🐾 Pawing Away The COVID-19 Lockdown Blues With “Bruce THE Boxer” Day 8 – Seek & Destroy
April 9, 2020 
0 Comments
Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor!
Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Seek & Destroy”
Seeking and destroying oversize tennis balls, footballs, rugby balls etc is a fantastic way to strengthen our already powerful jaws…Ooohh that popping sound, or the slow hiss of death. Nothing feels much better than when we conquer a ball! 😀
Beware…If you like the oversized tennis ball(like me) or tennis balls of any size, they can sometimes bite back.
The ball itself can be a choking risk…But some of us enjoy shredding the yellow-green fuzz that surrounds the tennis ball. Eating this fuzz can lead to increased choking hazards and intestinal blockages that could require surgery. Do not let this happen, just paw your owner until they get you another ball! 🐾
🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb!
🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.”
The delight which God has in His redeemed people!
April 9, 2020 3 Comments
The delight which God has in His redeemed people!
“I will rejoice over them to do them good.” Jeremiah 32:41
“As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you!” Isaiah 62:5
The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you . . . He will rejoice over you with singing!” Zephaniah 3:17
How heart-cheering to the believer, is the delight which God has in His redeemed people!
We cannot see any reason in ourselves why the Lord should take pleasure in us. We cannot take delight in ourselves, for we often have to groan, being burdened; conscious of our sinfulness, and deploring our unfaithfulness.
And we fear that God’s people cannot take much delight in us, for they must perceive so much of our imperfections and our follies, that they may rather lament our infirmities, than admire our graces.
But we love to dwell upon this transcendent truth, this glorious mystery–that as the bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so does the Lord rejoice over us!
We do not read anywhere that God delights in the cloud-capped mountains, or the sparkling stars–but we do read that His delights are with the sons of men.
We do not find it written that even angels give His soul delight; nor does He say, concerning cherubim and seraphim, “You shall be called Hephzibah, for the Lord delights in you”; but He does say all that to poor fallen creatures like ourselves, debased and depraved by sin–but redeemed and saved by His grace.
In what strong language He expresses His delight in His people! Who could have conceived of the eternal One as bursting forth into a song? Yet it is written, “He will take great delight in you . . . He will rejoice over you with singing!”
As He looked upon the world He had made, He said, “It is very good”. But when He beheld those who are the purchase of Jesus’ blood, His own chosen ones, it seemed as if the great heart of the Infinite could restrain itself no longer–but overflowed in divine exclamations of joy.
Should not we utter our grateful response to such a marvelous declaration of His love, and sing, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!”
🐾 Pawing Away The COVID-19 Lockdown Blues With “Bruce THE Boxer” Day 7 – Let Me See Your War Face
April 8, 2020 3 Comments
Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor!
Attention!! Today let’s talk about your War Face
To make sure you get every drill performed each day…is to make war with laziness! There is no better way to do this than to show your war face.
Show me your war face! Now show everyone your war face!
Let’s come together and destroy laziness! 🐾
🎶 Remember our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.”
Be the light
April 8, 2020 0 Comments
“Christ’s love controls us”
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
14“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Another fantastic reason to try and do our best. So that everyone will praise our heavenly Father. We are to represent Christ here on this earth. They will know we are Christians by our love. Huge love, off the wall, even, love for others. We are going to be shining for Christ! Let us draw near to Him so we know what to say and do. We will be guided by the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:14-21 NLT
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May we see our sins
April 8, 2020 2 Comments
May we see our sins
(Henry Law, “Family Prayers”)
O God the Holy Spirit, have mercy upon us miserable sinners. Move, we beseech You, in our disordered hearts. Remove the deformities of unruly desires and hateful lusts. Chase away the mists and darkness of unbelief. Brighten our inner man with the pure light of truth. Sow abundantly the seeds of righteousness. Make our souls fragrant as the garden of the Lord. Enrich them with every godly fruit. Beautify them with heavenly grace. Be our comforter, our guide, our light, our sanctification.
Especially take of the things of Christ, and show them with enlarged power to our longing souls. May we daily learn more of His love, His grace, His tender compassion, His faithfulness, and His beauty. May we delight ourselves in Him with increased delight. Lead us to the cross, and show us in His wounds–the hateful character of sin. May we see our sins, as . . .
the nails which transfixed Him,
the cords which bound Him,
the sword which pierced Him,
the thorns which tore Him,
the taunts which stung Him.
Help us to read in His cruel death, the reality and immensity of His love.
Open to us the wondrous volumes of glorious truth in the cry, “It is finished!”
Our atonement is forever achieved,
our debt is fully paid,
all our guilt is washed away,
all our sins most righteously forgiven,
our souls saved,
Hell vanquished,
the devil crushed,
Heaven won, and
eternity of glory our rightful home!
Holy Spirit, deepen in us these saving lessons.
Write them with Your finger on the tablets of our hearts.
May our walk be . . .
sin-loathing,
sin-fleeing,
Christ-loving,
God-fearing!
🐾 Pawing Away The COVID-19 Lockdown Blues With “Bruce THE Boxer” Day 6 – Short Sprints
April 7, 2020 10 Comments
Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor!
Attention!! Today is my fave…Short sprints!
The benefits of sprinting are endless. It is an excellent cardiovascular exercise, it increases your stamina, burns lot of calories in a short time and moreover, it gives a boost to your metabolism so even when your workout is over, it keeps on burning calories…Mmmm so make sure your owner keeps the treats coming! 🐾
Sprinting releases surges of happy endorphins called dopamine, meaning we too can experience a ‘human runner’s high’.
If we are under stimulated and under exercised, we can be prone to destructive behaviours such as chewing, digging and rubbish rummaging. We can become hyper, overly excitable and restless at night. It can be the cause of attention-seeking behaviour, like whining, jumping up and barking. Do not let this happen…Drag your lazy owner outside and get them moving! 🐾
🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb!
🎶 Remember our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.”
Believing that God rules all, that He governs wisely, that He brings good out of evil
April 7, 2020 4 Comments
Believing that God rules all, that He governs wisely, that He brings good out of evil
(Charles Spurgeon)
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!” Romans 8:28
The Christian does not merely hold this truth as a theory, but he knows it as a matter of fact. Everything has worked for good as yet.
The poisonous drugs mixed in fit proportions, have worked the cure.
The sharp cuts of the lancet, have cleansed out the infected flesh and facilitated the healing.
In every event of your life, God has always worked out the most divinely blessed results.
Believing that God rules all, that He governs wisely, that He brings good out of evil–the believer’s heart is comforted, and he is enabled calmly to meet each trial as it comes. The believer can in the spirit of true resignation pray, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine! Send me what You will, my Father, so long as it comes from You!”
🐾 Pawing Away The COVID-19 Lockdown Blues With “Bruce THE Boxer” Day 5 – “Wet Dog Shake”
April 6, 2020 5 Comments
Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…Your fave Boxercise instructor!
Attention!! Now that you’ve had your day of rest…Let’s get straight back into beating these lockdown blues. 🐾
There is no better way to shake off the lockdown blues than a full “Wet Dog Shake”. This is one you can do at home and it will guarantee that your other family members will stay at least 2 metres away whilst maintaining the social distancing laws! 😀
🎶 Now for a happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.”
I may be more than a little biased as Boxer dogs are my fave, but sharing a fun daily photo of “Bruce THE Boxer” will not only put a smile on my face(and help keep his memory alive) for me & Sarah…But also put a smile on your face(or even make you LOL) and this may help a little to help paw away some of the COVID-19 lockdown blues! 😀
The crying evil of both the Church and of the world!
April 6, 2020 4 Comments
The crying evil of both the Church and of the world!
(Thomas Reade, “The Desire of More”)
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5
“You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or covetous person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a covetous person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world.” Ephesians 5:5
The love of money under every form, insinuates itself into every heart.
A day is fast approaching when it will be clearly seen whether Christ or Mammon has swayed our affections.
Covetousness, in the language of Scripture, is the desire of having more. If we are habitually desirous of riches, for their own sake, we are, in the estimation of God, covetous people, idolaters, the servants of mammon. Our station may be exalted; our profession of religion may be outwardly strict, but still our destruction is sure.
There are, perhaps, few sins which assume so plausible an appearance; and for which so many excuses are made as for that ofcovetousness. And hence it is that we have need to guard so much the citadel of the heart.
Covetousness, eating like a canker, upon the vitals of our religion–is the crying evil of both the Church and of the world!
What advantage did Lot’s wife, Achan, Gehazi, Judas, and Ananias and Sapphira, gain by their desire for more? They reaped shame and death; and now stand as beacons in the Word of God to warn us against their soul-destroying sin!
“For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?” Luke 9:25
🐾 Pawing Away The COVID-19 Lockdown Blues With “Bruce THE Boxer” Day 4 – Day Of Rest
April 5, 2020 5 Comments
Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…Your fave Boxercise instructor! 😀
Now let’s talk about rest and sleep. It’s vitally important to take a day of rest to give your body a chance to heal, it helps to de-stress, and also helps our minds focus…On FOOD, lol! 😀
🎶 Remember our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.”
I may be more than a little biased as Boxer dogs are my fave, but sharing a fun daily photo of “Bruce THE Boxer” will not only put a smile on my face(and help keep his memory alive) for me & Sarah…But also put a smile on your face(or even make you LOL) and this may help a little to help paw away some of the COVID-19 lockdown blues! 😀
As foolish as to hope to bind an angel with a string, or to lure a star with music!
April 5, 2020 5 Comments
As foolish as to hope to bind an angel with a string, or to lure a star with music!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes!” Romans 1:16
To try to win a soul to Christ by keeping that soul in ignorance of any truth, is contrary to the mind of the Spirit. To endeavor to save men by mere claptrap, or entertainments, or excitements, or oratorical displays–is as foolish as to hope to bind an angel with a string, or to lure a star with music!
The best attraction is the gospel in its purity. The weapon with which the Lord conquers men, is the truth as it is in Jesus. The gospel will be found equal to every emergency. The gospel is an arrow which can pierce the hardest heart–a balm which will heal the deadliest wound. Preach it, and preach nothing else. Rely implicitly upon the old, old gospel.
You need no other nets when you fish for men; those your Master has given you are strong enough for the large fish, and have meshes fine enough to hold the little ones.
Spread those nets and no others, and you need not fear the fulfillment of His Word, “I will make you fishers of men.”
🐾 Pawing Away The COVID-19 Lockdown Blues With “Bruce THE Boxer” Day 3 – Tug O’ War
April 4, 2020 2 Comments
Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…Your fave Boxercise instructor! 😀
One of Bruces fave games was playing Tug O’ War with his string of sausages(or anything he could get in his mouth) and it was a test to see who could keep going the longest! Can’t remember who won this game…Sarah or Bruce?!
I may be more than a little biased as Boxer dogs are my fave, but sharing a fun daily photo of “Bruce THE Boxer” will not only put a smile on my face(and help keep his memory alive) for me & Sarah…But also put a smile on your face(or even make you LOL) and this may help a little to help paw away some of the COVID-19 lockdown blues! 😀
The diamonds of Heaven!
April 4, 2020 6 Comments
The diamonds of Heaven!
“You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in Your bottle.
You have recorded each one in Your book.” Psalm 56:8
“Behold, he is praying!” Acts 9:11
Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. The moment Saul began to pray, the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul. Oftentimes a poor broken-hearted one bends his knee, but can only utter his wailing in the language of sighs and tears; yet that groan has made all the harps of heaven thrill with music; that tear has been caught by God and treasured in the lachrymatory of Heaven. “You have collected all my tears in Your bottle.” This implies that they are caught as they flow!
The suppliant, who groans out his words, will be well understood by the Most High God. He may only look up with misty eye; but prayer is the falling of a tear! Tears are the diamonds of Heaven! Sighs are a part of the music of Jehovah’s court, and are numbered with the most sublime strains which reach the majesty on high!
Do not think that your prayers, however weak or trembling, will be unregarded. Our God not only hears prayers, but also loves to hear them. “He does not forget the cry of the humble.”
True, He does not regard proud looks and lofty words.
He no concern for the pomp and pageantry of kings.
He does not listen not to the swell of martial music.
He does not regard the triumph and pride of man.
But wherever there is a contrite heart full with sorrow, or a lip quivering with agony, or a deep groan, or a penitential sigh葉he heart of Jehovah is open! He marks that prayer down in the registry of His memory! He puts our prayers, like rose leaves傭etween the pages of His book of remembrance, and when the volume is opened at last there shall be a precious fragrance springing up therefrom!
🐾 Pawing away the COVID-19 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” Day 2 – Getting Air
April 3, 2020 0 Comments
Description…
Don’t forget your daily exercise…it can be fun, lol!
After a quick burst of the shutter on my camera i managed to capture Bruce “getting air” from the sandy beach of Old Hunstanton, Norfolk, UK. 😀
I may be more than a little biased as Boxer dogs are my fave, but sharing a fun daily photo of “Bruce THE Boxer” will not only put a smile on my face(and help keep his memory alive) for me and Sarah…But also put a smile on your face(or even make you LOL) and this may help a little to help paw away some of the COVID-19 lockdown blues! 😀
Please be patient with me as i’m not sure which will happen first…The lockdown ends or i run out of Bruce photos, lol. 😀
Today is the Day
April 3, 2020 0 Comments
Amen! Fantastic post Donna…Filled with God’s Truth, Love & Wisdom. 😀
2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
Evangelize, love our enemies and pray for them, absolutely. We do not have to be attached at the hip to them, to show love. This verse says to stay away from the ungodly. Yes, Jesus ate with the publicans…
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When a tear is wept by you–do not think that God does not behold it
April 3, 2020 0 Comments
When a tear is wept by you–do not think that God does not behold it
(Charles Spurgeon)
“The LORD said:
I have indeed seen the misery of My people in Egypt.
I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers,
and I am concerned about their suffering.
So I have come down to rescue them . . .” Exodus 3:7, 8
Perhaps no figure of speech represents God in a more gracious light, than when He is spoken of as stooping from His throne and coming down from Heaven to attend to the wants and woes of His redeemed people.
How can we but love Him, when we know that He . . .
numbers the very hairs of our heads,
marks all our paths, and
orders all our ways?
When a tear is wept by you–do not think that God does not behold it, for . . .
“You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in Your bottle.
You have recorded each one in Your book.” Psalm 56:8
Your sigh is able to move the heart of Jehovah,
your whisper can incline His ear unto you,
your prayer can stay His hand,
your faith can move His arm!
Do not think that God sits on high taking no account of you. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him.
🐾 Pawing away the COVID-19 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” Day 1 – Eeyore
April 2, 2020 3 Comments
Description…
I may be more than a little biased as Boxer dogs are my fave, but sharing a fun daily photo of “Bruce THE Boxer” will not only put a smile on my face(and help keep his memory alive) for me…But also put a smile on your face(or even LOL) and this may help a little to help paw away some of the COVID-19 lockdown blues! 😀
Please be patient with me as i’m not sure which will happen first…The lockdown ends or i run out of Bruce photos, lol. 😀
There is one stable rock amidst the billows of the sea of life!
April 2, 2020 3 Comments
There is one stable rock amidst the billows of the sea of life!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age!” Matthew 28:20
It is well that there is One who is ever the same, and who is ever with us. It is well that there is one stable rock amidst the billows of the sea of life. O my soul, do not set your affections upon rusting, moth-eaten, decaying treasures–but set your heart upon Him who abides forever faithful to you. Do not build your house upon the moving quicksands of a deceitful world–but found your hopes upon this rock, which, amid descending rain and roaring floods, shall stand immovably secure!
My soul, I charge you–lay up your treasure in the only secure cabinet; store your jewels where you can never lose them. Put your all in Christ; set . . .
all your affections on His person,
all your hope in His merit,
all your trust in His efficacious blood,
all your joy in His presence,
and so you may laugh at loss and defy difficulties.
Remember that all the flowers in the world’s garden wither and die–and the day is coming when nothing will be left but the black, cold earth. Death’s black extinguisher must soon put out your candle. Oh! how sweet to have sunlight–when the candle is gone! The dark flood must soon roll between you and all you have!
So wed your heart to Him who will never leave you. Trust yourself with Him who will go with you through the black and surging current of death’s stream, and who will land you safely on the celestial shore, and make you sit with Him in heavenly places forever!
Go, sorrowing son of affliction–tell your secret troubles to the Friend who sticks closer than a brother. Trust all your concerns with Him . . .
who never can be taken from you,
who will never leave you, and
who will never let you leave Him, even “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”
“I am with you always,” is enough for my soul to live upon–though all others forsake me!
Say What??? 😀
April 1, 2020 5 Comments
Please comment and let me know what you think Sarah is saying to Bruce The Boxer?
I thought this might bring a bit of fun to the COVID-19 Lockdown! 😀
Praise The Lord!
April 1, 2020 4 Comments
Psalm 150:6 (ESV)
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Job 12:7-10 (ESV)
“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.
Description…
This is another photo taken on our day trip to Chessington world of adventures a few years ago. The crazy thing is…I had no idea that this Tiger(or any of the creatures in my recent posts) were looking at me until i returned home and zoomed in on the photos whilst viewing them on my iMac, lol! 😀
I hope this beautiful Tiger puts another smile on your face,? 😀
🎶 Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all. 🎶
All the ‘littles’ of our little world!
March 31, 2020 2 Comments
All the ‘littles’ of our little world!
(Charles Spurgeon)
Divine omniscience affords no comfort to the ungodly mind, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account!” Hebrews 4:13
But to the child of God it overflows with consolation, “How precious also are Your thoughts unto me, O God.” Psalm 139:17
God is always thinking upon us; He never turns aside His mind from us, and has us always before His eyes! This is precisely as we would have it–for it would be dreadful to exist for a moment, beyond the observation of our heavenly Father! His thoughts are always filial, tender, loving, wise–and they bring to us countless benefits. Hence it is a choice delight for us to remember them.
The Lord has always thought upon His people–hence their election and the covenant of grace by which their salvation is secured.
He always will think upon them–hence their continual preservation by which they shall be brought safely to their heavenly rest.
In all our wanderings, the watchful glance of the Eternal Watcher is evermore fixed upon us! We never roam beyond the Shepherd’s eye! In our sorrows He observes us incessantly, and not a pang escapes Him! In our toils He marks all our weariness, and writes in His book all the struggles of His faithful ones. These thoughts of the Lord encompass us in all our paths, and penetrate the innermost region of our being. Not a nerve or tissue, valve or vessel, of our bodily organization is uncared for. All the ‘littles’ of our little world, are thought upon by the great God!
Dear reader, is not this precious to you? The Lord lives and thinks upon you!
If the Lord thinks upon you, then all is well, and you may rejoice evermore!
Smile! 😀
March 31, 2020 0 Comments
Psalm 150:6 (ESV)
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Psalm 118:24 (NLT)
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Description…
This is a photo taken on our day trip to Chessington world of adventures a few years ago. .
Hope this little dude puts another smile on your face,?
Also hope you are staying safe, well and faithful during this challenging time?! 😀
Rejoice 😀
March 30, 2020 0 Comments
Psalm 118:24 (NLT)
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Description
This is a photo taken on our day trip to London Zoo a few years ago. I just love how this little dude seems to be smiling…So i just had to put this bible verse with it.
Hope he puts a smile on your face too during this challenging time?! 😀
“I’ve never seen so clearly since going blind” 20 Years Of Sight-loss!
March 28, 2020 24 Comments
Hi friends. As it is 20 years to the day since i went blind…I thought i’d share one of my older posts(yet updated) from 4 years ago when i was asked to share a little of what i went through when i lost my sight at 24.
I really hope that you’ll have the time to read it, and that it blesses you in some small way?!
Here Goes…
I was asked by our Minister Nik if i would share my Testimony in the parade service. The theme was ‘Faith through Adversity’, Nik said “i can ask you some straight forward questions, it will only take about 5 minutes(or so we thought)” “Yeah, ok, if you think it will help?”.
Sunday 8th May 2016…
Walking into the church building Sunday morning, it was quite full, as it was parade service, the scouts and other uniformed groups were there, but Nik found us seats at the front, then showed me up the steps and where i’d stand to speak, after testing the microphone i remembered the steps and sat back down.
As i’m blind, i can’t use any notes, so i spent a little time trying to etch some answer headings into my mind, hoping i’d not veer too far off track. I then prayed that i’d use this time to Glorify Him, as i talked about the Truth that sets us free, and how i’m not ashamed of the Gospel, it’s the power of God unto Salvation to all who believe…please make it real(be careful praying this, lol).
It;s time…
Steve, we are looking at people who have showed faith in difficult circumstances and I have asked you to share some of your story with us.
Many people here, even those who have seen you around at various church events may not know that you are blind.
My Testimony…
Nik stood next to me at the microphone and started with the first 2 questions:
Have you always been blind? How and when did you loose your sight?
I explained i’d been fully sighted until i was 24, and after 2 brain haemorrhages(March – July 2000) that burst my optic nerve, i’m now registered blind and have Severe Hypertensive Retinopathy.
“How did that change your life?”
I said “I can only scratch the surface this morning, but if ever you see me walking around here or in town, please ask me anything. But now i’ll try and sketch you a quick picture and give you a flavour of what happened…”
“I went to the gym 6-7 days a week, played football most evenings and was quite violent, acting the tough guy. I wasn’t a Christian, i hadn’t been born again, or even been inside a church building…so…As i stepped out of the eye consultants office after being told i’d be blind for the rest of my life, it was out of character but i collapsed on the floor sobbingg my eyes out. And as my crying out got a little too loud they pulled me into a small empty room….And this was the easy bit”.
“Following this was pure isolation… all my football mates left me, i lost my job, my car and ability to do anything…i lost everything, i was completely broken, and on top of that i was left to my acusing thoughts “Nobody wants you, you’re useless now, unwanted, rejected, unloved and unlovable!!”
Suddenly, as i was telling my story…
My mouth was silenced, an image of Jesus in Glory(Revelation 1) filled my mind, it was so clear(not blurred by my blindness) I could see His flaming eyes of judgment…then…the image changed, it was Jesus on the cross, now His eyes were filled with Mercy, Compassion & Grace, and while looking down straight at me he said “I did this for you, so that you can live. I…LOVE…YOU!!!
I started sobbing uncontrollably, and it took a couple of minutes for me to try and start talking again….but more sobbing…i was completely undone. But these tears were different!
I already knew He’d given His life so i could live. He’d come down so far to save me it is immeasurable. His blood washed me clean, white as snow. He’s forgiven me all my sins, past, present and future, and there is no more condemnation for me, it is finished!
I’d been praying for so long for God to “Break my heart for what broke His” and sang the songs many times, but rarely had i caught a glimpse of the true cost of His Love, and His free gift of Grace to those who Repent and Believe in Him. I knew He wanted me to share the True Gospel to people listening(and now reading), as it alone is the only Hope. It is the Power of God unto Salvation for anyone that believes.
Still sobbing, i continued…
My every word was a different pitch but i said “My pit was so dark, my accusing thoughts were too heavy, and this led to a daily cycle of waking up and trying to kill myself…failing, which made me feel worse…then drinking so much i could drown them out for the rest of the day, until i woke the next day, then it started again.
I didn’t have the strength to kill myself, and i didn’t have the strength to live…i was without God, and without Hope!
Nik, who’s hand was rested on my shoulder asked question 4 “I know you were deeply unhappy at the time, what changed that?”
The world followed it’s pattern and sent me to Counselling, then Psychotherapy & finally Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, they didn’t work, they all had no answer for me, they couldn’t reach far enough down to pull me out. I needed a Saviour, I needed the light of the Gospel!
The Good News & Lovely Sarah…
Meeting Sarah changed my life! I have no idea how she’s put up with me. She’s been so patient and long suffering as i tried attacking her Faith and this Jesus! But she kept on loving me. Sarah always seemed to have a rock to stand on no matter how bad things got for her, and i was being dragged deeper into the sinking sand. She always had this Blessed Hope that i didn’t,
Jesus worked through Sarah to shine the light of the Gospel, the Good News i was dying for.
Words failed me as i was trying to describe how much i love Sarah, so when my mind filled with thoughts of how far we’ve grown together in love…i broke down again.
The sobbing was still making me pause every few words, but mentioned Jesus doesn’t want to see anyone perish, but he pursues you, He has come to seek and save that which is lost. He loves you and no matter how bad or hopeless you think you are, He’ll keep coming with His free gift of Salvation!
Nik asked Question 5 “some people would say that your life must be worse now, would you agree with them?”
I’d gone way over my time slot, and i was almost pulled away from the mic as i was so overwhelmed…BUT i knew these tears were not about me, or my losses. I had 1 focus and that was to share the Truth that sets us free. I had no feeling of sorrow or pain. I knew it must have seemed like this to the congregation, and i thought they’d stick me in a counselling room when i’d finished!
The Holy Spirit was filling me like never before, and made the Power of the Gospel so real to me i almost exploded.
I continued “I wouldn’t agree with anyone who thinks(or measures) life by how good our circumstances are. I’d lead them to 2 Corinthians 4 & 5 where it talks about living by Faith, not by Sight, and now that we are born again in the Spirit, we should walk by the Spirit. Not living for things that are seen which are temporary(like my sight loss), but living for the unseen which is Eternal”
“I used to hate this song, but now i’d play it every service if i could…have you heard Amazing Grace, the Chris Tomlin version? If you pass me in the street you’ll normally hear me singing or humming these words:”
“Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see. My chains are gone I’ve been set free. My God, my Saviour has ransomed me. And like a flood His mercy reigns. Unending love, amazing grace”.
“I’ve never seen so clearly since going blind” This is one of my fave sayings. 😀
Nik then walked me back to my seat next to Sarah. The church was completely silent, it had been silent since i first started sobbing. I could feel Sarah was upset as she didn’t react for a while, then she said “People kept on running up and passing me tissues”. Nik sat down next to Sarah, and Sarah said “You’re not borrowing him again to speak”.
After the service people came over and said they really connected with the things i said, although i think everyone thinks i’m back in dark depression again, lol.
He showed me the reality and Power of transformation in His Gospel, and how vital it is to share it, as Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no-one gets to the Father but by Him. He’s the forgiver of Sins, breaker of chains, and the only Salvation for Eternal Life in Heaven.
John 3:14-21 New King James Version (NKJV)
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but[a] have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
I felt i needed to share this post to try and explain a little more of what was happening to me, and maybe reach out to someone who is struggling with the creeping death called Depression,or who is just simply lost and without God, and without Hope.
Related Post: My Full Testimony
The Sound Of My Eyes! – Repost 😀
March 26, 2020 9 Comments
Wow, i can’t believe it’s been 7 years since i posted this! I thought i’d repost as i think it could be interesting to the many more fantastic people who have followed this blog in the last 7 years. 😀
A curious blogger asked me a fantastic question “Do you have a support worker or a friend to read these posts & comments to you? Or is there some other way?”
As my sight is too poor to read print, i use the built in synthetic voices on my iMac to read aloud every post, comment, scripture, quote & prayers. I made a short video so you can hear some of the different voices and get a little insight of how technology can be used to help blind people stay connected and share fellowship with you great people!
Please comment below with any thoughts and questions…I’d love to answer them, no matter how random! 😀
You Guide Me
March 26, 2020 4 Comments
Psalm 73:23-26 (ESV)
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength[a] of my heart and my portion forever.
We are tossed upon an ocean of troubles, fears and temptations!
March 25, 2020 0 Comments
We are tossed upon an ocean of troubles, fears and temptations!
(John Flavel)
“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” John 16:33
The way to Heaven lies through much tribulation. All our troubles are not over when we are saved by Christ; nay, then commonly our greatest sorrows begin! Nor are we to expect freedom from our troubles, until harbored in Heaven.
This winter weather shall be useful to destroy those noxious weeds, which the summer of prosperity bred. By wintry trials, God will mortify and purge our corruptions!
At present we are tossed upon an ocean of troubles, fears and temptations–but these will make Heaven all the sweeter. Cheer up, then, O my soul, your salvation is now nearer than when you first believed! Yet a few more days, and then comes that blessed day you have so long waited and panted for!
God will shortly put a blessed end to all of your soul troubles, cares and watchings. The time is coming, when your heart shall be as you would have it, when you shall be discharged of all these cares, fears and sorrows, and never more cry out: “O my hard, my proud, my vain, my earthly heart!”
The time is coming, when all vanity shall be purged perfectly out of your thoughts–and they will be everlastingly, ravishingly, and delightfully entertained and exercised upon that supreme goodness and infinite excellency of God!
“Then the King will say to those on His right: Come, you who are blessed by My Father; take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world!” Matthew 25:34
🙏🏻 We Come Together!
March 24, 2020 0 Comments
We come on our own, we come together. We come with our excitement and with our lack of expectation.
We come with our lamps burning brightly and with our lamps hidden.
We come with our longing and with our pride.
We come with our words and with our silence.
We come with our music and with our resentments.
We come to you, God of truth, with our hands open
and ask that you reach out to us afresh.
Lord forgive our hardness of heart
Forgive us for those times when we think we can do it without you
Forgive us for our coldness towards you and others
Melt the ice of our coldness and breathe your new life into us
Generous God,
we thank you that a small amount of salt
can season a whole meal;
a small candle can light a whole room,
a small act of kindness inspire a whole life,
a small community transform a whole city,
a small prayer bring near a whole kingdom.
We thank you, Lord, we thank you.
Please show me the areas of my life which have become flavourless?!
Show me in what ways can I be salt in my world?
We pray, gracious God, for your Church throughout the world, for your Church in this nation, in this place, that we would be light bearers and truth bearers. May we shed the light of encouragement where there is disappointment; the light of integrity where there is corruption; the light of clarity where there is uncertainty; the light of challenge where there is complacency; the light of acceptance where there is rejection. And may we always walk and pray and serve in the light of humility and in the strength of your name, that others may see you in us and give you the glory.
We pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
May you be as salt where there is staleness;
light where there is darkness;
truth where there is unbelief
and love where there is great need.
And may you know the blessing of God the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit,
close to you each moment and each day.
The one indispensable book!
March 24, 2020 3 Comments
The one indispensable book!
(Daniel March, 1870)
The Bible is the oldest–and the newest of books.
The Bible surveys the whole field of time–and it looks farthest into the infinite depths of eternity.
The Bible lends the most vivid and absorbing interest to the scenes and events of the past–and it keeps us in the most active sympathy with the time in which we live.
The Bible gives us the most reliable record of what has been–and it affords us our only means of knowing what is yet to be.
The Bible is holy enough to denounce the very shadow and semblance of sin–and it is merciful enough to save the chief of sinners.
The Bible is full of God–and must therefore be read with a pure heart, or its true glory will not be seen.
The Bible is full of man–and must therefore always be interesting and instructive to all who would know themselves.
The Bible is the plainest of books–and yet it has depths of wisdom which no created mind can fathom.
The Bible is set up as a beacon to show all wanderers the safe way–and yet its light shines forth from thick clouds of mystery, and from abysses of infinite darkness.
The Bible describes all conditions of life–and it gives utterance to all desires and emotions of the soul.
The Bible has a song of triumph for the overcomer–and a wail of defeat for the overcome.
The Bible . . .
sparkles with the fervor and gladness of youth,
celebrates the strength and glory of manhood,
bewails the sorrows and infirmities of old age.
The Bible . . .
exults in the mighty deeds of kings and conquerors,
sympathizes with the poor and lowly,
lifts up the fallen,
delivers the oppressed, and
breathes the blessing of peace upon the quiet homes of domestic life.
The Bible describes with startling clearness . . .
the seductions of temptation,
the conflicts of doubt and
the miseries of skepticism.
The Bible . . .
searches the secret chambers of the heart,
brings to light its purest love and its darkest hate,
reveals its highest joy and its deepest grief.
The Bible compasses the utmost range of thought and feeling and desire–and it sounds the utmost depth of motive and characterand passion.
Thus in the Bible,
God and man,
earth and heaven,
time and eternity–
speak with one voice and teach the same truth.
The Bible sets forth the most spiritual and heavenly truths–in the lights and shadows of earthly scenes and human characters.
Thus the Bible is the one indispensable book . . .
for all ages–and all nations,
for all classes of men–and all states of society,
for all capacities of intellect–and all necessities of the soul!
Get Calm In A Psalm!
March 23, 2020 0 Comments
Psalm 46: 1-7 (ESV)
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Friends…Stay safe and well, and please keep commenting anything that will inspire, edify and encourage us all in this fantastic community! 😀🎶♥️🎤🙏🏻
☢️ How Are You All?
March 22, 2020 2 Comments
Hi friends!
We just wanted to send you a quick message to ask how you’re all doing during this challenging time?
Don’t forget we have a reason to sing with gratitude to the Lord every time we wake up to a new day filled with grace and mercy. Many times we forget to express our gratefulness in these busy, crazy and painful times. However, we can sing songs of thankfulness for God’s goodness and make a joyful noise as the true Spiritual church.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
I do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:9-14)
Stay safe and keep singing to the Lord! 🎶😀♥️
Yours in Christ
Steve & Sarah
🎸 The Music Store!
March 21, 2020 1 Comment
I was tagged on Facebook with this photo yesterday…Not sure why?! Lol. 😀 Anyone else out there who can relate?
The Complaint!
March 21, 2020 1 Comment
The Complaint!
(James Smith, 1864)
“O my God, my soul is cast down within me!” Psalm 42:6
And why are you cast down?
“My heart is burdened with a sense of my short-comings.
Every holy duty I perform is so imperfect.
Every good purpose I form is so soon frustrated.
Every hope of seeing better days is so soon beclouded.
My heart is so fearfully depraved.
My life is so unlike the life of Jesus.
My affections are so unholy.
My prayers are so brief and heartless.
My praises are so feeble and fitful.
I do so little good.
I live to so little purpose.
My evidences are so dim.
My prospects are so overcast.
I am harassed sometimes with the fear of death.
I cannot grasp the glories of Heaven.
I am dissatisfied with the world–and yet glued to it!
I hate sin–and yet fall into it!
I am a riddle, a mystery, a mass of inconsistency!
Is it, then, any wonder that I am cast down?”
No, if you look at yourself, and pore over the things you have named–then it is no wonder that you are cast down! They are enough to cast anyone down! But if you carry them to the throne of grace, if you there confess them before God, if you look to the mercy of Jesus–then, in spite of them, you will not long be cast down.
I know it is difficult to do this. There is a natural proneness to pore over such things. One feels at times a secret liking to indulge in self-pity.
But we must look away from self–for if we do not, we shall become anxious, doubting and downcast! We must run the race–not looking at our imperfections, short-comings, and failures–but looking unto Jesus. He knows what we are. He knew what we wouldbe–before He called us by His grace; yes, before He shed His sin-atoning blood for us!
He loved us, as sinners.
He died for us, as sinners.
He called us, as sinners.
He saves us, as sinners.
He will have great glory by saving such great sinners. We cannot do anything to repay Him for His wondrous love. Salvation is by free grace–from first to last! Believe this, and it will raise up your drooping mind!
The life-boat of free grace has put you on board the vessel of salvation, and that will convey you safely to the port of glory! Do not look at your spiritual destitution, or feebleness, or incapacity, or imperfections–but trust in your Pilot, rely on your Captain, and expect His mercy and merit to land you safely in Heaven at last!
Regardless of any amount of spiritual progress, your dying prayer will still be, “God be merciful unto me–a sinner!”
Hope in God!
His mercy is great unto the Heavens,
His grace is as free as the air,
His love is as changeless as His nature,
His promise is as immutable as His love.
He will save you for His own sake, and present you before assembled worlds as a monument of His mercy, and a trophy of His grace!
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God!” Psalm 42:5
My Father’s home!
March 20, 2020 6 Comments
My Father’s home!
(James Smith, “The Better Land”)
“Do not be troubled. There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am!” John 14:1-3
How familiar with Heaven–how well acquainted with that “better land” must Jesus be! He calls it “My Father’s home!” Sweet view of our eternal residence!
Dying is but ‘going home!’ Going home to our Father! Going to our Father’s home!
And shall we fear this? Fear it! Can we do anything other than eagerly desire it? Do we not wish to go home and see our Father? We shall not be strangers there–so many of our Christian friends have gone home before us. And even if some of our loved ones are not there–we could not possibly feel unhappy where JESUS is!
“I am leaving the world,” said Jesus, “and am going to My Father!” Such should be our language in the prospect of death. O that, with child-like simplicity, we could receive into our minds the testimony of God’s Word! O that we could view death and Heaven–just as the Scriptures represent them! Where would our doubts and fears be then? What would become of our reluctance to leave the world then? Then, if we spoke of departed Christian loved ones–we would use similar language to that of Judah in reference to his younger brother Benjamin, “He is this day with our Father!” We would no longer talk of losing friends or relatives. Oh no! we should speak of them as being in our Father’s home, or of being with our Father!
My soul, I charge you in future to look to Heaven, simply as your Father’s home!
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal!” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
They sing best in their cages!
March 19, 2020 0 Comments
They sing best in their cages!
(Charles Spurgeon)
“In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name!” Psalm 33:21
Christians can rejoice even in the deepest distress. Although trouble may surround them, they still sing. Like many birds–they sing best in their cages!
The waves may roll over them, but their souls soon rise to the surface and see the light of God’s countenance.
In times of trouble, the presence of the Son of God in the fiery furnace with him fills his heart with joy.
He is sick and suffering, but Jesus visits him and makes his bed for him.
He is dying, but Jesus puts His arms around him and cries, “Fear not, beloved, to die is to be blessed–the waters of death have their fountainhead in Heaven. They are not bitter–they are as sweet as nectar, for they flow from the throne of God.”
As the departing saint wades through the stream and the billows gather around him, the same voice sounds in his ears, “Fear not, I am with you! Be not dismayed, I am your God.”
As he nears the borders of the infinite unknown, Jesus says, “Fear not, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom!”
Thus strengthened and consoled, the believer is not afraid to die. No, he is even willing to depart, for since he has seen Jesus as the morning star, he longs to gaze upon Him as the sun in its strength. “I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far!” Philippians 1:23
Truly the presence of Jesus is all the Heaven we desire!
You must be born again!
March 17, 2020 0 Comments
You must be born again!
(Don Fortner)
“You must be born again!” John 3:7
In order for God to save a sinner two things must be done:
God must do something FOR you, and God must do something IN you.
Redemption is the work of God FOR sinners.
Regeneration is the work of God IN sinners.
Both are the works of God. Man has nothing more to do with regeneration, than he has to do with redemption.
“You must be born again” because by nature we are fallen, sinful, depraved children of human flesh. All flesh is defiled. All flesh is corrupt. All flesh is sinful. All flesh is condemned. All flesh must die. Unless we are born of the Spirit, we will die in our sins, and our flesh shall be justly damned.
“You must be born again!”
You can reform your life without the new birth.
You can be baptized without the new birth.
You can join the church, be zealous in religion, teach a Bible class, serve as a deacon or elder; you can even preach with great success without being born again.
“You must be born again” for without the new birth . . .
you will never enter the kingdom of God,
you will never be a part of the family of God,
you will never have eternal life,
you will never be admitted into the presence of God’s glory in the bliss of Heaven.
Only new creatures will enter the New Jerusalem.
Only holy men will walk into the Holy City.
Only Heaven born citizens will possess the bliss of Heaven.
To be born again is to be made new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
In the new birth, God the Holy Spirit gives chosen, redeemed sinners . . .
a new heart to love God,
a new will to bow to the rule of Christ,
a new mind to understand the things of God,
a new spiritual nature to know, enjoy, and live upon spiritual things,
new eyes, eyes of faith, with which to see Christ,
new ears with which to hear His voice,
new hands, hands of faith, with which to lay hold of Christ and do His will,
new feet, with which to flee to Christ and walk with Him in the newness of life.
John 3:3, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again!”
What a compassionate, gracious arrangement!
March 14, 2020 0 Comments
What a compassionate, gracious arrangement!
(Susannah Spurgeon, “Words of Cheer and Comfort for Sick and Sorrowful Souls!” 1898)
“My times are in Your hand!” Psalm 31:15
Why then, need I worry or tremble? That great, loving, powerful hand keeps all the events of my life sealed and secure within its almighty clasp! Only He, my Maker and my Master, can permit them to be revealed to me as His will for me. What a compassionate, gracious arrangement! How eminently fitted to fulfill that sweet promise of His Word, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You!” If we fully believed this, we would be absolutely devoid of the worry which corrodes and chafes the daily life of so many professing Christians.
“My times.” Not one or two important epochs of my history only–but everything that concerns me:
joys that I had not expected,
sorrows that must have crushed me, if they could have been anticipated,
sufferings which might have terrified me by their grimness, had I looked upon them,
surprises which infinite love had prepared for me,
services of which I could not have imagined myself capable–
all these lay in that mighty hand, as the purposes of God’s eternal will for me.
But, as they have developed gradually and silently–how great has been the love which appeared enwrapping and enfolding each one!
Has not the grief been measured–while the gladness has far more abounded?
Have not the comforts and consolations–exceeded the crosses and afflictions?
Have not all things been so arranged, and ordered, and undertaken, and worked out on our behalf–that we can but marvel at the goodness and wisdom of God, in meting out from that dear hand of His, all the “times” that have passed over us?
You agree with me in all this, do you not, dear reader? Then I beg you to apply it to your present circumstances, however dark or difficult they may be. They have come directly from your Father’s hand to you, and they are His dear will for you!
What! The Whole Of It Meaningless?
March 11, 2020 0 Comments
What! The whole of it meaningless?
(Charles Spurgeon)
“Behold, all is vanity!” Ecclesiastes 1:14
Nothing can fully satisfy a person, but the Lord’s love and the Lord’s own self. Saints have tried other pursuits, but they have been driven out of such foolish and fatal refuges.
Solomon, the wisest of men, was permitted to make experiments for us all, and to do for us what we must not dare to do for ourselves. Here is his testimony in his own words: “So I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind! Nothing was gained under the sun!” “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”
What! the whole of it meaningless? O favored monarch, is there nothing in all your wealth? Nothing in your wide dominion reaching even to the sea? Nothing in your glorious palaces? In all your music and dancing, and wine and luxury–is there nothing?
“Nothing!” he says, “but a chasing after the wind!”
This was his final verdict, when he had trodden the whole round of pleasure.
To embrace our Lord Jesus, to dwell in His love, and be fully assured of union with Him–this is all in all.
Dear reader, you need not try other forms of pleasure in order to see whether they are better than the Christian’s. If you roam the world around, you will see no sights like a sight of the Savior’s face! If you could have all the comforts of life, but lost your Savior–you would be most wretched. But if you possess Christ, though you should rot in a dungeon–you would find it a paradise! Though you should live in obscurity, or die with famine–yet you would be satisfied with the favor and goodness of the Lord!
“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ!” Philippians 3:7-8
Walk As Children Of Light
March 6, 2020 1 Comment
Ephesians 5:8 (ESV)
8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
This morning i was blessed to stumble upon one of my favourite photos of my lovely Wife Sarah. I just had to add the Bible verse to this post as i think this image reflects a little of what it is expressing…Sarah really does bring sunshine, warmth and light to all who know her! ☀️
I hope this post encourages, inspires and brightens up your day…As i know it has mine. 😀
The Savior’s abiding presence with His redeemed people!
March 6, 2020 0 Comments
The Savior’s abiding presence with His redeemed people!
(J.R. Miller, “The Practical Value of a Promise“)
“O LORD, You have searched me and You know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
You perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
You are familiar with all my ways!
Before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely, O LORD!” Psalm 139:1-4
Doctrines are not such cold, lifeless things as some would have us to believe. There is no doctrine of Scripture which is not fitted toaffect the life of him who believes it. Consider the proper influence upon us, of the doctrine and promise of the Savior’s abiding presence with His redeemed people. If we believe and always recollect that Christ is truly with us always–how will it affect us?
For one thing it will make us very thoughtful and careful in all our words and acts. Christ is present in His holiness as well as in His love and tenderness. His pure eyes see all our life, and see into our hearts. He is ever beholding us–our real inner life.
The thought of the Master’s eye upon us should . . .
make us holy,
rebuke our sins, and
hold us back from evil.
We cannot do wicked things in the presence of even a pure and holy human friend. But could we be continually conscious of Christ’s perpetual presence with us, of His eye ever resting upon us, then . . .
Could we run into sin?
Could we live carelessly?
Could we trifle?
Could we speak sharp, bitter, or unkind words?
Could we do unholy, unlovely things?
Surely the realizing of His perpetual abiding presence would make us live reverently, purely, lovingly–so as always to please and never to grieve Him.
Walking in the truth
March 4, 2020 0 Comments
Walking in the truth
(Charles Spurgeon)
“For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, even as you walk in the truth.” 3 John 3
The truth was in Gaius–and Gaius walked in a the truth.
If the first had not been the case–the second could never have occurred.
If the second could not be said of him–the first would have been a mere pretense.
Truth must enter into the soul, penetrate and saturate it–or else it is of no value. Doctrines held as a matter of mere creed–are like bread in the hand, which ministers no nourishment to the body. But doctrine accepted by the heart, is as food digested, which, by assimilation, sustains and builds up the body.
Truth must be a living force in us, an active energy, an indwelling reality, a part of the warp and woof of our being.
It is a rule of nature–that the inward affects the outward, as light shines from the center of the lantern through the glass. When, therefore, the truth is kindled within–its brightness soon beams forth in the outward life and conduct.
It is said that the food of certain silkworms, colors the cocoons of silk which they spin. In the same way, the nutriment upon which a man’s inward nature lives–gives a tinge to every word and deed proceeding from him.
To walk in the truth, imports a life of integrity, holiness, faithfulness, and simplicity–the natural product of those principles of truth which the gospel teaches, and which the Spirit of God enables us to receive. We may judge of the secrets of the soul–by their manifestation in the man’s life.
Be it ours today, O gracious Spirit, to be ruled and governed by Your divine authority, so that nothing false or sinful may reign in our hearts, lest it extend its malignant influence to our daily walk among men.
“My Testimony” by Steve
February 25, 2020 0 Comments
Please click the photo above to read “MY Testimony”.
Hi all! After updating “My Testimony” this morning…I realised i hadn’t shared my redemption story for years on here! I know lots of you have read it and left me some proper humbling comments that have just left me in tears(including this morning after i went through a lot of them).
With all of the personal stories and news stories of suicide I hear at the moment…I just wanted to remind people that Jesus has the “Good News”. I know this as it has happened to me and i want to share it with everyone! 😀
A cross of their own choosing
February 25, 2020 0 Comments
A cross of their own choosing
(Thomas Watson, “The Art of Divine Contentment“)
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content–whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” Philippians 4:11-12
Paul knew how to manage in every state–he learned to be content whatever his circumstances.
If he was in prosperity, he knew how to be thankful.
If he was in adversity, he knew how to be patient.
He was neither lifted up with prosperity–nor cast down with adversity.
A Christian should be content in any and every situation. Many are contented in some conditions–but not in every condition. They can be content in a wealthy state. When they have the streams of milk and honey–now they are content. But if the wind turns and is against them–now they are discontented. While they have a silver crutch to lean upon–they are contented; but if God breaks this crutch–now they are discontented.
Many would be content with their affliction–if God would allow them to pick and choose. They could better endure sickness–than poverty; or bear loss of estate–than loss of children. If they might have a cross of their own choosing, they would be content.
But a contented Christian does not desire to choose his cross–but leaves God to choose for him. He is content both for the kindof the afflictions, and the duration of the afflictions, which God gives him. A contented man says, “Let God apply whatevermedicine He pleases, and let it lie on as long as He desires. I know when it has done its cure, and eaten the venom of sin out of my heart–that God will take it away.”
A contented Christian, being sweetly captivated under the authority of the Word, desires to be wholly at God’s disposal, and cheerfully lives in whatever circumstances that God has placed him in. “I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.” (2 Corinthians 12:10) He does not only submit to God’s dealings, but rejoices in them!
A whore’s forehead!
February 19, 2020 2 Comments
A whore’s forehead!
(Thomas Brooks, “The Privy Key of Heaven” 1665)
“You have a whore’s forehead, you refuse to be ashamed!” Jeremiah 3:3
“Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all!
They do not even know how to blush!” Jeremiah 6:15
They had sinned away shame–instead of being ashamed of sin. Continuance in sin had quite banished all sense of sin and all shame for sin; so that they would not allow nature to draw her veil of blushing before their great abominations. How applicable these scriptures are to the present time, I will leave the prudent reader to judge.
But what does the prophet do, now that they were as bold in sin, and as shameless as so many harlots; now that they were grown up to that height of sin and wickedness; now that they were above all shame and blushing; now that they were grown so proud, so hardened, so obstinate, so rebellious, so bent on self-destruction–that no mercies could melt them or allure them, nor any threatenings or judgments could in any way terrify them or stop them? The prophet goes into a corner, he retires into the most secret places, and there he weeps bitterly; there he weeps as if he were resolved to drown himself in his own tears. “I will weep in secret because of your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears.” Jeremiah 13:17
In the times wherein we live, Hell seems to be broken loose, and men turned into incarnate devils! Soul-damning wickednesses walk up and down the streets with a whore’s forehead, without the least check or restraint.
Ah, England, England! What pride, luxury, lasciviousness, licentiousness, wantonness, drunkenness, cruelties, injustice, oppressions, fornications, adulteries, falsehoods, hypocrisies, atheisms, horrid blasphemies, and hellish impieties–are now to be found rampant in the midst of you! Ah, England! England! How are the Scriptures rejected, God derided, and wickedness tolerated!
And what is the voice of all these crying abominations–but every Christian to his closet–every Christian to his closet–and there weep, with weeping Jeremiah, bitterly–for all these great abominations whereby God is dishonored openly. Oh weep in secret for their sins–who openly glory in their sins, which should be their greatest shame. Oh blush in secret for those who are past all blushing for their sins; for who knows, but that the whole land may fare the better for the sakes of a few, who are mourners in secret!
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