From: John & April Correia <[email protected]>
Cc: gprins <[email protected]>
Subject: Encouragement From The Heart - 5-29-98
Date: Friday, May 29, 1998 6:47 AM

GOD'S PECKING ORDER

Observing the ducks I raise in my pond, I have noticed that they (especially the drakes) love to establish a pecking order to establish their dominance. I have even seen them kill each other to reign supreme.

We humans have our own type of "pecking order". Sports celebrities, movie stars, models or wealthy and influential people are looked up to as icons in our society. This type of hero worship reveals the misplaced values we have come to embrace. It says that good looks, expensive clothes, owning a nice home, being the right size, having the right education is what counts.
Unfortunately, even children have their particular style of "pecking order," the effects of which can leave lifelong scars.

I had the privilege not long ago of meeting George Beverly Shea, the great baritone who is associated with the Billy Graham Association. I spoke to him briefly and I was in awe of him because God has gifted him and used him so greatly. Reflecting on that situation, I remembered that God does not have a pecking order. He does not see one man as better than, or more important than another. The ground at the foot of the cross is level.

Even Moses and David, two men that were profoundly used by God, were not exempt from the grave consequences of their disobedience to Him. (Deuteronomy 32:51-52 and 2 Samuel 12:9-14). God does not say, "Excuse me sir, you're not good enough so go back a bit for these people have only committed a few sins." God does not have a "pecking order." God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

You may be feeling very low about yourself. You may have been given a pink slip at work, your spouse or friend may have left you, or abuse may be a dark shadow in your life. People may not care, but God does care about you and your situation. You may feel like you are not good enough to come to Him, that you are not as good as someone else. On the contrary, when you are hurting is a great time to ask Jesus Christ to come into your life. He cares especially for those who are facing the cruel realities of life.

George Prins
[email protected]
(used with permission)

I'm so thankful that the Lord Almighty does not have a "pecking order" and that we can see that through out His word. How wonderful it is to serve the True Living God who cares for our every need and hears our every prayer.
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Have a joyous and bountiful day in the Lord!
April Correia
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