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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #906 September 12, 2003 Out Of The Darkness 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. The display booth at the science and technology center was carefully designed. As you walked into the maze, all sound stopped, then it got totally dark in the center. To find your way out, you had to put your hand on the wall and feel for the opening. No light or sound penetrated that far, it was an eerie feeling. As you worked your way back you, you began to hear sounds and see light again. Darkness is a strange thing. It's the absence of light. Where you have light, there is no darkness. I sometimes think that's why God allows bad things to happen to good people. In the midst of our sorrow, our pain and our grief, when things seem the darkest, then we look upwards towards the light. We live in a dark and hurting world. Everywhere you turn there is tragedy and suffering. In the midst of all that, God has allowed us the privilege of being bearers of divine light. He lives in us and allows us to bring hope; compassion; love; peace; joy and forgiveness to those who need it most. We carry comfort; deliverance; healing and freedom to those in spiritually and emotional dark places. Darkness respects no one. The very wealthy and outwardly happy people can be living in darkness. Our friends, family and neighbors can seem very ordinary but trapped in the hopelessness, confusion and pain of darkness. The poor, sick and disenfranchised all can have darkness in their lives. Even many of the "regulars" at church on a Sunday morning have never experienced the love of Jesus or seen His light. As carriers of light, we must go into the world and push back the dark. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV If you know Jesus, you are blessed with the opportunity and responsibility to share the hope you have with others. It's not always easy because the darkness despises the light. Where there is light, darkness cannot exist. Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil 1 Peter 3:13-17 NIV Until next time, remember the words of that old children's hymn "This little light of mine" and let it shine in the midst of the darkness. May your light be the source of hope for someone trapped in the dark. Be blessed Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour you are a light in a dark place. For this is what the Lord has commanded us:" `I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' " Acts 13:47 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 You've stumbled around in the dark for a long time. You find yourself getting more and more lost with each passing day and wonder if there is any hope or anyone who truly cares. Take heart, God cares and He's your hope. He'll accept you right where you are if you come before Him with a humble and repentant heart. Open yourself up to His rescue today. Don't wait a moment longer. 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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