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Gleanings From The Word

Tag: gospel

  • God’s Promise of Renewal

    God’s Promise of Renewal

    american robin on the lawn

    I’ve seen a few robins around, but yesterday I saw a pair in our backyard.  Most years a pair (or two) nests somewhere on the property, so it’s a promise that spring is on the way. 

    We will likely get more cold, winter-like weather, but we are through the worst of it. I miss some aspects of the places we’ve lived most of our lives, but the long, cold weather isn’t one of them. 

    It won’t be spring officially for 28 more days (March 20 this year), but the true weather seldom follows the official seasonal starts. When we lived in Alberta, it saw snowfall in every month of the year, and the same for spring-like weather.

    Even if it’s not officially Spring, the hope and promise of it bring me joy. Spring is a time of renewal, fresh growth, and great beauty. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, God is in control and has promised us something better.

    The coming of Spring doesn’t negate the possibility of bad weather ahead; it comes with a promise. In the same way, becoming believers doesn’t mean we won’t have dark times, but it comes with the promise of something greater.

    You can’t avoid the cycle of seasons; every year gets some winter. We can’t avoid tough times; they are an integral part of our Faith walk. Hard times turn us to God for help, hope, and comfort. 

    Winter is a time for plants to be dormant and rest in preparation for the busy growth of Spring. Hard times are when we sink our roots deeper into Christ, preparing for deeper growth and a closer relationship with Him.

    The scriptures are full of promises for renewal.

    Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

    …he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5

    If you are facing hold times, hold fast, He has something better for you. If you aren’t having a struggle, prepare because one is coming.

    In everything rejoice, the best is yet to come.

    Be blessed

    Kevin

    Check These out

    Spelunking – into the darkness

    Trust God

    The gospel – the best news ever

  • 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