|
GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #485 May 9, 2002 Bird Watching As I have walked around the lake the past few days, I have been spending some extra time watching the ducks and geese. I had noticed there has been a lot more varieties of ducks than I saw last year. Just for fun, I have started keeping a log of the various species of birds I see on my daily walk. The tally as of yesterday was 28 plus one I couldn’t see clearly enough to positively identify. I’m sure there are a lot more than that, I’m not a serious birder and would have a hard time telling the different species of sparrows apart even with my bird book. Yesterday, I chatted with an older gentleman who was also walking around the lake. He looked like one would expect a bird watcher to look. He had the hat, the vest bulging with guidebooks and note pads and an expensive series of binoculars. He shared that he had been an avid birder for more than fifty years and was still amazed with what he saw every trip out. He was still fascinated by the diversity of life that God created. I share his sentiment, and as I thought about it while walking, my mind wandered from the diversity of life in general to the vast number of "people groups" in the world. From there my thoughts wandered to the charge often labelled at the church that it is like an exclusive club. Exclusivity is the last word I would use to describe Christianity. While it does claim to know the only truth to a relationship and reconciliation with God it is the most open club in the world. It takes people of either gender, any age, any race or any language. It accepts people where they are at, and a mass murderer is welcome to join just like a "solid" citizen. You don’t have to have your act together to join. It matters not whether you are rich or poor. From the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation, God makes it clear that His message is for anyone who will accept it. Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. Genesis 18:18 NIV For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, Romans 10:12 NIV This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth--to every nation, tribe, language and people Revelation 14:6 NIV The next time you are walking down the street or watching television and you are tempted to dismiss someone because they are just a "&ldots;" remember that they too are welcome to be members of the least exclusive club in the world. If it wasn’t for the fact that He will accept anyone who asks Him, you and I wouldn’t be able to join either. Hallelu Yah. Kevin Have you stayed away from a relationship with Jesus because you didn’t feel good enough or rich enough or come from the right background? Please know that He welcomes you right where you are.
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. 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 prayer concerns and praise reports email us at corbin_writer@shaw.ca If you enjoy 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 To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://hundred-acre-woods.com/magic-list/lists/ or email me at corbin_writer@shaw.ca Archived issues of Gleanings From The Word can be found on our web site http://gleanings.jesusanswers.com To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@shaw.ca or write us at Gleanings From The Word 114 Oak St Sherwood Park, AB Canada T8A 0V8 © 2002 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin Gleanings From The Word Ministries International All Rights Reserved
SUBSCRIBE TO GLEANINGS FOR FREE
|
||||