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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue 761 March 20, 2003 - Unhappy Geese I haven’t seen them yet, but my son Kyle tells me that three geese have shown up from down south. There was a solo yesterday morning, followed by a pair yesterday afternoon. Their arrival is a sure sign that spring really is coming. I have no doubt that we'll have more cold weather yet, but the worst is behind us. The lake is still frozen over so the geese only have some pools of melt water to swim in and food must be scarce. When I heard of the arrival of the geese, I couldn't help but think of their conversation in human terms. "Go early you said" "Avoid the rush you said" "Remind me, why did we come HERE?" "Way to go, there isn't even a lake." "What are we going to eat?" "It's too cold." "1,000 miles of flying for this? I hope we can get our money back." "I told you not to book our holiday through them, but no, you knew better." Of course I have no idea what geese really think, but I know how prone we are as people to complain. The Israelite's complained throughout their time in captivity. They complained during their time in the desert. They complained that the nations around them had a king and all they had was God. They complained about their kings. These days, the nation of Israel complains about its neighbours. You and I probably aren't that different than they were/are. The least little bump in the road and we're apt to jump off into whining, murmuring and complaint. Something doesn't go according to our plan and right away we launch into whine mode. We forget the promises of God. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:1-5 NIV Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:2-8 NIV Life can be hard, even for a believer. Becoming a Christian isn't a magic potion that makes all the problems go away. Christians do have the advantage of knowing that even when they can't see it, there is a reason for what they are facing, and no matter what they face, they are never alone. He is always there with us. Have you been whining and complaining like those unhappy geese? Perhaps it's time for a godly attitude adjustment. Until next time, remember that whatever lies ahead, He has gone before you, He is waiting for you and He is walking with you and rejoice. Be blessed. Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour you are welcome. "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9-10 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. Are you in a tough spot in life. Being a Christian isn't a guarantee that the problem will go away, but if you turn to Jesus you'll have supernatural ways to deal with it. 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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