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Gleanings From The Word

Tag: Gleanings

  • Where is God on Rainy Days

    Where is God on Rainy Days

    Hilside waterfall obscured by sheets of rain, Abbotsfor BC - atmospheric river

    Yesterday, Kathy and I went for a country drive in the rain. I’ve been stuck at home the past two weeks fighting a nasty bug and was going stir-crazy. The “atmospheric river” plaguing us and causing localized flooding didn’t improve my disposition. I did manage to sneak out for a few minutes on Saturday to vote, but other than that, I have been housebound.

    I needed out before cabin fever set in, so rain or no rain, we took a drive. We saw a few eagles and plenty of little waterfalls. This photo looks a little grainy and unclear, but that’s because the rain was coming down in wind-blown sheets, obscuring our view.

    I was grateful to get out for a few hours despite the weather.

    Can I let you in on a secret? Life can be like the weather; some days, it’s great, and others, it’s downright oppressive and miserable.

    Some so-called Bible teachers will tell you that if you have enough faith, you can get everything you ever wanted from God, and everything will be perfect. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing and deceivers.

    God is more interested in our holiness than in our temporal earthly happiness. His goal is to make us more like Jesus through or despite the circumstances surrounding us.

    Even Jesus, fully God and fully man, and sinless in every way, experienced the hard side of life. He was rejected, mocked, hated, rebuked, tortured and killed. Why should we expect any different?

    Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

    Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV

    Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 ESV

    In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV

    When the clouds roll in, don’t despair. Jesus still has your back. Tough times are part and parcel of the fallen human condition. 

    Whatever we face has a purpose, and Jesus will shine in our lives through it. He will never leave or forsake us, no matter the weather.

    Until next time, rejoice in His faithfulness.

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

    Showers of Mercy and Grace
  • Aurora Borealis – The heavens declare

    Aurora Borealis – The heavens declare

    Northern LIghts - Aurora Borealis - reader supplied photo

    Anyone with social media knows that our sun is in a storm phase and has been lighting up the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) with incredible displays, even in places they are not even seen. Social media platforms have been lit up with photos from all over the Northern Hemisphere.

    We are currently in what NASA calls Solar Cycle 25, the 25th cycle since they started being recorded in February 1755. During the most active part of the cycle, known as solar maximum, the Sun can unleash immense explosions of light, energy, and solar radiation, all creating conditions known as space weather. One of the results is the more intense Northern Lights.

    Having spent many years living in Northern Alberta, I have seen the lights in their majesty hundreds of times, but they never fail to impress.

    There is something about watching the waves of light change colors while moving and dancing that is both breathtaking and soothing. If you have never seen them and get the opportunity, I encourage you to take it.

    Last night, Kathy and I decided to take a run out into the countryside to catch a glimpse. We hit a couple of promising spots, but between the light pollution, clouds, and the mountains blocking the view, we struck out. Today’s photo is reader-supplied.

    It was disappointing, but we enjoyed the hunt and the nighttime countryside.

    When I see the Aurora’s dance, I can’t help but think of the God who created them. The Northern Lights can be explained naturally with a clear scientific explanation, but the God of the Bible created all the components and set the rules by which they operate.

    The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and nothing is hidden from its heat. Psalm 19:1-6 ESV

    Those verses are so often relevant that they might sometimes seem trite and cliche. Yet they are powerfully true.

    It takes an incredibly hard heart to look at the beauty surrounding us and not stop marveling. God’s artistry knows no limits and regularly surpasses our expectations.

    Take some time today and look at the world around us. Despite all the turmoil we see, there is beauty to be seen. Give God the glory.

    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)

    Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.

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