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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #1,054 March 10, 2005 Is It Real? I stood in the checkout line and watched the three people ahead of me pay for their purchases using their debit cards. When it came my turn, I did the same, moving my money from my bank account to the merchants. A technological marvel. Moving non existent money from place to place. Way cool! Now don't misunderstand, there was no fraud here, my bank account had the money to pay for the purchase. That doesn't mean it isn't nonexistent money though. The world's economy thrives on debits and credits. It flourishes on debt and electronic transfers. If on any given day that debt had to be all repaid or everyone wanted to take their cash out of the bank account at once, the whole house of cards would collapse. Just like the great depressions of the past, or like those some countries are experiencing now, the value of the so called "assets" would plummet and could never be redeemed quickly enough or for a high enough price to cover the debt. There also has never been enough cash printed to cover what exists on paper. Now please don't misunderstand. I'm not advocating that we all "opt out" or that we panic over the fragile nature of the economic systems of the world. I still very much like the convenience of my debit card. I'm simply using the world's banking and financial systems to illustrate a point. The point is that we often spend our times working for and pursuing an illusion. The "wealth" that we accumulate and the "security" we invest for, are non-existent. They exist only as long as people have confidence in them or external factors don't disrupt the system. These things will never truly satisfy us. Again, don't misunderstand. I'm not saying don't save or don't invest, it's prudent to do both just do so wisely. I'm simply saying don't count on those savings or investments to bring you happiness. The author of Proverbs knew that to seek God was worth far more than any material wealth. Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power. By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full. "The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old Proverbs 8:1-22 NIV ... the proverb continues in a similar vain for another twelve verses and is well worth a read. What is this valuable wisdom? It is the Word of God. It is the written word and the Christ. He is power. He is the fulfillment we seek. He is true wisdom and true contentedness. To have Him is true wealth and security. Is the trail you've been following leading you to real contentment or is it merely an illusion? If it is God and His kingdom, you're on the right track. Even if you never experience material wealth in your pursuit of God, you have something of much greater value in this life and the one to come. Until next time, rejoice that the Lord sent His Word and His Son so that we might find the real path to contentedness, joy and freedom from bondage. Hallelu Yah (Praise God) Be blessed Kevin 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. You are so precious to God that heaven will not be complete without you. HELP FOR THE HURTING You've been chasing peace; hope; joy and more in many things. Perhaps it is work. Maybe it's money or status. It could be in sex; or power; drugs; alcohol; extreme sports; or any one of an almost inexhaustible list of possibilities. I don't know you, but I can almost guarantee you're either chasing something or have given up because what you chased didn't give you what you needed. You already know deep in your heart that what you are chasing isn't really going to give you what you are looking for. There is only one source of true hope; peace; contentment love; joy and forgiveness. That's the living waters that spring from the heart of God for you. They're flowing and calling your name. Will you answer by asking God into your life? 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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