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Gleanings From The Word

Category: John

  • Trust God

    Trust God

    A bend in the trail - what's around the bend

    There are times in life when it feels like you can’t see what’s coming around the next bend. It can be unnerving or even immobilizing. It makes it hard to trust God.

    We do our best to take control of whatever is coming, but the reality is that we aren’t in control of anything, except our choices, and there are usually a limited number of options. That can be a terrifying or liberating truth.

    Knowing we aren’t in control often drives people to one of two places. There are control freaks who try to manage every detail, and the less control they have, the more they fight and suffer. Then there are the fatalists who think it’s going to happen anyway, so “why bother trying?

    We need to trust the ultimate source of control is God himself, the creator and sustainer of the world.  I find it freeing to know that while I can’t control every situation, the one who loves me controls my ultimate destination.

    Faith in Him carries weight and freedom.

    He lights the way. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

    Jesus said, “…I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

    He also said, “…If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

    He controls the past, present, and future. He promises never to leave us or forsake us. He gives every believer the Spirit. He loves us beyond measure.

    We have the Word, the church, and the testimony of those who have gone before us to strengthen us when we are worried about the road ahead.

    When the way seems dark or uncertain, the Bible offers this simple advice, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

    When the road seems lost in mist, and you feel like you have no control, trust the one who sees all, knows all, and controls the future.

    The road is not guaranteed to be smooth or without pain; in fact, it will be hard and rocky, but the guide is perfect and the destination assured.

    Hold fast to the guide, dear friends, and let Him lead you

    Be blessed

    Kevin

    Standing Alone – Strength and Hope in Hard Times
    Tribulation Produces Perseverance
  • Changed From the Inside – Good News

    Changed From the Inside – Good News

    backyard with a skiff of snow

    Good morning, it seems like forever since we last chatted. Here in BC, it was the Family Day long weekend, so there have been no Gleanings since Friday.

    We got a skiff of snow last night. Most of it is already gone except for some shady spots on the lawn. It melted into thick, scraper-resistant ice on the windshield, making it harder than usual to get the car ready for Kathy to go to work. I found myself mumbling, rather than being grateful, to live in a place where snow is rare.

    Ooops!

    How easy it is to slip back into old habits, whether it’s grumbling or something else. I’m grateful that God is so patient with us and never gives up on His promise to conform us into the image of Jesus.

    I can’t generate enough willpower to break all the old fleshly ways under my own strength. I need Holy Spirit power to break me through. Fortunately, he dwells in all believers.

    If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,  to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17

    He transforms us from the inside out. Those are the places we can’t reach ourselves. We can modify our behaviors to some degree by willpower alone, but real transforming power comes from deep within.

    Sometimes, he changes us instantaneously, and at others, it is a long process. I can be a slow learner.

    I am grateful that I didn’t have to change and get my life cleaned up before approaching His throne of Grace. I would never be able to do it without the imputed righteousness of Christ. 

    He sees me covered by the blood and growing, and that pleases Him. He hears the Spirit groaning when I don’t even know what to pray for, and He answers.

    I’m not all that I will be, but I’m far from what I was. All of that is His work in me (and you).

    I’m learning to repent more quickly, and I’m likely to stand longer between falls, and that’s progress.

    Praise god for the changes He is making in us all.

    Be blessed

    Kevin

    Some other reading

    Thunderggs – a hidden beauty

    The Gospel – the best news

    Trust God