditional" pointed icicle. Still others have taken on the form of elaborate, multifaceted, sculptures as they grow across tree branches, downspouts and anything in their way. Each icicle has it's own character and beauty. The icicles remind me in many ways of God's people. When we first become Christians, it seems in some ways as if we're attached to the saviour with a thin thread. We don't yet know Him well and haven't been tested. The thread will hold forever, but it can feel very delicate. Other believers have become "traditional" churchgoers. They have their salvation and they attend worship regularly, but that is the extent of their faith walk. They are stunted in their growth and uninspiring. Some believers become passionate about their new relationship with Christ. They devour His work, strive to walk in obedience and want to share their faith with everyone who will listen. No matter what obstacles get in their way, they grow around them and they overcome. What type of icicle are you? God's heart is for us to have more than our salvation. He wants us to be more than complacent. He desires us to be passionate about Him and the things of the kingdom. These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, `I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Revelation 3:14-18 NIV He wants us to be victorious and live abundant lives. Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:7-10 Until next time, may your relationship with Him deepen and may you grow over anything that hinders you from becoming all that God desires you to be. Be blessed. Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour you are liberated from death For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 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. God has wonderful things planned for you if you will only give yourself over to Him. If you want to know how that's possible simply email us and we'll send you some Bible verses that will explain it to you
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
|