Wheat field Banner

Gleanings From The Word

Tag: Kevin Corbin

  • In The Shadows

    In The Shadows

    Encouragement in the 23 Psalm

    sun breaking through forest shadows

    We walked along the heavily shadowed forest trail. Underneath  our feet, the moss and evergreen needles padded our footsteps. We enjoyed hearing the songs of the chickadees who seemed to be following along with us on our walk, and listened to the sound of a bubbling stream nearby.

    Periodically, we’d hit a spot where the sun shone brightly, then we were back in the shadows before long. The shadows didn’t mean the sun wasn’t there; they meant the trees shielded us from seeing it temporarily.

    Life can be that way at times. Life’s troubles can make it seem like God isn’t there, yet He remains the same all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present loving God even when times are dark.

    The Scriptures repeatedly tell us that He will never leave or forsake us. King David understood this truth and proclaimed it in a familiar Psalm.

    The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NIV

    David knew many dark times, including extended periods when his enemies actively sought to kill Him. He also knew the power and faithfulness of God, and that come what may, He was secure in the Lord’s hands. He knew that even if they succeeded, he would be with the Lord forever.

    We live in dark times. People are more frightened than I recall ever seeing before. The shadows are falling over us.

    We don’t have to be fearful because the Lord’s mercies are new every morning, and His faithfulness is great. He is still on the throne when the shadows threaten to overwhelm us.

    The world can strip us of everything but cannot separate us from Christ. Through Him, we are victorious.

    Fear not, my friends.

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

    You might be interested in

    Goose feathers and Christian maturity

    The gospel – the best news ever

    Tribulations produce perseverance.

    Fences – barriers to love

  • Fences – Barriers to love

    Fences – Barriers to love

    moss covered split rail fence

    The remnants of old split rail fences can be found in many of the  local area parks. The cedar rails are rot-resistant, and the fences are relatively easy to construct, making them ideal for many uses.

    There’s an old country saying: “Good fences make good neighbors.” It’s been found in writing as early as the 1640s, but it likely far outdates them. The saying implies that boundaries, both physical and otherwise, are good. There is truth in that, but boundaries are often abused.

    We like to categorize people. It helps us know who is who. We do it by gender, culture, politics, age, skin color, and so much more. It’s even done within the church. We sort by theology, baptism style, denomination, worship style, what seminary the pastor attended, and more.

    It becomes problematic when we start to see categories rather than people. We can begin to focus on the differences rather than the commonalities. Rather than a tool to help facilitate understanding and dialogue, we begin to exclude based on what fence our neighbor lives behind.

    It’s an easy trap to fall into, particularly when dealing with contentious issues within the church. I can easily fall into the trap of seeing people as one of “them” rather than individuals. I find myself doing that I must repent of as sin and seek reconciliation if need be.

    The fact that someone comes from a different denominational background or differs on non-essential theological issues doesn’t make them our enemies. If their faith is in Christ per the gospel, they are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

    Like blood families, Christian families can have differences and struggles. It’s a fact of life and an opportunity to give and receive forgiveness, grace, and love.

    Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 1 John 2:9-11 ESV

    Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 1 John 3:15 ESV

    We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:19-21 ESV

    Let’s use our fences to understand, but let us also remember to love.

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

    You might also like

    Changed from the inside

    The gospel – the best news

    Encouragement in the dark places – thoughts on Psalm 23

    The first day in heaven