Gleanings From The Word

Tag: Kevin Corbin

  • Impossible Task

    Can I say something that will probably make you uncomfortable? Of course, I’m not really asking permission; it’s just an easy way to broach the topic. Living the Christian life is an impossible task.

    I stand by that 100%. That is, if we try to live under our own power. Successfully living the Christian faith walk under the power of our will and flesh is an impossible task. It just cannot and will not happen.

    Fortunately, for us. God knows that. We are justified, that is, our sins are forgiven, but we are not yet fully sanctified (made holy).  It’s why he made the disciples wait after His ascension before beginning the next phase of their ministry.

    “And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, ‘you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” Acts 1:4-5

    “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49

    There was a special outpouring of the Spirit at the beginning of the church. Today, every true believer has the Spirit dwelling in them.

    The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, gives us discernment and wisdom (in tandem with the Word), gifts us and more.

    The Holy Spirit is the gasoline that powers our faith walk. Without Him, we can go nowhere and do nothing. When we try and do something without Him it is an impossible task.

    With Him, working in accordance with God’s will, all things are possible.

    Do not neglect or grieve the Spirit. He is our God-given helper.

    Praise God that He has not only forgiven us through Christ but empowered u with His Spirit.

    Be blessed

    Kevin

    Circles
    Every Member Is Necessary — 1 Corinthians 12
    # Right Belief Must Become Right Living

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  • Circles

    Circles

    Yesterday, Kathy and I took two of our granddaughters to Castle Fun Park (a local amusement park). One of the highlights for them was the go-carts, going around in circles (okay, not exactly circles. More of a circuit) in carts driven by lawn mower-sized engines.

    I remember the thrill of that when I was a youngster. Getting to drive and racing around at what seemed like great speed. Trying to pass others or avoid getting passed. I could hardly wait to grow up and drive my own car, and I was convinced I knew everything about driving. Of course, I really knew nothing.

    Life is a lot like that. We get busy going around in circles, we’re busy, and think we know far more than we do. We spin our wheels, going nowhere and accomplishing very little, if anything.

    It’s a tool the enemy, and our own fleshly nature use to keep us from growing in our faith walk and doing what god wants us to do. We get caught in empty activity, or struggling with what we think is urgent rather than important. We waste time, money, and energy pursuing things that don’t matter but seem just around the next bend.

    If we’re honest with ourselves, we all waste a lot of time. Much of it may even be on things that are good, but not the best use of our time. I confess that I’m that way far too often.

    We’re called to follow Jesus with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength. That takes focus and intentionality.

    Paul exhorts us to:

    Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-8

    Stop running in circles chasing things that never satisfy. Take some time to intentionally follow Paul’s exhortation. Allow your heart, mind, soul, and strength to be focused on the things of God.

    That plan comes with blessings.

    Be blessed

    Kevin

    Impossible Task
    # Right Belief Must Become Right Living
    Every Member Is Necessary — 1 Corinthians 12