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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #934 October 15, 2003 What's It Worth? I love old Christian books. Actually I love old books period, but with a limited budget and so much to read, I collect only Christian books. I love to poke around used books stores and thrift shops. I enjoy looking at book auction catalogues or even looking at ebay to see what's out there. I frequently window shop at ebay. Like most things the value of an old book is worth what someone is willing to pay. Rarity, condition and subject matter all play a part; but it doesn't matter how rare or wonderful the book is, if no one wants to buy it, it isn't worth much on the open market. Sometimes, as they say, one man's junk is another man's treasure. One person's beat up old book that they found in the attic is a prize someone else will treasure for a lifetime an pass onto their children. This summer I bought a delightful first edition book at a garage sale for two-bits that would easily sell to the right person for forty or fifty dollars. On the other hand I have some books that have delighted me and I value highly that I'd be lucky to get the two-bits back on. What's Christ's death on the cross worth to you? For some it's the most valuable thing in the world. They'd die rather than denounce it and tens of thousands have shown that to be true. "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:44-46 NIV For other's it is incidental. It's worth a passing thought for an hour on Sundays, or perhaps an hour at Christmas and Easter. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16 NIV For others it is nothing but a foolish notion. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV One person can't force another to value Jesus more. That's the futility of Holy wars and the medieval crusades. A conversion that is forced by law or violence isn't a conversion. Each person must decide on their own what Christ is worth to them. For me, He's the most valuable thing there is. Another might not cross the street to spit on Him. But let me ask you this: "When all is said and done, and your life is at an end, the Bible is clear you will stand in front of God for judgment. How much will your life have shown that you valued Him giving His own life for yours?" Until next time, may your relationship with the Living Lord be the most valuable thing in your life. Be blessed Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour you are set free and given eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 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 The world has said you are worthless. Maybe you even feel that way at times. Don't believe it, you're valuable enough that God send Jesus to die for you. He values you highly and the only thing separating you from Him is that you haven't asked Him into your life. Will you do so today? 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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