Tag: Bible reading

  • Showers of blessing

    It rained some yesterday, and more rain is forecast. That’s to be expected this time of year in the Lower Mainland. Today’s image is a leaf I captured after another recent shower.

    Rain can certainly put a damper on things (pun intended). The shorter hours of sunlight can cause my SAD (seasonal affective disorder) to flare up some, and rain makes most outdoor tasks a little more challenging and uncomfortable.

    Still, as I must remind myself, we do need the rain. Water tables are very low, and that’s making it difficult for salmon to spawn. It’s been dry, so there were fewer berries for the bears and other critters to fatten up with for winter.

    PROMISED BLESSINGS

    The thoughts on rain showers took my mind back to a passage I read recently in Ezekiel.

    “I will make with them a covenant of peace and banish wild beasts from the land, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods.  And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing. And the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase, and they shall be secure in their land. And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke, and deliver them from the hand of those who enslaved them. They shall no more be a prey to the nations, nor shall the beasts of the land devour them. They shall dwell securely, and none shall make them afraid. And I will provide for them a renowned place for planting so that they shall no more be consumed with hunger in the land, and no longer suffer the reproach of the nations. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Lord God. And you are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Lord God.” Ezekiel 34:25-31 ESV

    Now that’s a specific promise made in a given context to the people of Israel. Still, it shows His heart towards those He loves.

    Our Almighty, Loving God wants to “send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing.”  Think about that for a moment.

    God wants to bless you. It doesn’t mean you won’t face hard times or challenges. It does mean that whatever you face, God has blessings in store for you as a believer.

    Take some time today to reflect on the blessings God has already given you, and give Him thanks. Know there are more to come.

    Kevin

    SUMMARY

    Rainy days reminded me of God’s promise in Ezekiel 34 to send showers of blessing in their season. Whatever we face, God has blessings in store for us as believers.

    TAKEAWAY

    God’s promise in Ezekiel 34 was made to Israel in a specific context, but it shows His heart towards those He loves, and that includes you.

    God wanting to bless you doesn’t mean you won’t face hard times or challenges; it means that whatever you face, He has blessings in store for you as a believer.

    Take time today to reflect on the blessings God has already given you, thank Him for them, and know more are coming.

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  • Famous Final Words

    Don’t be fooled by the title; Gleanings isn’t going anywhere. We plan to be around as long as God calls us to be here. The title comes from the fact that I thought about famous last words the other evening. Some are ironic; others profound.

    American Civil War General John Sedgwick was killed at the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse on May 9, 1864, by a long-range shot from a sharpshooter. He is remembered for his final words, “They couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance.

    Peter Abelard, the famous 12th-century philosopher, after a lifetime of study and thought: “I don’t know.” The more we know, the more we learn that we do not know.

    Queen Elizabeth 1: “All my possessions for a moment of time.” A little late to recognize that material goods do not replace other, more valuable things

    Thomas Becket, early chancellor of England, shortly before being murdered by knights of King Henry II: “For the name of Jesus and the protection of the church I am ready to embrace death.” A martyr for the faith.

    Musician Al Jolson: “This is it! I’m going. I’m going.” We all have to go sometimes.

    Author H.G. Wells: “Go away. I’m all right.” He was as wrong about that as he was about Christ.

    French revolutionary George Jacques Danton: “Show my head to the people. It is worth seeing.” George had a colossal ego right until the end.

    Basketball legend “Pistol” Pete Maravich collapsed during a game. His final utterance was: “I feel great.” Perhaps, not so great there, Pete.

    Blues singer Bessie Smith died saying, “I’m going, but I’m going in the name of the Lord.” That is a profound ending.

    Many of the words of Jesus were recorded for us by the authors of Scripture. All the words he spoke are profound and inspired, but His final words on the cross strike a chord.

    Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 ESV

    Jesus closes His life with the words of Psalm 31:5, speaking to God the Father. We see his complete trust in his heavenly Father. Jesus entered death in the same way he lived each day, offering up his life as the perfect sacrifice and placing himself in God’s hands.

    We would do well to emulate Jesus’ final words in our daily lives. Taking the time to remember God and praying is a great place to start the day. There is no better place than we can be than in the dead center of God’s will.

    Being in the center of His will doesn’t mean things will always be easy. The narrow road is often difficult. Yet, our Lord is Sovereign, and He wants what is best for His children. His will may ordain tough times, but He will not leave us there.

    The last words of Scripture are a blessing:

    The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Revelation 22:21 ESV

    Here is the whole promise of God encapsulated in a few words. God’s grace poured out on those who love Him. What a beautiful promise and ending.

    Until next time, take some time to savor God’s wondrous grace.

    Kevin. 

    SUMMARY

    I’ve been thinking about famous last words lately, from generals to queens to musicians. Comparing them to Jesus’ final words on the cross, only one offers real hope.

    TAKEAWAY

    Queen Elizabeth realized too late that “material goods do not replace other, more valuable things” — you don’t have to wait until your final hour to act on that.

    Jesus’ final words were trust, not fear: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” That’s the same trust you’re called to live out now, not just at the end.

    Scripture’s own last words are a promise for you: God’s grace poured out on those who love Him.

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