|
GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #494 May 18, 2002 Smooth sailing? We were off the coast of Vancouver Island learning to sail. The craft weren’t big or exotic; they were simply 12-foot dinghies with sails. We had spent time in the classroom learning all the theories and terminology. Once we were in the boats though, it all seemed somehow different. What I understood on paper wasn’t quite what the sails were doing. It sounded easy when I read about it, but the reality was a little harder. Sometimes our walk as Christians can be like that. Once we accept Christ into our lives we have our guaranteed one way ticket to heaven. As we grow in our faith though, we want to put more of it into practice. We see old habits that we are convicted to change. Ways of thinking that we’ve grown up with need adjusting. Unlovable people that we’re called to love. It sounded good in theory but when we tried to practice it, the reality wasn’t so simple. We got near old friends and slipped into old habits. We made an overture of love to that unliveable person and they chewed our heads off. We tried to tell someone about our faith and they made fun of us. As we continued to practice with the sailing lessons, we began to get the hang of manipulating the sails and steering. Soon we were racing down the straight. Like my sailing lessons, the key to succeeding in the Christian walk is persistence. We’re going to make mistakes. Don’t beat up on yourself, just get back up and try again. Holy Spirit lives inside you and you have the Word to turn to. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 NIV I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NIV When you face the struggles, fall back on Him and His power. In time you’ll be back to smooth sailing. Be blessed today. Hallelu Yah Kevin Do you have a personal relationship with the God who empowers you to deal with all of life’s challenges? 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
|
||||