“Their throat is an open sepulcher! They flatter with their tongue.” Psalm 5:9 “Their throat is an open sepulcher!”That is, a sepulcher full of loathsomeness, of pollution, of pestilence, and death! But, worse than that, it is an open sepulcher, with all its evil gases issuing forth, to spread death and destruction all around. It is just so with the throat of the wicked!
It would be a great mercy if the mouth of the wicked could always be closed. If we could seal it in continual silence–it would be like a closed sepulcher, and would not produce much mischief. But, “their throat is an open sepulcher,” consequently all the wickedness of their heart exhales and comes forth!
How dangerous is an open sepulcher! Men in their journeys might easily stumble therein, and find themselves among the dead!
Ah! take heed of the wicked man, for there is nothing that he will not say to ruin you. He will long to destroy your character, and bury you in the hideous sepulcher of his own wicked throat!
“This figure graphically portrays the filthy conversation of the wicked. Nothing can be more abominable than an open sepulcher, when a dead putrefying body steams forth its tainted exhalations. Just so, what proceeds out of the mouth of the wicked, is infected and putrid! And, as the exhalation from a sepulcher proves the corruption within–so it is with the corrupt conversation of sinners.” Robert Haldane
“The speech of unregenerate men is unsavory, rotten, and hurtful to others; for, as a sepulcher sends out detestable savors and filthy smells–so evil men utter rotten and filthy words!” Thomas Wilson
“They flatter with their tongue.”Or, as we might read it, “They have an oily tongue, a smooth tongue.” A smooth tongue is a great evil; many have been bewitched by it. There are many human ant-eaters, who with their long tongues covered with oily words, entice and entrap the unwary and make their gain thereby.
When the wolf licks the lamb, he is preparing to wet his teeth in its blood!
No words can ever express the gratitude we owe to Him who loved us even when we were dead in trespasses and sins.
The love of Jesus is unutterably precious, and worthy of daily praise.
No songs can ever fitly celebrate the triumphs of that salvation which He wrought single-handed on our behalf.
The work of Jesus is glorious beyond all comparison, and all the harps of angels fall short of its worthy honor.
We prize His bounty to us, but we worship HIM.
His gifts are valued, but He Himself is adored.
While we contemplate with mingled feelings of awe, admiration, and thankfulness–His atonement, His resurrection, His glory in Heaven, and His second coming–still it is Christ Himself, stupendous in His dignity as the Son of God, and superbly beautiful as the Son of man, who sheds an incomparable charm on all those wonderful achievements, wherein His might and His merit, His goodness and His grace appear so conspicuous.
For HIM let our choicest spices be reserved; and to HIM let our sweetest anthems be raised.
Our choicest ointment must be poured upon His head; and for His own self alone our most costly alabaster boxes must be broken.
“He is altogether lovely.”
Not only is . . . His teaching attractive, His doctrine persuasive, His life irreproachable, His character enchanting, and His work a self-denying labor for the common good of all His people, but He Himself is altogether lovely!
Do not look for anything lovely outside of Jesus, for He has all the loveliness.
All perfections are in Him making up one consummate perfection. And all the loveliness which is to be seen elsewhere, is but a reflection of His own unrivalled charms.
Jesus is the monopolizer of all loveliness!
He is the engrosser of all that is admirable in the entire universe!
“Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend!” Song of Songs 5:16
“You are to have honest balances, honest weights, an honest dry measure, and an honest liquid measure; I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.” Leviticus 19:36
Weights, and scales, and measures–were to be all according to the standard of justice.
Surely no Christian will need to be reminded of this in his business–for if justice were banished from all the world beside, it should find a shelter in true Christian hearts!
There are, however, other scales and balances which weigh moral and spiritual things–and these often need examining. We will call in the Judge right now.
Those scales in which we weigh our own and other men’s characters; are they quite accurate? Do we not turn our own ounces of goodness, into pounds; and other people’s pounds of excellence, into ounces? See to just weights and measures here, Christian!
Those scales in which we measure our trials and troubles; are they according to standard? Paul, who had far more to suffer than we have, called his afflictions light. Yet we often consider our afflictions to be heavy! Surely something must be amiss with the scales! We must see to this matter, lest we get reported to the court above for unjust dealing!
Those scales with which we measure our beliefs; are they quite fair? The precepts and doctrines should have the same weight with us as the promises–no more and no less! With many, one scale or the other is unfairly weighted. It is a grand matter to give just measure in God’s truths. Christian, be careful here!
Those scales in which we estimate our obligations and responsibilities look rather small. When a rich man gives no more to the cause of God, than the poor contribute–is that an honest weight, an honest measure, a just balance?
Reader, we might lengthen the list–but we prefer to leave it as your day’s work to find out and destroy all unjust scales, balances, weights, and measures!
“The hope which is laid up for you in Heaven” Colossians 1:5
Many Christians have but little in hand, but they have much in hope. They have little on earth, but they have unsearchable wealth in Heaven! The present is the worst state they will ever be in. All beyond death is bright, blissful and glorious!
The Christian’s hope consists in both freedom and possession.
The Christian’s hope consists in freedom from . . . all the pains which we now experience, both in mind and body; all the hindrances which are so thickly strewed in our way in this evil world; all the fears which now beset, agitate, and harass us day by day; all the forebodings which often make our lives bitter and gloomy; all the sins which are now our plague, disease, and torment; all our needs, and all possibility of needing–for God will fully supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Oh, what a mercy it will be to enjoy such freedom, and to possess the inward consciousness that it will be enjoyed forever!
The Christian will not only be free from all that is painful and distressing, but he will also possess . . . perfect, settled, and everlasting peace; sinless faculties and immortal powers with which to serve and enjoy God forever; permanent, perpetual, and uninterrupted joy; the presence and enjoyment of Jesus, we shall see Him, be with Him, and be like Him; ALL that we can consistently wish or desire!
Our hope is laid up for us in Heaven. This betokens . . . its excellency–being kept in so excellent a place; its certainty and security–no thieves can break through to steal; its nature–it is spiritual, holy, Heavenly.
O glorious hope! O blessed prospect! It leaves us nothing to long for, nothing to desire!
What a mercy it is . . . when comforts run short, when trials press sorely, when a dreary winter of affliction sets in, to remember that we have a priceless inheritance–an inheritance that is kept in heaven for us, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay!
How this blessed hope should . . . quicken our zeal, animate our spirits, and raise us above fear and despondency.
It is not what we have now–but what we shall have in Heaven which should affect us.
Our glorious inheritance is vast beyond calculation, it is safe beyond the possibility of failure!
The wilderness will soon be passed, the storms of life will soon subside–and eternal calm and unclouded sunshine, will soon be our happy, endless portion!
Please don’t forget to say hello, like, comment and follow my blind trail adventures on my FitBlitz blog. I’d love to meet with you there…And it’ll stop me keep Reblogging on here too lol! 🤣
Hi Frozen FitBlitz Friends! I think you can guess that i really didn’t want to go out on the trail this morning, but that’s not the FitBlitz attitude is it, lol! After checking the weather app and it confirming that it was freezing (well below freezing, lol) my first thought was ‘at least the pond photo should look nice and white for all of you guys’ 😀 So really it’s your fault why i’m having to go out and freeze to death, lol! 🤣
I didn’t want to stand still for too long as i’d end up being one of those ice sculptures…So i quickly took the wide angle and normal zoom to get the 2 shots and crunched my way towards the path. There wasn’t too many other people out today (don’t know why, lol) so i thought i’d get a couple of photos today for you to enjoy…
“My heart is burdened with a sense of my short-comings! Every duty I perform is so imperfect. Every 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 temper is 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 realize 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 Jesus to save you from them–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 gloomy thoughts.
But we must look away from self; for if we do not, we shall become anxious, doubting and gloomy! 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 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 all the glory of saving us, and He will get great glory by doing so, because we are such great sinners;and do not, 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 safe in Heaven at last!
As imperfect as you now are, and as imperfect you will be–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.
Hope in God, for you shall yet praise Him. 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!
“For every look at self–take ten looks at Christ!” McCheyne
“Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!” Psalm 55:6
The trials of a believer are often severe. Many a storm has he to endure, many a river to ford, and many a fire to pass through–in his way home to the promised land. Little did the Christian think, when he first stepped into the liberty of the gospel, that there were such rough roads, dark nights, and terrible storms before him; but, more or less, every traveler to Mount Zion must experience them. It is generally found to be a rough road, which leads to the Celestial City. Many a Christian has found his courage fail him, and his heart misgive him, on his way home.
The darkness is sometimes so dense, the cross is at times so heavy, the disappointment is at some seasons so great –that the stoutest heart quails, and unites with the timid spirit, in exclaiming, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!”
These trials are necessary to . . . try our sincerity, exercise our graces, and render the promises sweet and precious.
When all goes smooth, and everything is pleasant . . . we attach but little importance to the promises, have little power in prayer, and are too apt to over-value ourselves. But trying times . . . endear the throne of grace, strip us of pride and self-importance, and strengthen our trust in Jesus.
Never is Christ so precious, as in times of peculiar trial. Never is the Bible so valued, as in the day of trouble and distress.
The wilderness with its barren burning sands, its storms and tempests, its dangers and its difficulties–endears the promised land; and makes the pilgrim occasionally to cry out, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!”
Rest! O how sweet is the thought of rest to the weary, way-worn, exhausted traveler! Rest! O how sweet is the thought of rest to the afflicted, tried, and tempted Christian! He most generally thinks of Heaven as a place of rest: rest from suffering, rest from sorrow, rest from toil, and rest from conflict.
Rest with Jesus.
Rest in the home of God.
Rest, perfect and perpetual rest.
Peaceful and glorious rest.
We have the foretastes of it occasionally now, which makes us at times long for its fullness and perfection. Like the grapes of Eshcol, which when tasted, stimulates us to hasten across the wilderness that we may take possession of the promised land; so the inward calm, the secret repose, the rest at times enjoyed in the soul, urges us on, and makes us cry out, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!”
Hi FitBlitz family! After more rain this morning (the fine stuff that soaks you through, lol) i thought my walk would be cut short, when i stumbled upon this fallen tree. For anyone else this wouldn’t be a problem, but for this blind man it means stop and turn around and go home! But…As i stood there taking this photo for you guys i heard somebody walking towards me, i couldn’t see them but my hearing is fantastic, yay! My plan was to look busy and wait until they arrived and then i’d try and figure out how they navigated this obstacle?!
They didn’t go around the tree so i knew it must be a long one, they just stepped over it with little effort…Excellent now it’s my turn…I walked up until i kicked the tree and did a large exaggerated step over (nearly kneeing myself in the face, lol)…Yay…
“She grabbed him by his garment and said, ‘Sleep with me!’ But leaving his garment in her hand, he escaped and ran from the house.” Genesis 39:12
In contending with certain sins, there remains no mode of victory but by flight.
He who would be safe from acts of evil, must hasten away from occasions of it.
A covenant must be made with our eyes, not even to look upon the cause of temptation; for such sins only need a spark to begin with, and a blaze follows in an instant!
Who would wantonly enter the leper’s hut, and sleep amid its horrible corruption? He alone who desires to be leprous himself, would thus court contagion.
If the mariner knew how to avoid a storm, he would do anything rather than run the risk of weathering it.
Cautious navigators have no desire to try how near the quicksand they can sail, or how often they may touch a rock without springing a leak. Their aim is to keep as nearly as possible in the midst of a safe channel.
Today I may be exposed to great peril, let me have wisdom to keep out of it and avoid it. The wings of a dove may be of more use to me, than the jaws of a lion. I may be an apparent loser by declining evil company–but I had better leave my cloak, than lose my character!
It is not needful that I should be rich, but it is imperative upon me to be pure. No ties of friendship, no chains of beauty, no flashings of talent, no shafts of ridicule–must turn me from the wise resolve to flee from sin.
I am to resist the devil, and he will flee from me. But the lusts of the flesh, I must flee–or they will surely overcome me!
O God of holiness, preserve your Josephs, lest Madam Bubble bewitch them with her vile suggestions.
May the horrible trinity of the world, the flesh, and the devil–never overcome us!
“The Lord Almighty is with us! The God of Jacob is our fortress!” Psalm 46:7
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
Who can prevail against us? Who can really injure us? Let us daily think of God’s glorious perfections, and view them as engaged for us at all times.
His power is engaged to support, defend, and strengthen us.
His omniscient eye is constantly upon us, watching over us for good.
His omnipresence is our safeguard from all our foes, for no one can come and find our God absent from us.
His justice and righteousness shine in all His dealings with us, and are like lofty mountains round about us.
His holiness shines in all His purposes and plans, and forbids the thought that He will act unsuitably towards us.
His mercy is ever great towards us, and by it He sympathizes with us in all our sorrows, griefs, and woes.
His goodness will constantly supply us, and is sufficient to fill us with admiration and astonishment.
His truth renders certain, every promise He has given and recorded in His Word.
His immutability bears us up and bears us on, confirming our faith and hope in His Word.
His wisdom frustrates the designs of our foes, and arranges and manages all for our welfare.
His eternity is the date of our happiness, and the duration of our unspeakable blessedness!
Here is enough to . . . engage our thoughts, overflow our minds, and forever fill us with adoration and praise!
What a God is Jehovah! And Jehovah in Jesus, is ours!
How cheering this fact, and what sweet support it yields to the mind–to meditate on God’s perfections and glorious attributes, seeing them all in Jesus–and in Him, engaged for our present and everlasting welfare!
What could shake our minds, if we did but firmly believe that God’s omnipotence is engaged to defend us to the uttermost?
What could tempt us to commit any known sin, if we were realizing that God’s omniscient eye is ever upon us; yes, that God is present with us, and that He is our sin-hating Father?
What could lead us into murmuring and rebellion, if we were fully persuaded that God’s holiness and justice are for us, and will shine resplendent in all His dealings with us?
What could lead us to think that our prayers would not be answered, nor our petitions be regarded–if our minds were influenced by the assurance that God is truth?
How could we believe that He would ever turn against us, if we rightly viewed His immutability?
Or, how could we think that our affairs could be disordered, if we felt satisfied that His wisdom was working for us at all times!
“The Lord Almighty is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress!” Psalm 46:7
Hi friends! After having the whole Q4 celebrating my 2 fundraisering ultra walks last year…Yes the ultra walks i thought this blindman would never be able to achieve, but thanks to all of you out there who supported, cheered and donated i completed them, thank you so much! 😀
But now it’s Q1 i’ve really got to get back on it and get walking those trails! As it was a massive 3 months since i’d been out on my usual trail i t was very difficult as it’s winter and the paths are different and some of my markers have gone…But i managed it safely and got back home in one piece, a great start towards my goal of removing this unwanted weight after too much celebrating…I never said this weight loss journey was easy, lol! 😨
How are you guys doing? I hope you havn’t been as bad as…
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart”Matthew 11:29
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5
Christians should excel in the manifestation of Christ’s character. The mind which was in Jesus, should be in them. They should consider His character as a model of their own; and be conspicuousfor their . . . poverty of spirit, meekness, gentleness, and love.
It is matter of surprise and regret, that many people seem to think that Christianity has nothing to do with character! And that provided they are free from gross sins, and have lively feelings in devotional exercises, they may be as petulant, irritable, and implacableas they please! This is a dreadful error, and has done great mischief to the cause of God!
A sour, ill-natured Christian is like a lamb with a wolf’s head; or like a dovewith a vulture’s beak!
If there be any one word which above all others should describe a Christian’s character, it is that which represents his divine Father; and as it is said, that ‘God is love’, so should it be also affirmed, that a Christian is love–love embodied, an incarnation of love! His words, his conduct, his very looks–should be so many expressions of love!
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us!” Ephesians 4:32-5:2
Hi all! Wow it seems like ages since i’ve connected with you guys on here. I’ve been having problems with WordPress on my ancient mac, so i’m trying to find ways of posting using my iPhone with the screenreader…Not easy!! 🤣
This is my first attempt to post using the WordPress app…So what better way to post than a fantastic praise song! Me and Sarah are loving this song and are playing along to it all the time. As you may know Sarah plays the flute and a whole variety of woodwind instruments so this song is fantastic and i love listening to her! Also i play the drums and the acoustic guitar to this song (not at the same time, lol) So please give it a listen and sing praise to our Lord with us!! 🙏 😀
I hope all of you guys are doing well too? I can’t wait to get things sorted out with this app so i can connect with you all again…Miss you lots and God bless! 😀
Yay this blindman has somehow managed to drag this classic body 500 miles and reach 1 million steps to complete the challenge with 6 days to go!! I’m seriously heading for the pits to be restored and give my legs a rest so they won’t be as swollen and battered. 💪🏼 😀
You’ll be pleased to hear i won’t be doing any more charity challenges this year, so i won’t be hounding you for donations…But as this is my last opportunity and i’ve already smashed one of my two goals (the steps) please could you help me smash my fundraising goal??!!
During this agonising challenge and battling an omnifarious amount of emotions, i’ve learned that brittle type 1 diabetes is a million times worse than i’ve been feeling, and it simply never gives up, stays the same and definitely never rests! I really have full respect for my…
“You do not understand now what I am doing, but afterwards you will understand.” John 13:7
We are to walk by faith, not by sight. We are to trust His heart, when we cannot trace His hand!
We are to believe Him, when we cannot understand His mysterious workings!
The Lord is now working in nature, providence, and grace–and He does many things which we do not understand at present. But when His work is complete, and it lies stretched out before us in the light of eternity, we shall then . . . comprehend His design, admire His wisdom, and adore His divine workings!
Beloved, is God cleansing you by fiery trials, or causing you to pass through deep waters? Are you at a loss to know what His design is, or where the present affliction will end?
Be still. Wait His time.
There is a divine working time, which is the present; and there is a divine revealing time, which is to come.
The wisest Christians are often in the dark now, but the simplest Christians will see all things clearly by and by. A little more patience, a little more faith–and all will end well.
“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God, and who are called according to His purpose!” Romans 8:2
Man is this challenge still going?! I don’t know about you but i was fed up after the 1st month…I think I’m having ‘post challenge blues’ but during the challenge, lol! 🤣
I think my legs are shorter, i’m really starting to hate walking and most of all my lovely new trainers burned out after 300 miles!! 😭 I can’t believe this challenge is still going on, i’m seriously not doing another endurance challenge again (not sure how true this statement will be once i’ve finished).
Oh i almost forgot…I’m meant to be celebrating passing 900,000 steps (that’s around 450 miles) which is fantastic and further than i’ve ever walked without a days rest! I hope you can celebrate for me as i’m still on the floor exhausted and lacking the power to go on.
I know brittle type 1 diabetes is a million times worse than i’m…
Wow i thought my ‘Ultra Step Challenge‘ during advent 2020 for Blood Pressure UK was gruelling, and that was only 24 days, lol! 😨 I’m now 2 years older and this current challenge is double the milage…But after a wayward week in the slough of despond, i’m happy to be awarded the 600,000 step badge (that’s 300 miles).
If i ever mention i’m doing another endurance charity challenge in the future, can you tell me NO, lol! 😀
Sarah’s Message…🤔
Whilst out on my walk this morning (i didn’t want to go but i did) i was flagging on about mile 4 until i recieved this message from my lovely wife Sarah:
“Oooh you are strong and amazing. 💪 I love you very much and am inspired by your determination to get these steps done… however hard it is. You are my amazing wonderful hero husband……
It’s day 33/61, and this blindman has walked over 260 miles (over half a million steps) and i can’t believe i still have 28 days to go…If i could stop right now, i would! It’s such a gruelling challenge that just keeps going…It’s by far the worst one i’ve done so far, but i have to keep going some how?!😨
Type 1 diabetes never gives Sarah a rest, so I don’t want to have one either during my fundraising challenge!
Every donation counts…❤️
Please help and hit the donate button and support my stepping challenge. Every step and every donation counts. Join me and let’s help everybody living with diabetes. For all the mums, dads, wives, husbands, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, grandparents, and best friends, creating a world where diabetes can do no harm.
One million steps is around 500 miles, and it’s going to be a really…
“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand!” Psalm 16:11
HEAVEN! What is it? It is . . . God’s residence, the Savior’s home, our Father’s house, a paradise of pleasure, a temple of worship, and the residence of perfect purity and peace!
There . . . God unveils His glory, the Savior exhibits His charms, the angels perform their service, and the saints are entirely happy with their God.
In Heaven . . . sin is banished, holiness is perfected, life is a continual feast, and mortality is swallowed up in life!
From Heaven . . . all pain is banished, all enemies are excluded, and all causes of sorrow are shut out!
In Heaven . . . all our prayers are answered, all our desires are gratified, and all our needs are supplied. There is no weeping, wailing or wishing there.
In Heaven . . . our knowledge will be perfect, our happiness will be abiding, our pleasures will be ever new.
In Heaven we shall . . . see Jesus, be with Jesus, and be like Jesus, forever!
HEAVEN! Who are there? All tried and tempted followers of Jesus are there. All doubting and fearing disciples of Jesus are there. All poor and despised believers are there. Multitudes, who felt totally unworthy of such glory, and feared they would never reach the place–are there.
All who were chosen by the Father, all who were redeemed by the Son, and all who were sanctified by the Holy Spirit–are there.
HEAVEN! What do they enjoy there? Who can answer this question, but one who has been there; and he would need a new language to state, and new figures to represent the enjoyments of Heaven. They enjoy rest from their pains, and a full supply of all their needs. They enjoy perfect satisfaction, a fullness of joy, and pleasure forevermore. They . . . see all that they believed, realize all that they hoped for, and possess all that they loved.
They have . . . health, without sickness; pleasure, without pain; and holiness, without sin.
Every sense is gratified, every power is pleasurably employed–and they are perfectly and perpetually happy!
O Heaven, in you there is . . . no tempting devil, no ensnaring world, no indwelling corruption, no doubts, fears, or misgivings! And best of all, there is no sin!
O Heaven, in you I shall . . . see my God, possess my Savior, and enjoy the fullness of the Holy Spirit!
O my God, in Heaven I shall be satisfied–for I shall be with You, serving and enjoying You without weariness or cessation!
HEAVEN! Who will yet get to Heaven? Who? Ah, perhaps many we little think of! We shall miss many whom we expected to find there–and find many whom we never expected would reach that glorious place!
Who will go to Heaven? That poor man who is striving against sin, mourning over corruption, and loathing himself before God. That poor woman, who sighs because she sins, pants for perfect holiness, and clings to the cross of Jesus. Do you see that poor soul on his knees, confessing his transgressions, pleading for pardon, and seeking grace to sanctify his nature–he will go to Heaven. Do you see that lowly Christian who is visiting the sick, pointing sufferers to the cross, and trying to alleviate human woe, out of love to Jesus–he will go to Heaven. Do you see that Sunday School teacher, who, after a hard week’s work, is regularly in his class, speaking loving words in tender tones, to win the little ones for the Savior–he will go to Heaven. Do you see that preacher who exalts Christ in his ministry, honors the gospel in his life, and travails in birth for souls–he will go to Heaven.
Heaven will be peopled by all who believe in Jesus, love the brethren, and worship God in Spirit and in truth. There will be a numberless multitude there, all . . . deeply indebted to free mercy, washed in the Savior’s blood, and sanctified by the Spirit’s grace!
Reader, there is a way–but only one way to Heaven! Only those found in that way will ever reach it! You yourself, may be within an hour or two of either Heaven or Hell! Do you know which? If called away suddenly, to which would you go? You have a Heaven to obtain, or a Hell to endure–to all eternity! Which shall it be? O that you were wise, that you properly realized this, that you would consider your latter end!
Heaven with all its glories, or Hell with all its horrors–must be your eternal portion! If you despise the Savior, make light of the Gospel, and neglect God’s great salvation–then Hell, an eternal Hell, with all its unspeakable horrors, is your portion!
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined–what God has prepared for those who love Him!” 1 Corinthians 2:9
“Only when Jesus saved me from it all did I realise just how stressful chasing after false spirituality really is.”
Another Wisdom & Truth filled post by Lana!! 🙏 😀
This blindman is celebrating hitting the half way mark of this gruelling challenge…The 500,000 steps (around 250 miles) badge! 🙌
I can’t believe i’ve not posted in 6 days!! 😨 But i just wanted to let you know i’m not dead…Although i think i’m a little shorter now, or is it just the tread wear on my trail shoes, lol! 🤣
The Gruelling Challenge…😰
Diabetes is relentless and simply never stops…But neither do I!
For the last 18 years i’ve seen first hand how my lovely wife Sarah battles, struggles and copes with her ‘brittle Type 1’ diabetes. She’s such a warrior and is truly my inspiration on perseverance, determination and drive to keep fighting.
Please click HERE and read my story, donate and please share it everywhere you can!!
As we Christians advance in life, and know more of human nature and the power of temptation–the greater interest should we take in the young, and the more urgently should we seek their salvation. It is a lovely sight to see aged Christians endeavoring to bring young people to the Savior. And this we ought constantly to see, for they know the power . . . of youthful lusts, of the world’s attractions, of Satanic influence, of the deceitfulness of the heart, and the value of the immortal soul!
Aged friends, do you feel and act, as you should for the young? Do you do all that you can to snatch them as brands from the burning?
Solomon was an old man when he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes, and in that book he manifests great solicitude for the young. Again and again he addresses them in different ways, but with what touching and subtle irony does he speak to them in one place: “Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see. BUT KNOW that for all these things, God will bring you to judgment!” Ecclesiastes 11:9
The Youth’s Practice. He is happy in his youth, in his physical vigor, personal attractions, and newly acquired liberty. Feeling strong, he puts the day of judgment far from him. Vain of his person, he is proud of his appearance and abilities. Freed from the restraints of home, he removes the reins from the neck of his lusts. His heart cheers him on, and urges him forward in the pursuit of folly! He walks in the way of his heart, which is always evil. He is ignorant of its powers of deception. He is therefore deceived by the corrupt principles that work within it. He hushes his conscience to sleep, or by violence constrains it to be silent.
He then yields to the alluring influence of the world. And while so doing, Satan tempts him to proceed farther and farther, plotting his eternal damnation!
He does what he thinks best in his own eyes, allowing them to mislead him. He walks by sight, not according to God’s Word. He is led away by appearances, and despises the counsel and example of the godly. He refuses to listen to, or be guided by the advice of parents. He despises, or slights, the preacher’s admonition, and will be a law unto himself. He chooses vain people for his companions, and follows the example of the foolish! Let us now listen to:
The Preacher’s Prescription. “Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see. BUT know that for all these things, God will bring you to judgment!”
Take your own course, if you are determined.
Go on in the way which you prefer, if you think it best.
Persevere in the path that you have chosen.
BUT KNOW that there is an end to your course, and that end is a judgment!
The judgment day is fixed, and it is therefore certain.
The judge stands at the door, it is therefore near.
The dead, small and great, shall stand before God–it is therefore universal.
Every one of us shall give account of himself before God, it is therefore personal.
Before this final judgment, shall be gathered all nations–it will therefore be open and public.
God will judge in justice and uprightness, it will therefore be righteous.
It will be the great day, the last day–and will therefore be final.
“BUT KNOW that for all these things, God will bring you to judgment!”
You will not be able to escape!
You will not be overlooked or forgotten!
You will be personally summoned, and there will be no evading!
Death will arrest and cast you into prison. From thence, the angels will bring you out, and Jesus will judge you! For “He has set a day when He is going to judge the world in righteousness, by the Man He has appointed!” Acts 17:31
Young man! Young woman! To you is this word of solemn admonition sent! See how many young people are being called away by death! Fatal diseases and accidents–how common. Sudden deaths–how frequent. It is very probable that God may soon call for YOU! How necessary then that you be ready, for death very often gives but a short notice, or no notice!
God warns you by His providence; He directs you in His Word; He invites you by His ministers; and He will judge you by His Son!
Whenever therefore you are tempted to indulge in any unholy amusement or practice, remember these words: “BUT KNOW that for all these things, God will bring you to judgment!”
“These all died in faith . . . they confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” Hebrews 11:13
The day of life with them is ended. Its duties are ended. Its responsibilities are past. Its hours are fled away.
What a trying day some of them had! How stormy. How sultry. How often overcast. How gloomy. But it is now past, and past forever! The toils of the wilderness are over! They had much to afflict and pain them . . . a difficult and dangerous journey, a long wearisome march, many a heavy cross to carry, many a stubborn foe to face, many a painful doubt, numerous gloomy fears.
But now the wilderness is all behind them! The afflictions of the pilgrimage are terminated. Those sufferings were sharp, and some of them continued long. Many of them were endured in secret without sympathy, and without relief. They were soul sorrows, agony of mind–as well as sharp pains of body. But however multiplied, however severe, however protracted those sorrows–they are past and gone, never, never to return!
The sweetest repose is now enjoyed. The poor tabernacle has been taken down, and is laid in a quiet resting-place, until the resurrection morning. The soul is gone to be with Jesus. It has traveled through the rough path of life, and is now in God’s presence, where there is fullness of joy, and pleasures for evermore!
As Christians, we are going to the same place. The graves will soon be ready for our bodies, and themansions of glory for our souls. We are going home! Home to our Father’s house! Home where our hearts have long been. Home where all our prayers will be answered, and all our best desires will be gratified. “Home, sweet home! There is no place like home!” Especially our home! A paradise without a tempting serpent! A paradise where all are holy, all are safe, all are happy. Those pure and perpetual joys, which are at God’s right hand, await us! We taste them now, and are delighted with asip–but there we shall soon drink full draughts of eternal glory, eternal joy, and eternal blessedness!
Amidst present toils and trials, dangers and distresses, when wearied, way-worn, and tempted to fret–remember that you will soon be HOME! Think, think, O my soul, of an eternity of enjoyment, when the sufferings of time are ended! “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning!” Psalm 30:5
Yay…It’s only thanks to you guys for your kind and generous donations towards this gruelling challenge , that i’ve recieved the ‘One Million Step Challenge‘ t-shirt. Diabetes UK send you the t-shirt once you’ve raised over £100…So i can’t thank you guys enough! 💪🏼
As you’ve probably guessed…I love charity t-shirts as i can hardly see them whilst i’m out walking…But everyone else has to look (and read) my wearable advertising board, llol! 🤣 💪🏼
A quick shout out…📣
I’d just like to give a quick shout out to Dayle (from ‘Tip of my iceberg‘ blog), as her message “Steve, I hope this will encourage you a little. Know that our prayers are with you! Congratulations of pursuing this!” left on my fundraising page really helped me over the last 2 days, when my motivation was a little flat…It was a timely message to…
Awww is it only day 22 of 61!! 😨 It’s going to be a really short post today as i’m happy i’ve reached over 420,000 steps (around 200 miles)…But it’s hard to stay motivated whilst your body is aching and trying to be substituted off the playing field! Sorry i don’t have anything funny or mildly interesting to say today, but i’ll be back tomorrow when i’ll be hopefully full of beans?! 🤔
It’s day 19/61, and this blindman has walked over 160 miles and i’ve earned my 350,000 steps badge this week…Yes i’m tired and hurting as i battle my way along this gruelling challenge! 😰 Can you help this charity close to my heart? Please donate or share everywhere (or both, lol)!
Type 1 diabetes never gives Sarah a rest, so I don’t want to have one either during my fundraising challenge!
I’ve had 3 kind donations this week…One from Ian (from church), an anonymous donation and one from Ann & Michael (also from church). I can’t tell you how humbling and motivating it is to get such generous support., it also inspires me to keep going through this endurance challenge and keep fighting to help this great charity that’s close to my heart, as my lovely warrior wife Sarah has ‘Brittle Type 1 Diabetes’. ❤️ 💪🏼
Yay…I’m celebrating that this blindman has reached over 350,000 steps!! I’m also trying to calm my aching legs…But i already feel like a battered ‘Group B’ rally car after being thrashed around the rally stages, and i’ve only done a third of the challenge!
I think i need to break out my old panel beating skills to repair and restore my old classic bodywork. It needs lots of repairs,planishing and some putty filler, lol! 🤣
Getting lost in the woods…😨
As you may know it’s taken me about 2 years to finally create a 2.5 mile lap in my local woods…But as I’m now using my new microsoft soundscape GPS app to navigate me through the woods, i had a bright idea to try and lengthen my trail lap…Bad idea! 🤣
At least it was nice as i was getting lost, lol! 🤣
“Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things!” Matthew 6:32
The Lord Jesus, as the great teacher, is instructing His disciples in the doctrine of divine providence, and teaching them to exercise faith in God. He tells them that God feeds the sparrows and clothes the lilies, and therefore He will not neglect, or refuse to feed and clothe His redeemed children!
He would have us act like His children! As children who view the Most High God as their Father! As children who are absolutely dependent upon Him! As children who look to Him for all; and expect Him to supply them with all.
God is our FATHER. He has adoptedus by His grace. We were by nature fatherless, so far as spiritual relationship is concerned. Or, to be more correct, we did have a father, it was the devil! Said Jesus, “You belong to your father, the devil!” John 8:44. We were in an abject and dreadful condition!
But in His infinite mercy, and for the glory of His own free grace, God adopted us and placed us among His children!
We still have a heavenly Father who caresfor us! And as the heaven is high above the earth, so far does God’s relationship exceed all human relationships. To have God for our Father, is the height of blessedness; it is the crowning privilege!
Nothing can exceed this, for His love is infinite, and embraces all His children. His love cannot change, for that would imply a change in His nature. But He says, “I am Jehovah, I do not change!” Everything outside of the Divine nature will change. But Jehovah Himself loves His people, and as His nature cannot change, neither can His love!
His resources are boundless, and He supplies all of His children. They are never sent to any other quarter for supply, but always bidden to come to their Father for all that they need.
His pity is exquisite, and He sympathizes with all of His children. “Like as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities all who fear Him. He knows our frame, He remembers that we are but dust.”
His knowledge is perfect, therefore He is fully acquainted with them all. “All things are naked and open to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” He knows exactly where each one is, and each of their wants, woes, and wishes! For “the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on the behalf of all those who hearts are sincere towards Him.”
His strength is omnipotent, and protects them all. He says, “No one is able to pluck you out of my hand! I will strengthen you! I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.”
His nature is unchangeable, and His covenant is sure; therefore He will be to us, and do for us, all that He has promised to us!
Scripture history unfolds God’s love to, and the method of his dealing with His children. He is “the same yesterday, today, and forever!”
What a mercy, to have a Father–and such a Father!
What anastounding blessing, to have God for our Father–in a world like this, and in times like these!
What a comfort, to look up to the High and Lofty one who inhabits eternity, and rejoice that He has a father’s heart, and that His heart beats with unutterable love to me!
What an encouragement, to be able in the midst of trials, troubles, temptations, losses, crosses, disappointments, and vexations–to look up to my heavenly Father and say, “I will cry unto God most high, unto God who performs all things for me!”
“Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things!”
Wow i can’t believe i’ve already earned this award and it’s only day 17! I normally just sneak the badge in right at the end of the month…But with my ‘One million step challenge‘ which started 1st August, it meant i’ve nailed it already as i’ve been stomping over 10 miles a day without a rest so far! 💪🏼 😀
Saturday and Sunday were both scorches at 33˚C and i knew it would be tough getting lots of steps done…So as my T1D warrior wife Sarah was off work, she first made the nicest iced coffee and then we headed off to the ponds in the nature reserve. ☕ 😀
I put my AirPods in and shouted out everything my new microsoft soundscape app was telling me…Sarah said it was really useful and we could try it everywhere we go, yay a win! 🤣 When we arrived at the point that you guys know well (it’s the edge of the pond i always photograph through each season) my app shouted out “Fishing platform”…Of course it is, why didn’t i think of that, lol! 🤣 Now i wonder if there is such a thing called blind fishing? 🤔
After Sarah shouted at me to get my photo taken with…
It’s day 12/61, and i’ve done over 110 miles and i’ve just earned my 250,000 steps badge this morning…Yes i’m tired and hurting especially through this heatwave! 😰 Can you help this charity close to my heart? Please donate or share everywhere (or both, lol)!
Type 1 diabetes never gives Sarah a rest, so I don’t want to have one either during my fundraising challenge!
I’ve had 2 kind donations this week…The 1st from my lovely wife Sarah and the 2nd friend from Dayle (blogger from the USA) which is not only humbling and motivating, it also inspires me to keep going through this endurance challenge and keep fighting to help this great charity that’s close to my heart! 💪🏼 😀
Sarah’s message “Thanks for doing this amazing challenge to support diabetes UK my lovely husband. I just wanted to contribute and get you started on what is…
I’ve already pounded over 100 miles wearing my super bright Inov8 Trailfly G300 max trail shoes…And as a reward for earning the first donation Diabetes UK sent me some metal shoe lace charms to wear during the challenge:
“When you receive your first donation we’ll send you a shoelace charm as a special reminder that every step counts and we must always look after our feet. We’ll post this to you automatically if you’ve opted to receive rewards. We’ll send these out throughout the challenge.”
Sarah tells me they look fantastic and fit perfectly on the trail shoe. I’m defo looking after my feet with these stupendous shoes…I really don’t want to burn them out but the challenge is worth it!! 💪🏼 😀
About The Blind Navigation Soundscape app…😲
I’ve been out on my trail again this morning, finding places where i can add new waypoints along my…
Today was not only another hot 29˚C, but i had to wait in for some deliveries…Which meant i had to fight for my steps today! 💪🏼 I managed an early quick few miles before the start time of the deliveries, as i wanted to try out my new ‘Soundscape’ app on my trail. I’m at the beginners stage of the app so just managed to place some map markers along my route, to see if my earphones can pick them up in 360˚ audio beacon targeting thingy, which would be cool and very useful when i get lost!! 😀
I also did some workouts on apple fitness plus in my living room to try and keep my steps up…I managed quite a few steps whilst bombing around the room, lol! 🤣 Now i’ll probably spend the rest of my challenge trying to…
Yeah i’m still walking, lol! 🤣 It’s day 8 of this monumental 61 day challenge, and i have another heatwave to look forwards too for nearly 2 weeks! 😨 It’s 29˚C today and i’m getting my well rounded tan as i walk my circular lap…Well at least that’s a bonus, lol! 🤣 Walking in the sun is an absolute killer for me, as the brightness fries my eyes, brain and drains me really fast no matter what hat, cap or sunglasses combo i try…It’s just the sight i have to put up with..At least i get a break when i’m asleep, and i even dream fully sighted some of the time which is weird…But brittle Type One Diabetes never gives Sarah a rest so i’ll stop complaining, lol…And it’s why i’m doing this challenge without a rest day too! 😨
I, even I, am he who comforts you and gives you all this joy. So what right have you to fear mere mortal men, who wither like the grass and disappear?
Isaiah 51:12 Living Bible
Pray with me please.
Father God, Thank You for being our Healer, for making all things new, and for holding all wisdom. You are the God of all of our days. We give You all of our praise. No matter what goes on in our lives, You are still God and You are worthy of all of our praise. Thank You for the comfort and the joy that You give us. Thank You for leading and guiding us. You are so awesome. Thank You for being our all in all. Thank You for the answers that You provide us in Your word. Thank You for being all these things that the song says. You are…
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” Acts 18:9-10
What kind of a citywas it? Corinth was one of the most worldly and immoral cities of the east. Here was the temple of Venus, with its degrading and disgraceful services. What kind of peoplewere they? “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders northieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were! But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God!” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. This is the apostle’s own reply to the question.
Observe:
1. The Lord’s people are often found in the most unlikely places! Who would have expected to find God’s chosen people, a multitude of them–in a place so foul, so polluted, so degraded, as Corinth? God’s jewels are often found buried in the worst filth!
2. The Lord chooses the most unlikely people! Who would ever have thought that the Lord would have chosen the sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, slanderers, swindlers–to be saved? But He did! God’s people are picked off the foulest dunghills! O the wonders of sovereign grace!
You’re never going to believe this (i didn’t)…Me and my lovely wife Sarah were sat in the rear garden of our favourite restaurant (Sicily Restaurant), and just as Grace was placing the stunning ‘Tiramisu’ on to the table…The muppets theme tune blasted out of my pocket from my iPhone!! I looked straight at Sarah (or as near as possible) as we both knew what the tune meant…A donation!! 😲
The incredible Tiramisu from Sicily restaurant! 😋
The Donation…😲
Before i had chance to click through and read the amazing message my phone blasted out again as i’d been awarded the badge above! 💪🏼 The loving donation actually took my fundraising to £166. 😲
Sarah was reading the many shocked looks from my face and asking who it was from? I kept saying you’re never going to believe who it’s from?? I said “it’s in US Dollars again”…
It’s day 5/61, and i’ve done 57 miles and over 115,000 steps…Yes i’m tired and hurting, lol! 🤣 Can you help this charity close to my heart? Please donate or share everywhere (or both, lol)!
Type 1 diabetes never gives Sarah a rest, so I don’t want to have one either during my fundraising challenge!
So if you’re feelinginspired…Please hit the donate button and support my stepping challenge. Every step and every donation counts. Join me and let’s help everybody living with diabetes. For all the mums, dads, wives, husbands, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, grandparents, and best friends, creating a world where diabetes can do no harm.
One million steps is around 500 miles, i’ve already donated £25…It’s going to be a really tough challenge and it’s the furthest i’ve ever walked by a long way!! Please help! 😨
Every penny given will go towards Diabetes UK care…
Wow that train track is close, lol! 😨 I’m so glad i stayed where i was when i took this photo…I thought i wouldn’t get the tracks in the shot, but once i arrived home and zoomed in on my iMac…It’s right there!! 😀 At least i know not to step any closer, and maybe i can get a slow motion video of the train as i can hear when it comes.
My Steps So Far…💪🏼
At the time of this post i’m just over 115,000 steps after 5 days…I’m hoping for some more steps this evening, as i’m trying to build a surplus before my legs burn off, as you never know what can happen to this blindman whilst out on the trail…So i’ll get the steps in when i can! 💪🏼
Yay i actually managed to get me and a bit of the trail in a selfie this morning! 😲 I thought i’ve been taking hundreds of photos whilst on my trail walks…But not one of me on the trail which could lead to you thinking i’m just posting anyones photos, lol! 🤣 I can’t see my iPhone at all so don’t take many selfies, mainly as i’m old and think the camera should be pointing the other way (others come first). 🤣
Please let me know if you like seeing me in the frame with the trail, and i’ll have to start trying to get better at it…Meanwhile here is a normal photo of my trail! 🤣
I managed 8.5 miles today in the hot sun and had no dramas. I was trying to slow down to just over 3 mph but my body just won’t slow…
When i first posted on Facebook about this crazy challenge and how i wanted to do it in 2 months instead of 3, and for Diabetes UK for my lovely wife Sarah as inspiration and motivation… I received a comment from our friend Anita saying she wanted to do it too! Anita then set up this ‘Sarah’s Walking Warriors‘ fundraising page and i quickly joined. Wow what a name!!! 😀
Anita used to work with Sarah at ‘World Cancer Research Fund’ and quickly became friends with Sarah (who wouldn’t??) so she got to know quite a bit about type one diabetes and soon joined me on this challenge. Anita also was one of the ‘Crazy Clappers’ on my first ‘Blind Steve’ challenge which was the ‘Tough Mudder‘ back in Oct 2018. 💪🏼
Anita is an absolute walking machine and is the master that…
“And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” Romans 8:9
This is Paul’s criterion. No matter what a man has, if he does not have the Spirit of Christ–“he does not belong to Christ!”
This divine agent, as the Spirit of Christ, always convinces the soul of its need of Christ. He always leads to the cross of Christ! He will not allow the soul to stop at, or rest in, sacraments, ceremonies, or any duties it may perform. He points to the cross. He leads to the cross. He fixes the sinner’s eye upon the cross. He brings peace to the soul through the cross. He dedicates and devotes the sinner to God’s service at the cross. Every one who has the Spirit of Christ, knows something of the worth, virtue, and efficacy of the cross of Christ.
The Spirit of Christ always conforms to the image of Christ. Christ is the model after which the Spirit works; and by the Word and ordinances, by providence and His own inward operations–He stamps the likeness of Christ upon the soul. He fixes the eye on Jesus, who, as a mirror, represents and sets forth the glory of God; and by looking at Jesus, a divine transformation takes place, and we are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Unless, therefore, we have been taught our need of Christ as a Savior; unless we have been led to the cross of Christ to seek salvation there; unless we are in some degree conformed to Christ, and are daily seeking more conformity–we have not the Spirit of Christ. “And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”
The Spirit of Christ is the greatproof that we are Christ’s. There may be much feeling, a moral reformation, and a profession of religion, without this. But if we have the Spirit of Christ, our thoughts will be engaged with Him, our hearts will be going out to Him, and we shall at times long to depart that we may be with Him, and see Him as He is!
The Spirit of Christ always renders Christ precious, and produces the highest possible esteem of Him.
The Spirit of Christ always makes its possessor like Christ. Not perfectly, here on earth–yet He kindles and keeps alive a desire for perfect likeness. This is the great, the grand, the habitual aim of the soul, always and everywhere–to be like Christ!
Wow that was tough!! For the last couple of miles i was staggering like a zombie in an 80’s dodgy horror film, lol! 🤣 I know my new extended trail lap is harder as it has more uphill sections, but this was crazy…I was exhausted, dripping with sweat as it’s still hot here and drinking my water like a dying man. But i managed the 9.3 miles (about 29,000 steps) before lunchtime, and i’ve only got 59 days to go, lol! 🤣 😨
The sunflower above is one of Sarah’s in the garden. I managed to earn some more steps last night by watering the flowers…Well once i’d picked myself off the ground after my first 9.3 miles walk yesterday! 🤣 And as this flower hit me in the face…I thought i’d take a photo of it. Wow it’s nearly as bright as a Sarah smile! 😲
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us!” Romans 8:18
Paul compares present sufferings, with future glory.
Believers are exposed to all kinds of suffering–and instead of obtaining an exemption from afflictions, they are assured that it is through much tribulation that they must enter into the kingdom of God.
Some endure inwardsuffering, with which no one is fully acquainted but God Himself. They have such darkness, gloom, distress, agitation, trouble, and sorrow–as would not be easy to describe.
Some suffer much in body, from the stressed and disordered state of the nervous system, from chronic diseases, or deformities in the physical frame. They seldom move without suffering, and for years together have but little freedom from weakness and pain. They live a life of suffering, a kind of dying life, and think much of Heaven as of a place where there is no more pain.
Some suffer much financially. Scarcely anything seems to prosper with them, losses, crosses, and opposition meet them at every turn. And though they live honestly, and conduct their business honorably–they are thwarted, hindered, and filled with perplexity. No one can tell what they suffer from financial trials and difficulties.
Others suffer from reproach, misrepresentation, strife, and persecution in the world, or in the Church, or both! No one seems to understand them, or is prepared to sympathize with them; they are like “a sparrow alone upon the house-top.” False friends and open enemies unite to trouble and distress them, so that they often sigh, and say, “O that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away and be at rest!”
Others in the domestic circle, or from some of the relationshipsof life, are called to suffer long and seriously.
But whether from trouble of mind, sickness of body, trials in business, family difficulties, or persecution for Christ’s sake, all suffer, and most believers suffer much!
But compare their present sufferings, with their future glory: Glory which will exclude all pain and suffering; all sin and sorrow! Glory beyond the reach of all foes and the cause of all trouble! Glory which includes happiness; perfect, perpetual, never-ending happiness! Glory which includes honor; the highest, holiest, and most satisfying honor! Glory, or splendor, which will fill the soul, clothe the body, and dignify the entire person forever!
Filled with light, peace, and joy; clothed with beauty, brightness, and magnificence, they will appear with Christ in glory, filling them with wonder and unutterable delight!
This glory will be possessed by us, as part of our marriage portion and inalienable inheritance. But we can form no adequate idea of that glory, for “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him!” 1 Corinthians 2:9
January 27, 2023 
iChristian 
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