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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue 759 March 18, 2003 - Behind the Curtain We sat in the school gymnasium waiting for the annual school play. The curtains on the stage were closed. The crowd of rushed parents, obligated grandparents and bored siblings fidgeted, talked and waited impatiently. I could only imagine the chaos behind the curtain. Every now and then there would be a stern whisper of direction from the teacher. Never clear enough to hear the words, just the tone of near panic. The waiting was apparently too much, because I saw a small hand reach out from behind the curtain and the corner of the curtain moved a bit. A little boy just couldn't resist and just had to see what was happening in the audience. Another sharp whisper and the face disappeared backstage. A short while later the curtain was drawn and the play began. The things going on behind stage and in the audience were both real, even if they couldn't see each other. In the same way, we are surrounded by a spirit world; it's just hidden from our view. Most people when pressed will admit to a belief in some sort of spirit realm. Their perspective on it might be different from a Christian's view but they do believe the spirit world is out there. Many people believe in angels and demons, or good and evil spirits even if they don't profess a belief in God. The belief in spirits transcends all borders. It is found in all cultures, across all barriers of time. The belief is prevalent in both genders, at all ages, in all socio-economic groups and doesn't discriminate based on education levels. I believe that God prevents us from seeing most of what happens in the spirit realm. Perhaps that is a result of the fall from grace in the Garden of Eden. Perhaps it is to keep us from being overwhelmed. There are many glimpses into the world around us throughout the Bible. In Job we see a picture of God's court. One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it." Job 1:6-7 NIV The world of the spirit is real. It is also a battleground. For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV The battle is real, but the outcome is certain. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. I John 5:5 NIV Be aware of the battle raging all around you. Enter the fray with prayer and love, knowing that if you have Christ, you will be victorious. Until next time, may your eyes be open to the reality of what lies just behind the curtain out of view. Be blessed. Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour you are on the winning side, you are triumphant. But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 2 Corinthians 2:14 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. Have you encountered the spirit realm? It is real and it is at war. You can decide to be on the winning side by accepting Christ. If you reject Him, or simply don't make the choice to accept Him, you've picked the losing side. 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
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