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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #496 May 20, 2002 Ordinary People This morning, I wanted to talk about ordinary people. Not the old movie, but just everyday folks like you and I. Those of you who have been reading for any length of time will know that my wife and I are traumatic brain injury survivors (those who didn‘t know it, do now). We each received a brain injury in separate motor vehicle accidents in 1991. It was through the tumultuous times that followed that we became Christians. Out of our faith walk eventually came the ministry of Gleanings From The Word. I often receive emails, from people who got a copy of Gleanings from a friend who had it send to them by another friend, or those that read it in a church bulletin someplace. They speak of how Gleanings has impacted their lives. It’s a blessing when that happens, but it is in no way unique. I talk to people, or read of people who were influenced by other ordinary people they never met. A friend or relative may have loved them to Christ. That friend or relative became a Christian after seeing how someone else handled adversity in his/her life as a Christian. We simply never know who is watching and how it will impact the kingdom. Some small thing you did, or the way you handles a tough situation may have a ripple effect that may cross great distances or travel through repeated generations. That doesn’t mean we need to put on a smiley face and fake being fine all the time. It means we need to be real with our lives and lean on Christ even in times of adversity. People can sense a phoney; they are looking for the authentic. Children are influenced more by what their parents do than what their parents say. In the same way other people are more often impressed by the way we live our lives than the things we tell them. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 NIV The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden. 1 Timothy 5:24-25 NIV "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 NIV Ordinary people, living ordinary lives of authentic Christianity can have more of an impact than we will ever know. Until next time, may your ordinary life reveal the extraordinary love of Jesus. Be blessed today. Hallelu Yah Kevin Have you ever wondered what it is that gives Christians peace and joy even in the midst of crisis? It is simply a personal relationship with Jesus. 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
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