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Gleanings From The Word

Tag: Gleanings

  • Do you see things through the eyes of faith?

    Do you see things through the eyes of faith?

    Mount Baker from the Abbotsford side

    I see Mount Baker or parts of it almost every day. Located just to the southeast of us in Washington State, it dominates the southern horizon. It’s a sight I never grow tired of. Of course, if I’m out after dark, the mountain disappears, but by faith I know it’s still there.

    The mountain can also disappear from my view depending on the weather. Clouds, rain, fog, or a combination of them can obscure the sight of a small part of it, or everything. The changing weather patterns mean the view can change from hour to hour, minute by minute, or even second by second.

    If I turn away from the mountain, I go somewhere else, and if a hill or building blocks my way, I can’t see it anymore.

    Of course it does, Kevin. That’s normal. The mountain hasn’t gone anywhere or disappeared; you just can’t see it at those times.

    I know that, but I use the thought to make a point. Are there times when you feel that God has moved away, or you can’t “see” Him? That happens to most of us, at least at times.

    God was there before anything in the material universe existed. He will be then when everything changes on the last day.

    Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2

    God said to Moses, “I am who I am.”  And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel:‘I amhas sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14


    For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature,have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.     Romans 1:20

    So, if He is always there, why does He seem distant or absent? There are several possibilities.

    You’ve turned away. Sometimes our own sin blinds us to God, and we turn from Him.

    You’re looking but not seeing what’s in front of you. This happens to me when I’m trying to find something and fail. I ask Kathy for help, and she shows me where it was right there in front of my face.

    God blesses you with a period of temporary blindness so that your faith is put to the test and grows. That’s a reason we don’t often think of.

    Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

    If you aren’t seeing God, first check your own life. What sin is blinding you? Take time to repent and confess. Then ask Him to reveal Himself again. Pray, read the word, and practice some spiritual disciplines to reconnect.

    Trust Him, allow your faith to grow. He is at work in all things, all circumstances, and every life. He works all things for His glory and the good of those who love Him.

    Just as Mount Baker is still there when the cloud lifts, you will find God still there when your vision and circumstances clear.

    Remember, He promises to never leave or forsake you. You can trust His promises.

    Be blessed

    Kevin

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  • Our earthly treasures will be left behind but we will go to glory

    Our earthly treasures will be left behind but we will go to glory

    I am fascinated by old, abandoned farmhouses, cabins, and mines. No two are alike.

    Between Clearwater BC, where we once lived, and the nearby city of Kamloops is an old farmstead on a bend in the North Thompson River. (not the one in this image). It’s a beautiful sight in its way and ideally suited for taking some great river pictures. 

    Unfortunately, it’s posted land, and a busy corner of the highway, so there is no going in to explore. It never fails to capture my interest. Part of the land is still used for hay, so it isn’t totally wasted, but I wonder what happened to the original owners.

    Perhaps they were successful and built a newer, bigger home and barn. Perhaps they lost the property during an economic downturn. Perhaps aging parents couldn’t keep up, and the children weren’t interested. I can only speculate.

    When I pass an old church, long abandoned or repurposed, I often wonder what happened to the people who built it and loved the Lord. Did they move on? Did they lose their zeal for the Lord? I guess I’ll find out in glory.

    I sometimes wish the old buildings could talk. What would they tell us about the people who lived and worked there? What happened to them? What did they leave? What hopes and aspirations did they have?

    Unfortunately, the buildings don’t talk, and we are left to guess. Sometimes land title records or other documents can tell us some things, but the real human history has been lost.

    All of that’s interesting enough, but what does that have to do with our faith?

    The reality of life is that it’s finite. Billions of people have come and gone throughout the history of life on this planet, most of whom will never be remembered beyond a generation or two.

    Some people spend huge fortunes erecting monuments to their names so that they will be remembered after death. Even the great monuments people built eventually succumb to the ravages of time.

    Yet there is promised hope beyond the pale of death. Believers will be with the Lord forever and will be known to Him. The good works done in His name will be remembered and celebrated. The future isn’t nearly bright for non-believers who will suffer eternal torment.

    The treasures we value so much will vanish. Yet we gain so much more in the end.

    Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:51-57

    If you want eternal monuments… pray for the salvation of your offspring for generations to come. Love your neighbors. Tell them about Jesus. Follow Christ.

    The things of Christ endure, and what wonderful stories we will have to share with each other that bring glory to God.

    Be blessed

    Kevin

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

    The things we value most will be left behind – We gain everything

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    # Right Belief Must Become Right Living

    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.