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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #903 September 9, 2003 A Walk In the Woods An integral part of our ministry is our prayer team. We're looking for some additional members. If you think you might be interested in serving with us in this way, send an email with the subject "Prayer team" and we'll send you some additional information. We're also seeking a volunteer (read unpaid)webmaster. Duties would include bringing our website design up to date, and ongoing site maintenance. If you're interested email us with a brief resume and some samples of your work. Good communication skills, patience with non technical people (like me), agreement with our statement of faith and a good walk with Christ are prerequisites. I was in my teens and out hunting grouse by myself for the first time. I had walked farther than I realized and the sun was setting when I turned back. I wasn't concerned about getting lost, I had walked down an old country road and simply had to walk back to get out to my truck. I started back at a leisurely pace, enjoying the final rays of the setting sun. I hadn't gone far when darkness began to settle in. Up until then, I had been enjoying the color of the turning leaves, the smell of fresh outdoor air and the crisp feel of autumn. As it got darker, I began to feel like the little boy who whistles going past the graveyard so he can convince himself he's not afraid. I think I might have even whistled for a bit. As it grew darker, my senses heightened and every rustle in the bush, every creak of a tree magnified itself in my mind. Before long, my heart was pounding with self-generated fear. Wolves, bears and other unimaginable horrors were waiting for me just off the edge of the road. I broke into a run, and bolted as fast as I could to get off that road and out to the pavement. A grouse flushed out in front of me. I thought my heart was going to burst. A squirrel chattered as I ran by, it seemed to be laughing at me. When I got out to the blacktop, caught my breath and collected my thoughts, I had to laugh at myself. I had been up and down that road many times and knew it was a safe place. I had simply let my imagination get the better of me. Our minds are wonderful things. They can also be the breeding place for all kinds of things. In this case it was fear for no reason, but it can also be sin. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15 NIV We have a passing thought. That thought is simply temptation, it isn't sin. We begin to dwell on the thought and the sin builds. We begin to plan our rebellion and how we'll bring it about. Suddenly we've "slipped" into sin. We need to be vigilant at all times. We need to take captive our thoughts. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV God is a God who forgives, but we still have a responsibility to take control of our own minds and actions (in His power). Until next time, may your thoughts be of heavenly things and growing God's kingdom here on earth instead of fertile ground for fear and sin. Be blessed Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour you are triumphant. But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 2 Corinthians 2:14 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 We've all struggled with temptation and sin and lost. It's part of being human. There's no need to let that keep you apart from God. He's paved the way for us to be reconciled to Him through the blood of Jesus. All we have to do is accept that sacrifice. Will you do it 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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