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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #931 October 11, 2003 Hunger The redecorating challenge continued last night. We headed out to one store to check out what they had in stock and found that while they had some very nice things indeed, they were priced well beyond what our limited budget could handle. We went to another store that Kathy and I had visited before. We had been separately, this time we were together. Like any other couple, our tastes vary, so we need to be together to figure out something we can agree on. This store had some things that we did agree on, but we still haven't made any decisions. Our redecorating is becoming a quest. We wander from store to store, searching for just the right desks and bookcases. Sometimes we're overwhelmed by the selection, other times it's like there is nothing to chose from. It's a famine in the midst of plenty. The Bible warns of a famine to come through the prophet Amos. "The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land-- not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. Men will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it. Amos 8:11-12 NIV That time of famine is nearly on us, if it isn't already. People are spiritually hungry. The growth of cults, the occult and the new age movement are proof of that. Many have Bibles in their homes, but they don't know enough to read them. Some walk in the doors of Christian churches and hear all kinds of lies being taught as truth. They hear the Bible isn't true, that Jesus isn't the only way or that God will make everyone materially wealthy. They hear lies like it's okay to sin or that God doesn't really mean that homosexuality or adultery is a sin. Surrounded by the nourishment offered by God's Word, people are perishing of spiritual hunger. We're called to take nourishment out to these starving men and women. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 NIV [emphasis mine] You may not know all the Bible from cover to cover. You might not be a theologian or a pastor. You might be a baby Christian. Even baby Christians have something a starving world needs, they have Jesus. Share what you do know. Learn more to keep sharing. Your family, your friends, your neighbors and your coworkers are starving. Will you share with them the crusts of bread you have? Until next time, may we all offer what we know to a spiritually hungry world. Be blessed Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour you are give the truth and equipped. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 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. You are so precious to God that heaven will not be complete without you. HELP FOR THE HURTING Are you walking around spiritually hungry? There is only one thing that will truly satisfy and that's a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That relationship is available for the asking 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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