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An update for those who knew “Cowboy Joe”, the service will be  held at 1 PM, Tuesday, October 21, at Century Meadows Baptist in Camrose.

One of the highlights of our recent visit to Vancouver Island was an unexpected jewel. We had never heard of Moorecroft Park (near Nanoose Bay) until we saw signs along the highway. 

I almost drove by, but as we entered the intersection, I felt compelled to turn and head to the park. Another split second would have been too late, and we would have driven by.

It was by far the most beautiful and peaceful of all the parks and places we visited. We watched a seal cavort in the crystal clear waters and enjoyed more seals outside the sheltered cove. The scenery off the point was stunning.

Our visit there was refreshing in every way. Kathy and I repeatedly praised God for the beauty of the spot. I don’t doubt that the Holy Spirit called me to make that turn because I had every intention of passing it by.

Sometimes, we need to take a break from the busyness or routine of our everyday lives. We need to allow ourselves the opportunity to refocus. Moorecroft Park allowed us to do just that.

If I had ignored the compulsion to turn, we would still have seen beautiful sights. We would have had a great mini-holiday, but it would have been poorer. Often, we accept good when we could have far better with Him.

The Holy Spirit often works that way. He is the still, small voice that whispers to us. We can carry on and ignore Him, but our lives are poorer for doing so. 

When Elijah was depressed, defeated, and on the run, the Lord provided for Him. The Lord appeared to Him in the still small voice.

There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 1 Kings 19:9-12

We can miss the voice of God and the blessings by not paying attention. It’s true that God often appears in big ways. Jesus worked miracles and drew huge crowds. More often, though, His voice is quiet and intimate.

He speaks in many ways. It can be through the Word, a sign or wonder, the words of a friend or pastor, or even a whisper. Are you listening?

May God richly bless you.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed, 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

A number of you have ties to “the cowboy church” in Sherwood  Park. FYI, in case you haven’t heard, “Cowboy Joe” Macdonald went home to be with the Lord on the weekend after a battle with illness. No word yet on service details. There is rejoicing in glory, but he will be missed here.

This weekend, Kathy and I spontaneously went to Vancouver Island. We left Sunday after service and returned yesterday evening.

We spent the first night at a hotel in Nanaimo. We checked in, got ourselves organized, and headed out to a nearby restaurant for supper, just around sunset.

We passed a green space, and I was surprised to see a little black bunny. Looking more closely, I realized there were more rabbits. Many more. 

The whole ground area seemed to be moving. On that small lot were at least 100 black bunnies.

Every area of lawn or green space between there and the restaurant had rabbits. The vast majority of them were black, but a few were grays, and there were some eastern cottontails as well.

We learned that Nanaimo (as well as many other cities) has a plague of feral bunnies. What might have been cute initially has become a plague or pestilence.

Some people thought it was a good idea to let their bunnies roam free. Perhaps they couldn’t keep them for some reason and released them on purpose. Then people didn’t want to get rid of a “few” feral rabbits because they were cute (and I admit they are.)

The rabbits did what came naturally, and over the years, they multiplied exponentially. They live in colonies of hundreds and consume anything around them.

Those few cute bunnies are now an ecological disaster.

We can fall into the same trap. We can let sin slide because “it’s not so bad” or “everyone else is doing it.” I can’t imagine anyone setting out to struggle with addictions, but plenty do.

All sin is addictive. That might sound like a bold statement, but if you disagree, I challenge you to stop your besetting sin (and we all have at least one). It’s not easy. We didn’t set out to be hooked on our sin. It might have just seemed fun, or a coping mechanism, or a one-time slip, but once it had its hooks in us, we had a problem.

Few of us can break sin patterns on our own, through sheer willpower.  We need help.

Fortunately, as believers, we have the Holy Spirit, the greatest helper ever.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:16-17

That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, Ephesians 3:16

Let each of us turn to Him in repentance and seek the Spirit to lead us to freedom. 

We are works in process, but He will bring us to perfection. Praise His name.

May God richly bless you.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed, 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

#devotional #Biblestudy #rabbits #Nanaimo #Cutebut #Bible #gleanings

The busy little gray squirrel was happily munching on some  sunflower seeds someone had left. The trail is clearly marked with don’t feel the birds’ signs, but there are always plenty of seeds left around for the squirrels and birds.

This little fellow looked to me as if he were offering a prayer of thanksgiving. He had his eyes closed right up until I snapped the shot.

He got me thinking about the custom of saying “grace” or giving thanks before a meal. Why do we call it grace, and does the Bible tell us to do it?

I couldn’t find a definitive answer to why it is called a grace. From early church days, a short prayer of thanks acknowledging God’s grace and provision was called a “grace,” so perhaps that’s where it comes from.

The Bible doesn’t explicitly tell us to offer a blessing before a meal, though it does call us, in general terms, to be thankful. 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you I Thessalonians 5:16-18

We do see the practice modeled in Scripture.

Jesus gave thanks after the miracles of the loaves and fishes (Matthew 14:19-21; 15:34-36). At the Last Supper, He called his followers to give thanks (Luke 24:30).

When lost at sea, Paul offered thanks for the food.

As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.”And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat. Acts 27:33-35

When we give thanks for our food, we acknowledge that all things come from Him.

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36

Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11

Offering a prayer of grace or thanksgiving is not a requirement given by God, but a simple acknowledgement of gratitude for His provision.

May we learn to practice gratitude.

Be blessed

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed, 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

As we walked down the wooded trail, this curious fellow was keeping an eye on us. He was curious but didn’t trust us fully. He was wise to be careful because we might have been predators.

In the same way our furry friend was keeping a watchful eye on us, our friends, neighbors, and coworkers who aren’t believers are watching.

They might appear indifferent, or even overtly hostile, but they are watching. Is this faith thing real? Do we live it out? What happens when we stumble or bad things happen?

Sometimes, they are watching to make fun of us, but God can change the hardest of hearts. Sometimes, the hardest skeptic becomes the most enthusiastic of converts once the Lord gets a hold of them. The apostle Paul is an excellent example of that.

At other times, they might be curious but leery. At “the cowboy church,” we had a motto: “Don’t scare the sheep.” We were overtly and strongly Christian but strove intentionally to welcome everyone.

It takes time for hearts to soften. At “the cowboy church,” we ran ads in the local newspaper. Each ad featured a different picture and included a pithy or scripture quote. Over time, we learned that many people, including unbelievers, stopped to check out the ads each week, to see what we had to say.

It took most people about a year from the first time they saw the ads until they showed up for a service. Even then, they were watching to see if this was for real.

People need to hear the truth, but we need to be in a position to share it with them. As Christians, we need to strive to live the life Jesus calls us to and be transparent about our failures and His grace.

God doesn’t put watchers in our path as projects. They are there for us to love and bear witness to.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35

And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31

Allow them to see our love for God and for them. Show them His faithfulness even when we stumble.

The Spirit will witness to them through our lives. Let them watch.

Engage them in spiritual conversations when you can, but spend as much (or more) time listening as you do talking. Get to know them and learn where they are coming from.

Invite them to church when it seems appropriate. Don’t give up if they reject the offer, try again another time.

Be present, be yourself, and let the Spirit do His work.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed, 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

This little fellow was obviously very used to people feeding him.  Even though I had no food, he had no qualms about approaching me. When he realized I had nothing for him to eat, he moved away,

A little way down the trail, he came across a pile of sunflower seeds that someone had left for him. He stuffed his cheeks so full that they ballooned out and disappeared back into the woods. It wasn’t long before he was back, repeating the process until all the seeds were gone.

I tried but couldn’t get a decent shot of his chubby chipmunk cheeks. He resembled something out of a cartoon.

Chipmunks stash all the food they can find, so they have plenty for autumn when they are preparing to hibernate. I’m sure that they are like squirrels and forget at least some of what they have stashed, which allows the seed to grow in new places.

While people don’t have chipmunk cheeks, with the exception perhaps of some trumpet players, sometimes our habits resemble theirs.

We can’t get enough. We lust for the newest, fanciest, fastest, sexiest whiz-bang gizmo, as the old saying goes, “It’s good for everything, and if that isn’t enough, it’s good for nothing too!”

Advertisers are aware of our tendency to be unsatisfied. Billions are spent every year to cause us to buy more things. They appeal to our vanity, our lust, our loneliness, and more. Buy our product and we promise you will be satisfied, well, at least until we have another one to sell you.

We all fall for it. Chipmunks do it to survive, we do it out of emptiness and dissatisfaction.

We spend money we don’t have to buy things to impress people who don’t care. It’s a problem as old as humanity.  We find ourselves trapped in prisons of debt, with stuff we didn’t really want or need, and still hungering for more. 

It’s a problem as old as fallen humanity.

Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and never satisfied are the eyes of man. Proverbs 27:20

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 1 John 2:16

Our true satisfaction can never come from chasing the things of the world.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Seek fulfillment where it is to be. Find contentment in the Lord.

Let me close today with a prayer from Paul. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed, 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

I was awakened gently this morning by the cooing of a dove. It’s  a soothing sound the first few times, but after that, it tends to get very annoying. This morning, the doves decided to have an extended conversation, and the sound moved quickly, from comforting to annoying, to very irritating, to me wanting to yell, Shut up already!”

There are about half a dozen species of dove that live in British Columbia. The most common is the Eurasian collared dove, a species introduced to the Americas in the 1970s that promptly took over. We still have a few mourning doves and plenty of rock doves (common pigeon). 

I learned a fascinating fact about doves this morning. According to one source, “[Doves] are also a nurturing family of birds, with both parents caring for the babies, and both sexes capable of creating a substance called crop milk, which feeds their fledglings after they hatch.”

Thinking of doves drew my mind to the Bible. Doves appear frequently, both in the literal sense of physical birds and also heavily in symbolism.

I attempted to identify the species of dove the Bible refers to, but as there are many native to that part of the world, I was unable to find the information through some quick searches.

What comes to mind when you think of doves and the Bible?

Perhaps the dove comes to mind when we think of the Flood narrative (Genesis 6:11–9:19).

Perhaps you think of the sacrifices given by people who couldn’t afford larger animals. (Leviticus 1:14-17)

Some of you may think of the dove in calls for purity or as a symbol of peace.

I think when most people think of doves in the Bible, they think of the appearance of Holy Spirit. All four gospels testify to that event.

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him. Matthew 3:16

And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. Mark 1:10

And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ John 1:32-33

That’s a massive event because the Holy Spirit isn’t visible to us. Jesus said to Nicodemus, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:38

The event symbolized so much. God spoke at the appearance, testifying that Jesus was His Son. The appearance of the dove symbolized purity and sacrifice.

Jesus, the Lamb of God, would soon be a sacrifice for the sins of others. The spirit didn’t come as a ram, lamb, or goat, the sacrifices only the wealthy could afford. He came as a dove … the sacrifice that even the most lowly of people could afford.

Jesus came for all people regardless of position, status, or wealth. The Spirit sealed that.

Next time you see or hear a dove, give thanks that Jesus came for all who would open their hear.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed, 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

It’s a grey and gloomy morning. The rain is drizzling, and the sky  is threatening to open up even more. Each morning, more of the leaves have begun to change color. It isn’t cold yet, but it feels every bit as autumnal as the calendar says it should.

The few birds that are around are all fluffed up and hunkered down. They look very unhappy. None has even bothered to come over to the feeders.

Life can be that way. Even devout Christians can have down, depressed days.

There is this myth in the faith that we must always be upbeat and happy. It’s as if we feel that by admitting our struggles, we will bring disaster upon ourselves or appear less than holy. We worry that fellow believers will look down on us if the walls we have created crack even slightly.

My friends, this should not be so. The body is designed to enable us to help one another through the power of the Spirit.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  Galatians 6:2

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35

I’m not suggesting that you open the flood gates on every struggle, every sin, to everyone. There must be some level of discernment.

When we’re not honest with each other, we steal from one another. We rob others of the opportunity to minister to us. We rob ourselves of being ministered to. We rob God of the glory due to His name.

We are broken, weak, flawed vessels of God’s grace. That’s no surprise to God, and it shouldn’t be a surprise that our brothers and sisters in Christ face struggles as well.

He is glorified in our weakness and brokenness because He is the one who brings healing and wholeness.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

It’s okay to have gray days and struggles. It’s good to share them. Our witness is magnified when we can praise God through the struggles.

Until next time, let’s learn to trust God and one another.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed, 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Wow, it’s October already. Where did September go? I had just  managed to start writing dates as September rather than August, and it’s gone. The month felt about two weeks long.

I’ve been down with a nasty cold for the past week or so and have been largely stuck in the house. Yesterday, we took some time to drive to a local area park, where we could sit in the quiet and sun, while remaining a safe distance from others.

We enjoyed watching the ducks and seeing a great blue heron work its way along the opposite bank from us. In this area, we are blessed to have a plethora of herons, mostly great blues, but also some greens, and bitterns.

Herons are masterful and patient hunters. They can remain motionless for an extended period of time and then extend their necks and beaks forward at explosive speed to nab unwary prey. Every move is calculated and often in seemingly slow motion.

Yesterday’s heron managed to spear a few small fish and some other unidentified prey as it worked its way down the shore. Now and then it seemed to miss, but it was successful more often than not.

I confess that I’m nowhere near as patient as a heron. I keep praying for patience, and God answers by giving me things to be patient about. Still, I’m glad He is patient with me because I seem at times to be a very slow learner and prone to wandering.

Like children in the days before a birthday party or Christmas, we impatiently long for His return. Almost every day, someone seems to claim to know when that will be, usually based on a tabloid theological interpretation of some world event combined with a misinterpreted passage of Scripture.

There is no doubt that His return is coming; Scripture speaks of it often. The long-awaited Day of the Lord will arrive. But, When?

It will happen when God deems the time to be right.  Second Peter 3 is entirely about that day and speaks of God’s patience.

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:8-12

It’s coming at the perfect moment, and Jesus has told us that no one will know the day or time. 

How do we live in that tension? We stop worrying about when it will happen and live like it might be today. We love our neighbor, share the good news, and keep short accounts with God.

That might not make us any less impatient, but it will sharpen our walk and enhance our witness as we wait.

Trust His timing, live for Him, and He will be glorified.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed, 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

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Please like and share this post with your friends and those in your circle of influence. Feel free to comment.

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word. 

Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.