Issue 1294 – Why I Write – November 10, 2023
I got a birthday greeting from a friend yesterday (actually, I received many of them, but I am thinking of one in particular) who thanked me for bringing the Word to her for over 20 years.
My heartfelt thanks to that person (and all the others who have commented on an issue, dropped me a note or encouraged me in some way.) I know that the final reward (if any) will come from the Lord, but the regular feedback from readers often keeps me going.
It’s hard to believe that the first Gleanings From the Word was written over 20 years ago. The first issue was on January 1, 2001. We ran for almost 4500 consecutive issues before taking a break, followed by nearly 1300 this time around.
Some issues have been repeated because they were requested or I was short of ideas on a given day. So let me be conservative and say there have likely been more than 5500 original columns/blog issues. That’s a lot of words.
Some of them have been profound and wise. I am sure some issues have been personal or silly, and others just missed the mark. Some issues significantly impacted people’s lives, as evidenced by their own testimony. Other issues were just words that seemingly went nowhere.
Sometimes, my fingers cannot type fast enough when inspired to write. At other times, I stare at the blank screen, and every word is agonizing to write.
There have been issues that seemed to spring to life, and others that got started and ended up in the may be used in whole or part at some other date. I don’t preplan what I will write.
Honestly, I cannot even remember all the topics that Gleanings has touched on. Over the years, I have often been accused of being “Too.” Too liberal, conservative, opinionated, focused on theology and doctrine (or not enough), baptistic (again or not enough), interested in the broader church or church history. I have been told I emphasize grace too much but have also been called legalistic.
Pick an issue or a topic, and in someone’s view, I have been on the wrong side of the issue. That’s just how it goes. You cannot please everyone.
Undoubtedly, I have gotten some things wrong along the way, and my theology has changed in places. Whenever a fallible human being tries to present God’s truth, we are bound to not get it right at times. That’s one of the reasons I so frequently and strongly remind you to “Read the Word, Read the WORD, READ THE WORD.” Check out whatever I (or any other preacher or teacher, even your favourites) have to say against the Word of God.
In writing Gleanings, I hope that someone in the audience for the day is drawn closer to the Lord. It might be a fresh perspective on something they already knew, something new they have learned, or just to dig into the Bible because they are sure I can’t be right on an issue.
The Apostle John tells his purpose in writing it.
Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31
My words are not Holy Spirit inspired Scripture. Still, I resonate with John’s last sentence, “…these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
That’s my prayer for you as you read.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 KF “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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