“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 80โs dodgy horror film, lol! ๐คฃ I know my new extended trail lap is harder as it has more uphill sections, but this was crazyโฆI was exhausted, dripping with sweat as itโs 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 iโve only got 59 days to go, lol! ๐คฃ ๐จ
The sunflower above is one of Sarahโs in the garden. I managed to earn some more steps last night by watering the flowersโฆWell once iโd picked myself off the ground after my first 9.3 miles walk yesterday! ๐คฃ And as this flower hit me in the faceโฆI thought iโd take a photo of it. Wow itโs nearly as bright as a Sarah smile! ๐ฒ
“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 muchย 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
Well this is it, the start of my gruelling 500 mile step challenge. I put on my stupendous new trail shoes, my backpack with water, lucozade and maybe a protein bar or two, lolโฆWhen Sarah said โQuick you need to have a photo for the start of your challenge, and to show the Fitblitz family that youโve startedโโฆAbove is the photo of the old blind guy trying to walk 500 miles, lol! ๐คฃ
Stepsโฆ
I managed a 9.3 mile (2 of my new laps) to kick off this morning steps. It worked out at 19,062 steps, so i quickly logged it on my fundraising pageโฆA good start and i still have more to come on this first day! ๐
Todayโs Theme: Pinkโฆ
During this challenge iโd joined the โOne million stepโ Facebook group, and they have a theme for each day to keep things interesting. As youโฆ
Please check out the first post in ‘The Blind Sightseers Through The Archives Tour’, and join me and Sarah on a brobdingnagian adventure!! ๐ช๐ผ ๐คฃ
Hi friends! Welcome to the first post of this monumental, inconceivable and definitely memorable blind sightseers through the archive tour!
Nancy (from Nancy Loderickโs Blog) has requested to see more of โThe Blind Sightseersโ adventures and escapadesโฆ Well iโm never bored of posting our amazing memories (new & old) as itโs easy to forget just how blessed we are (and have been). Iโll be sharing a post (or 2) each week (nearly 100 posts of travels) so you (and Nancy) can join us on our monumental adventures. This new endeavour is going to bring back some amazing memories for me and Sarah, and i hope it brings lots of smiles, laughter and interest during 2022โฆLetโs start in 2014, the year i got my first passport at 38 years old! ๐ฒ
Wow, the time has comeโฆMe and my lovely wife Sarah are off to Florence, Italy to visit theโฆ
For the last 18 years since meeting my โT1D Warrior Wife Sarahโ, iโve always wanted to be a โSarahโs Walking Warriorโ and raise money for DiabetesโฆSo here is the 4th โBlind Steveโ fundraising challengeโฆ๐ช๐ผ
Support Blind Steve in the Diabetes UK โ One Million Step Challenge
Diabetes is relentless and simply never stopsโฆBut neither do I!
For the last 18 years iโve seen first hand how my lovely wife Sarah battles, struggles and copes with herโbrittle Type 1โ diabetes. Sheโs such a warrior and is truly my inspiration onperseverance, determination and drive to keep fighting.
So last week, when I heard of the โOne Million Step Challengeโ i had to sign up straight away. Iโve always wanted to fundraise for Diabetes UK and show Sarah how much it means to me too, and this is my chance!
WordPress kindly notified me of this 10 years of blogging award badge, so obviously i’m celebrating this achievement! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
But seriously…I only have you guys to thank! I can’t believe the warm welcomes, the encouragements, the support, the prayers, the laughs and the cries…I could list much more but i wanted to keep this short, lol! ๐คฃ Oh and never mind the fat that you’re still here reading, liking, and commenting…I can’t believe you’re not bored yet, lol?! The journey i share with you guys is ineffable and i wouldn’t change it for the world…Well except to meet you guys face to face! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
The more i think about the last 10 years, the more i think about writing…So i’ll just stop here and say a huge THANK YOU and God bless all of you!! ๐ ๐
๐ Prayer 4 2day…
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)
Todayโs training was to try (for the final time) to add an extra loop to my trusted 2.5 mile trail. I told Sarah roughly where iโd be in case i fell down a hole, got ran over or simply just got lost. She said sheโd check my location on โfind my friendsโ if iโm too long, lol! ๐คฃ So here i goโฆ
I walked off my route and down to the furthest point of my walk and launched my iPhone maps app. I knew there was a road that went in the general direction of home but i didnโt know how i get there or if there was a pavement (sidewalk) next to the roadโฆI also knew thereโs a train line very close and i wouldnโt survive being run over by a train but i might survive being run over by a car though, lol. As iโฆ
Hi FitBlitz Friends! For some reason the video below was recommended by YouTube yesterday (not sure why it thinks i like walking, lol). As a stats man i love all of the benefits given, and as walking is now my main form of transport since losing my sightโฆAlways wondered why God was building my legs up through football, cycling and weight training (yes i think i was the only one who loved leg day) when i was fully sighted, lol?! Now i have to carry everything in a backpack and walk everywhereโฆAnd now iโve never felt better in my whole life!! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
Oh yes this was meant to be a quick post showing you a great video, lol, i could ramble on for ages! ๐คฃ
Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote, โA smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.โ Itโs a simple but wise saying that reminds us about the importance of hardships in our life. Without challenges, we never learn new skills or gain the spiritual strength needed in order to endure. This is why the apostle Paul teaches us to โcelebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hopeโ (Romans 5:3-4). Everyone faces difficulties. For some, it might involve financial challenges or the loss of good health. Others might know the pain that comes with the breakup of a family or the death of a long-held dream. The question is not if one of these things will happen to us but when. Rather than spend time worrying, we put our faith in God.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, July 10, 2022.
Hi Friends! For our 15th wedding anniversary (7th July 2022) we decided on visiting the ‘Breadsall Priory Marriott Hotel & Country Club‘ for 3 nights in Derby, UK, and wow was it a special time. When i was 12 (35 years ago ๐ฒ) i used to do my morning paper round in Breadsall village, but i’d never visited this place even though i lived in Derby for 30 years! Oh and it has an indoor swimming pool for Sarah…She absolutely loves swimming, so her goes…๐ย
The Bear Cafe…๐
When we arrived in Derby after a 3 hour journey on a train, a tube train and then another train…We walked straight to the BEAR cafe as they do the best croissants and strong coffee. When i say ‘Best’ i don’t mean it’s at the top of the ‘Blind Sightseers Gastronomic Leaderboard’ that is still the phenomenal croissants we had in Amalfi, Italy…I mean the best in Derby that we’ve had so far, lol! ๐คฃ I was just so pleased to put down my massive backpack (the one use for rucking) and i think i’d filled every pocket and pouch! ๐จ
Welcom to Breadsall Priory…๐ฒ
Info taken from Marriott’s website: “Experience a majestic sense of arrival as you drive down the mile-long approach surrounded by rolling Derbyshire countryside. Steeped in rich history, Breadsall Priory Marriott Hotel and Country Club dates back to 1266 and is the oldest Marriott in the world. Bordered by the Peak District National Park and its natural beauty, we are also conveniently close to many local attractions, including Chatsworth House and Kedleston Hall. Sleep well in our sophisticated rooms, work out in the gym, spend time relaxing at the spa or taking a dip in our heated indoor pool. Perfect your swing on one of our two golf courses, including the Championship Priory Course which offers challenging and varied play. We have two fantastic restaurants on site, Cast Iron Grill offers fresh, locally sourced best of British dishes including Afternoon Tea whilst the Tempo Bar is the perfect setting for a coffee.”
Yay we’ve made it…๐
Exiting the taxi (and making lots of wow noises) we made it to the front desk. The kind lady then walked us to our room…How easy does that sound? I think it was the most convoluted walk i’ve ever done, a maze would’ve been easier, lol. The lady (and Sarah) were fantastic at telling me about the stairs up, then down, then up and then down you get the point, it felt like we’d walked around the hotel 10 times until we finally arrived at the room…Good for the step count though! ๐คฃ
Room 170…๐ฒ
The room was fantastic and overlooked the 18th hole (not sure which one of the 2 golf courses it was) and we quickly made ourselves at home and unpacked (can’t believe i didn’t take any photos of the actual room). The room phone started ringing and after we zoned in to the noise and located it…We picked it up. It was Charlotte (a super kind lady) and she said that she’d give us a walking tour of the whole place as she knew we were blind…Wow how kind is that?!
Charlotte first showed us the rear door of the hotel which was about 30 steps from our room and it led outside to a lovely arch which was right outside the other window in our room (see photos below) and to a small car park which led straight to the ‘Tempo Bar’, ‘Gym & Swimming Pool’ and a much easier wide road that led us around to the front of the hotel…Wow our room was at the very end corner of the hotel and was perfectly located for us to be near the pool and gym…Fantastic! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
The Gym & Swim…๐๐ปโโ๏ธ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ
The indoor pool was the main reason for booking this hotel as the swimming pools at home are far too busy for us blindies. Charlotte introduced us to Gemma (she was amazingly helpful and kind for the whole 4 days) and she too gave us a guided tour around the whole place. We were amazed at just how big it was…The swimming pool was nice and large, and next to it was a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room…Sarah loved all of them, lol. Then up the stairs (my domain, lol) was the large cardio room (see photo below), large weight machines room and also a free weights room too! We absolutely loved this place and went every day at 6am (when it opened) and we were the first people in, it was like we had hired it all for ourselves, fantastic when you can’t see and having the feeling of freedom as we didn’t bump into anyone, lol! ๐คฃ
he empty cardio gym
Once Gemma had shown me an easy way to use the treadmill, i was armed and ready for action. I would leave Sarah to get changed for swimming and as i’d memorised my way to the treadmills, i would hit the big start button, and i had up and down buttons on the handles for incline and speed which i kept changing to increase the intensity! Then i just kept walking until Sarah would come and tell me to stop as she’d finished and…I never knew how long Sarah would be, i just hoped she’d be back before i collapsed, lol! ๐คฃ
We went at least 2 times a day, and i think Sarah even went 4 times on the Saturday. It was so accessible and felt like it was made for us, we hav’nt experienced anything quite so good like this. Gemma was even motivated by us going all of the time, and said that next time we come (and we definitely will) she’ll be working out even harder! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
Cast Iron Grill…๐ฅฉ
after FitBlitzing it in the gym and swim we were really looking forwards to the evening meal at the in-house restaurant, we had a lovely walk around the grounds as the restaurant was at the front of the hotel …But first a quick toast for our 15th wedding anniversary!! โค๏ธ
We both skipped the starters and headed straight for the sirloin steaks…Wow they even came with chips. I
โข๏ธ HEALTH WARNING… Ding, Ding, Ding…Boom! ๐
Yay it’s the sound of the ‘Blind Sightseers Gastronomic Leaderboard’ bell, and it’s not for the steak! It was the stupendous ‘Bearnaise’ sauce. It was simply amazing and was the tastiest bearnaise sauce we’ve ever tasted…And Sarah is the sauce master as she’s pretty much tasted every sauce going, lol! ๐คฃ
As you can tell i’m enjoying the meal, and it wasn’t long before all of the food had vanished…Now it was time to choose dessert…It was at this point when the waitress turned up with a large tray and set it down on the table. She then said “Happy anniversary”. Sarah & i were both stunned as we didn’t even know that they knew it was our anniversary?! We thanked her profusely then Sarah described it to me…Mmmm chocolate! ๐
It was absolutely delicious and of course i had to eat Sarah’s brownie too (after she’d had a tea spoon) as we didn’t want her blood sugar to spike too much! Oh and the funny photo below shows just how sweet it tasted!! ๐คฃ
We were completely blown away by the kind and considerate staff in the entire hotel, as they’d really taken our sight loss to heart and were bending over backwards and going the extra mile for us to make our stay as accessible as possible…We really can’t thank them enough. We walked around the grounds some more to finish off our anniversary…
And then just when we’d arrived back to our room Sarah found this for usโฆ๐ฒ
I’m not sure what more i can say about their kindness?! We will keep the card in our memory box, but i’m sorry, the handmade chocolates didn’t last the visit, lol! ๐คฃ
The Secret Garden…๐ป
On day 2, 3 & 4 (same amazing routine each day) we woke up at 5:30am and got to the leisure centre for 6am, Gemma was turning everything on and was impressed that we’d got up early and were the first to arrive. We had a fantastic time and Sarah loved having the pool to herself to finally swim without any interruptions or people in the way…And i took to walking on a treadmill instead of the treacherous trail at home, lol! ๐คฃ Then after we had the great breakfast we had a look around the ground and found the secret garden and a lovely bench to enjoy it! ๐
The Bench…โ๏ธ
The sun was blazing down for the whole 4 days which made the bench a perfect place to sit. Nobody walked past or even came near so it felt like nobody knew about this place…This worked great for us as it was like our home away from home. ๐
After my attempt at ‘Photobombing’ we went for a little walk around the whole grounds (well as far as we could go without getting blasted by golf balls) and just enjoyed being away in this stunning place. ๐
The Flowers…๐ป
I then heard lots of wow noises coming from Sarah as she asked me to take photos of her with some of the stunning flowers!
Then once i’d peeled Sarah away from some of her fave flowers, we carried on enjoying, making wow noises and soaking in the lovely sunshine…Until we found something interesting…?? ๐ค โ๏ธ
Blind Chess Anyone…?
As we walked towards the building and around one of the sides, we found some large garden games. Sarah said “You’re going to love this” as she walked me up to the chessboard on the ground and lifted one of the pieces up for me to figure out?! I could just about make out the knight but believe it or not, i still need the pieces to be bigger…Maybe as big as me to be able to have a game, lol! ๐คฃ Sarah then said “Quick let me get a photo of you and you can show it to your bloggers…Another fantastic idea from my lovely wife, hope you enjoy! ๐
my new niece jessica…๐ฒ
Kelly with baby Jessica! ๐
As this was a 3 night stay for our 15th wedding anniversary, we wanted it to be low key as we didn’t have time to visit everyone whilst we were up near Derby…But we thought it would be a great way of seeing my new niece for the first time (if they could come to us for a quick visit) they did, and we had a lovely couple of hours catching up with Paul (my brother), Kelly and my new niece Jessica…
Happy 13th birthday Ella…๐
On our 4th day (Sunday) we had to check out of the room at 12:00, so we just had time for a gym & swim, a walk around the grounds and my friend Rob and his family to come for breakfast and celebrate Ella’s 13th birthday with us. We had a great time (no not just the breakfast, lol) and when we were travelling home later that day, we were sent the picture (above) of Ella and her new cute rabbit!
Wow what a lovely 15th wedding anniversary…โค๏ธ
I’ve had such a lovely time putting this post together and remembering just how much fun, love and laughter i shared with my stupendous wife Sarah…I can’t wait for her to read this and see the photos…I hope you all and Sarah enjoy the ‘Blind Sightseers’ latest adventure?! ๐
Oh i almost forgot…I bought Sarah the bouquet of sunflowers etc as she has worked at MS (multiple sclerosis) Society for a year, and i thought i’d finish this post with sunflowers and smiles!! ๐ป ๐
A Christian minister was dying. He had a young sister whom he tenderly loved, and in whose welfare he felt the deepest interest. She came to pay the last visit, and receive from his lips the last words of advice. The words of a dying minister, realizing the value of the soul, and the solemnity of eternity, are important words. Taking her by the hand, and fixing his eyes upon her with a loving look, he said: “Keep close to Christ!”
What could he say of more import? Her life-lesson was comprised in four words: “Keep close to Christ!” She had come to Jesus, she loved Jesus, she found happiness in Jesus; but the dying brother knew . . . the deceitfulness of the human heart; the power of the world’s fascinations, and the craft and subtlety of Satan, therefore he exhorts: “Keep close to Christ!”
May the Lord give us grace to get near to Him; and then give us more grace, to keep near to Him; for alas! how many of us, like Peter, follow Him afar off! What must we do, to keep close to Jesus?
We must keep close to His Word. Here He . . . reveals His mind, displays His love, and exhibits His beauty!
It is a revelation of His deepest, sweetest, kindest thoughts!
It is an exhibition of His infinite, eternal, deathless love!
It is a mirror in which we may see His unparalleled beauty and excellency!
No one can keep close to Jesus who does not daily, seriously, and prayerfully read His Word. That Word . . . received into the heart by faith, digested by meditation, and reduced to practice in the life, will bring the soul and Christ together!
For the more we know of Christ, the more we shall love Him; the more we shall prize, pant for, and seek to enjoy His presence!
Blessed Spirit, help us so to read the Word, as always to find Christ in it; and by it endear Him more and more unto us, and bring us into closer fellowship with Him!
“Diabetes is relentless and simply never stopsโฆBut neither do I!” – Blind Steve ๐ช๐ผ
Hi iChristian Family!!
The blindman is off the sidelines againโฆAnd while God gives me the strength in my legsโฆiโll use them for doing crazy fundraising challenges to help others! I really didn’t want to fill this blog with annoying fundraising asks, as my last fundraiser ‘Trail Marathon‘ was only in April 2022…But you know me…And when i stumbled across this ‘One Million Step Challenge’ and found it was for Diabetes UK i just had to do something!
For the last 18 years since meeting my ‘T1D Warrior Wife Sarah’, i’ve always wanted to be a ‘Sarah’s Walking Warrior’ and raise money for Diabetes…So here is the 4th ‘Blind Steve’ fundraising challenge…๐ช๐ผ
Below is the story taken from my fundraising page…
Support Blind Steve in the Diabetes UK – One Million Step Challenge
Diabetes is relentless and simply never stopsโฆBut neither do I!
For the last 18 years iโve seen first hand how my lovely wife Sarah battles, struggles and copes with her โbrittle Type 1โ diabetes. She’s such a warrior and is truly my inspiration on perseverance, determination and drive to keep fighting.
So last week, when I heard of the โOne Million Step Challengeโ i had to sign up straight away. Iโve always wanted to fundraise for Diabetes UK and show Sarah how much it means to me too, and this is my chance!
I realise this challenge has already started (running from 1st July to 30th September 2022). Requiring participants to walk a million steps over those three months. My cunning plan is to start the challenge on Monday 1st August and try and walk the one million steps in two months instead! This works out at over 16,000 steps each day, for the 61 days, without a rest
Type 1 diabetes never gives Sarah a rest, so I donโt want to have one either during my fundraising challengeโฆThe nature reserve trail is going to get a pounding again, lol! ๐คฃ
Quick Factoid…
Did you know someone is diagnosed with diabetes every two minutes? As many as 4.8 million people are living with diabetes in the UK right now.
So if youโre feeling inspired…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.
Let’s get this party started!! ๐ As 1 Million steps is around 500 miles, i’ve already donated 5p per mile (ยฃ25.00)โฆIt’s going to be a really tough challenge and it’s the furthest i”ve ever walked…But i’ve got to do the steps now!!
Every penny given will go towards Diabetes UK care and support services, advice and guidance, and pioneering research. Together, we’re changing the world for people with diabetes.
In 1967, the popular rock band, The Grassroots, released a song entitled โLetโs Live for Today.โ It epitomized the growing culture of the โ60s hippie generation. Since I look at health through a Biblical lens, I see a correlation here between healthy and destructive choices. Please indulge me.
Young people today believe the older generation doesnโt understand what it was to be young. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The โ60s Hippie Generation enjoyed a โfree love philosophyโ too. Donโt worry about tomorrow, grab hedonistic pleasure today! Looking back, what seemed like a good idea at the time turned out to be nothing but waking up the next morning with regrets, guilt, or a splitting headache, bowing before a porcelain god.
This โ60s philosophy of allowing others to live the way they want without boundaries became harmful. It morphed into an โIโm okay, youโre okayโ attitude. This produced apathyโฆ
Hey iChristian family…Of course this is for you too!! ๐
It’s much easier for me to Reblog rather than do a whole extra post…Sorry if a little inconvenient, i know it’s not ideal! ๐
Hi FitBlitz family! As iโm sat here typing this during this โEuropean Heat Waveโ with a desk fan blowing my head off trying to stay coolโฆI was thinking about all of you guys and hoped youโre managing in the heat? I know we like to โFitBlitzโ it on here but iโve stayed in for the last few days while itโs been super hotโฆI love rest days too, lol! ๐คฃ
Sarah in our fave place in the worldโฆSouthern Palms, Barbados! ๐
It should reach 40หC today here in Surrey, England, UK, and unfortunately the โBlind Sightseersโ donโt have the amazing Barbados beach or the Sharkeyโs Tropical Cafe to enjoyโฆWhich reminds meโฆI have about 100 posts of the Blind Sightseersโ escapades and adventures i could post again, this time with extra trips and travels?! Is this something youโd like to see? ๐ค
Sarah at Sharkeyโs Tropical Cafe in Barbados, drinking a lovelyโฆ
There are usually two sides: the one dangerous, the other safe; the one is uncertain, and the other is sure.
It is always the wisest to be found on the safe side!
Look at the unbeliever: He denies the Bible to be God’s book. He walks by his own reason. He gratifies his senses and his lusts. He lives in sin. He must soon die. He has no Savior. He has no true hope. If the Bible is false, then he is safe. BUTif the Bible is true, then he is damned forever!
He is certainly not on the safe side!
There are many things in the Bible which he does not like. He is prejudiced against it. It never prophecies good concerning him, but always evil. It requires him to change his present sinful course, but he loves it. He loves sin, and the Bible condemns it. He gratifies the lusts of the flesh, and the Bible bids him to mortify them. In a word, there is as much opposition between the Bible and him, as between: light and darkness, holiness and sin, truth and error. Therefore he hates it!
At the best, with him all is uncertain, unsatisfactory, and vexatious. He is certainly not on the safe side!
Now look at the true Christian: He believes the Bible to be from God, he has examined it, he has evidence of its inspiration in his heart, he fully believes it. What the Bible says of himself as a sinner, he knows to be true. What it says of Jesus as a Savior, he has proved to be a fact. As guilty, he has applied to God for pardon, and obtained it. As impure, he has sought the cleansing operations of the Holy Spirit, and has experienced them. His guilt is gone, therefore he has no slavish fears. His soul is justified, therefore he has peace with God. He approves of the inspired precepts, and regulates his life by them. He carries his cares to God, and is sustained under them. He realizes that God is his Friend, his Father, and his everlasting Portion! He is peaceful. He is often happy. To him death has no sting, and eternity has no terror. He knows Jesus as his Savior, and trusts in Him. He knows God as his Father, and walks with Him. He knows the HolySpirit as his comforting Teacher, and listens to Him.
He is, perhaps, more tried than the unbeliever–but he has supports, consolations, and pleasures, of which the unbeliever knows nothing. He lives . . . to bless others, to honor God, to prepare for a glorious immortality.
He would not change his worst day, for the unbeliever’s best day!
He is on the safe side!
If the unbeliever should be right, then the Christian is no loser.
But if the Christian is right, and he is–then the unbeliever is the biggest loser, aninfinite loser!
Reader, on which side are you? There is but one safe side.
There is no safety for a sinner now, but at the Cross!
There will be no safety at death and judgment, but in Christ!
He who is on the safe side now, will be on the safe side then!
There will be no changing sides then!
“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne! All the nations will be gathered in His presence, and He will separatethe people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at His right hand, and the goats at His left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world!’ (the safe side) Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons!’ (the perilous side) And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life!” Matthew 25:31-46
From ‘Sight Village’ To ‘Supercars’, what a journey…So Far!! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
ย This weekend we’re celebrating a brobdingnagian 18 years since the ‘Blind Sightseers’ first met at Sight Village, Birmingham, UK. We’ve been simply stunned how God has joined us together with the incredible love we thought we’d never find, taken us to places we thought we could never go…And He always gives beyond anything we can imagine…And it’s not over yet??!!! ๐ฒ ๐
Our Journey in Photos…๐
2004; Two Souls Entwine…
2005: Weymouth, UK…
2006: Heacham, Norfolk, UK…
2007 – The Big Day!
2008: Old Hunstanton, Norfolk UK…
2009: VIP Hot Air Balloon Flight…
2010:..3rd Wedding Anniversary…
2011: Friday Street, Surrey, UK…
2012: Castle Rising Castle, Norfolk, UK…
Me & Sarah Worshiping with music to the Lord
2013: 6th Wedding Anniversary…
2014: Florence, Italy…
2015: Saint Kitts, Caribbean…
2016: Caribbean Cruise…
2017: Greek Islands…
2022
2018: Tough Mudder & Barbados…
2019
2019: The Unimog, Bonaire & Barbados…
2020: Trail Snow & Ultra Step Challenge…
2021: Doughnuts & Football…
2022: Lamborghini & Ferrari Drive…
Sarah in the Lamborghini Gallardo 5.0L V10 in 2022 ๐
Steve (me) in the Ferrari F430 Spider 4.3L V8 in 2022 ๐
Hi FitBlitz family! I know 26หC is positively cold for most of you, but here in England itโs really hot for summer, lol! ๐คฃ I was certainly well equipped as i took out my massive backpack for a ride again today, and i fill it with all kinds of things that i donโt needโฆI just need a tent and could stay out for days, lol! ๐คฃ
I just had to take a photo of the โMountain Of Manureโ in the top image, as my foot sank a little further than expected at that point of the walkโฆSo i stopped, stamped my feet a few times and took this shot for you all, lol! ๐คฃ
As i was stomping around the nature reserve trail today, drinking water whilst running with sweat i decided to keep stopping and take some nice sunny photosโฆIโm sure my body had holes in it as theโฆ
No condition can possibly be more dreary, than to feel that no one lovesย or caresย for us!
There is something peculiarly sweet and pleasant, in being the object of another’s love. Even the love of aย poor childย is sweet. But to be loved by one who is most wealthy, most exalted in station, and most honorable in character–must be peculiarly delightful!
How, then, should we rejoice; how happy should we be–who areย loved by the Lord Jesus!ย Especially when we consider:ย on the one handย . . . ย how despicable, ย how poor, ย how worthless, and ย how unlovely WE are!ย And, on the other handย . . . ย how glorious, ย how wealthy, ย how worthy, ย how lovely JESUS is!ย
To beย loved by Jesus, is to be preferred before the possession of a world!
Think of . . . ย the glory of His person, ย the vastness of His possessions, ย the number of His angelic attendants, ย the unlimited sovereignty which He exercises, ย and the excellent character He bears!
Also bear in mind thatย He knew what loving us wouldย costย Him–how He would be treated by us and by others, for our sakes!ย
Yet He fixed His love upon US!ย
He loved US,ย just because He would!
He passed byย othersย more dignified in nature, more exalted in station–but He chose US!
He did not, could not, NEED us–forย He was infinitely happy and glorious without us!ย
Hi FitBlitz family! Well there is 1 good thing about going out in the intense heat and dripping with sweat for the past 2 daysโฆThe trail was empty!! I couldnโt believe it as it was perfect for me not to have cyclists, runners and ferocious dogs coming at me all of the time. ๐คฃ
This week (after getting back from an amazing trip to the Marriott Breadsall Priory Hotel & Country Club) iโd decided to switch up my walking againโฆIโve pulled out my First Tactical 60+ litre (with all the pouches) backpack, and it feels like wearing power armour (from Fallout 4 PS Game) as it wraps around you. The wide hip belt itself has 4 pouches on including 2 water bottle pouchesโฆIโm so grateful for these especially in this incredible heat! ๐ช๐ผ Sorry i could go on for ever talking about just how many pouches, pockets and compartments itโฆ
My lovely wife Sarah in front of the Breadsall Priory in Derby, UK
Hi FitBlitz family! Itโs been very quiet over here as โThe Blind Sightseersโ (me and my lovely wife Sarah) have been away celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary, at the amazing Breadsall Priory in Derby, UK! โค๏ธ So please be patient with me as i sort through the photos to try and create a post for you..And us, lolโฆIt takes me ages but iโm working on it!
Donโt be fooled thinking it was relaxing though, lolโฆWe had lots of FitBlitzing fun, fitness and foodโฆThere was a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, free weights room, weight machines roomโฆAnd most of all (for me) a completely empty cardio room (yes i was the only one in there every time) for me to do my walkingโฆPerfect!! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
Hi all! Each time our wedding anniversary comes round, i canโt believe how much our marriage has grown more and more fruitful. Our love keeps blossoming through every season…And i always thank God for my lovely wife Sarah!! โค๏ธ Oh and i just had to show you the wedding cake…Unfortunately i didn’t have one made again for this anniversary, lol! ๐คฃ
Our Wedding Cake…Mmmmm! ๐
Striving to be a Godly husbandโฆ
I strive daily to love Sarah biblically and extravagantly, but to love her biblically i always first ask โWhat is Godโs love for us like?โย
God’s Word…๐
Husbands, you must love your wives so deeply, purely, and sacrificially that we can understand it only when we compare it to the love that Jesus Christ has for His bride, the church..
โLove is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never failsโฆโ โ1 Corinthians 13:4โ8
Our Prayer…๐
Father God, Thank You for the gift and design of marriage. Nothing has brought greater joy to me than the spouse You created for me. Because You designed my marriage and are the author, perfector, and the foundation of marriage, I bring us before You today to bless this bond. In a world that has twisted what marriage is intended to reflect, in a world that tries to tear at the very fabric of our union, we ask that You continue to keep our eyes wide open to the enemyโs tactics, strategies, and distractions. May we always fight for our marriage and each other. Today, we come before and ask that You bless our marriage…Amen.
A Godly Marriage Post…
The post (below) on marriage is beautiful and is writen far better than anything i can come up with, lol…So i hope you enjoy it as much as me! ๐
Marriage is meant to beย a miniature of Heaven–a fragment of the celestial blessedness, let down into this world.ย
Marriage is meant to beย a little sanctuary, into which husband and wife may flee from earth’s storms and dangers, where in love’s shelter, their hearts fed with affection’s daily bread–they may dwell in quiet peace.ย
Marriage is meant to beย a shelterย in which, covered from the frosts of the world and shielded from its cold and tempests–two lives may grow together into richest beauty, realizing their sweetest dreams of happiness, blending in whatever things are true, whatever things are pure, and attaining the finest possibilities of godly character.ย
Marriage is meant to beย a holy ark, floating on the wild floods of human life–like Noah’s ark on the deluge, bearing to Heaven’s gates, to the harbor of glory–the lives which God has shut within its doors.ย
A godly marriage isย a little nook in the very heart of God, where faithful souls are held close to the Father’s heart, and carried safely, amid dangers and sorrows, to the home above!
Hi FitBlitz family! Yesterday was a messy day of me fighting my body โMr Lazyโ and only just managing to stay on my feetโฆBut today i took the fight to him! I โFitBlitzedโ him with a flurry of 20 miles (yes 20, i canโt believe it either) and after 5 and a half hours of bombardmentโฆhe was knocked out for the count,lol! ๐ช๐ผ ๐คฃ
It was a gruelling (yet beautiful) walk today, and it all went well without any dramas, accidents or animal attacks, yay! I managed to take a few photos on my travels and i was pleasantly surprised when i returned home having managed 20 miles without passing out, lolโฆThatโs not too far off a marathon!! ๐ฒ
Letโs โFitBlitzโ 2022 together!! ๐ช๐ผ
Motivational Quote:..
Jess C. Scott
โA fit, healthy body โ that is the best fashion statement.โ
Please click the Grace logo for more devotionals! ๐
Go to Him just as you are, and receive from Him all you need!
(James Smith, “The Pastor’s Morning Visit”) “Come unto Me!” Matthew 11:28
Jesus calls you to His throne of grace. He is there waiting to hear, relieve and bless you. You are toย go to Him just as you are, and receive from Him all you need.
He will give you: ย ย wisdom, to direct your steps;ย ย ย peace, to keep your hearts;ย ย ย strength, to do His will;ย ย ย righteousness, to justify your souls;ย ย andย rest, unspeakably sweet.ย
He is glorified in bestowing these blessings upon you. He calls you this morning, this moment–to receive all you need, without money and without price. What a precious Savior is Jesus! What a kind and tender Friend!
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
“Come!” He says, “Come to Me!ย
Do not go toย SELF, to theย world, to theย empty cisternsย which creatures idolize; but come unto Me, and I will do immeasurably more than all you can ask or imagine! Your sins, I will pardon;ย your graces, I will revive;ย your comforts, I will restore;ย your holiness, I will increase;ย your efforts to glorify Me, I will crown with success;ย I will bless you, and you shall be a blessing!”
Hi FitBlitz family! I canโt believe how much i was yawning this morning, i couldnโt even drag myself to get my walking (fighting) gear on, lol! ๐คฃ But with thanks to you all (i knew i had to write this post and youโd be holding me accountable) so i forced my way out on to the trail! I was fine once i was on the trail and i flew around at over 4 miles an hourโฆYay i have a motivational Monday post for you, and hopefully you wonโt nail me too much for trying to be lazy, lol! ๐คฃ
Letโs โFitBlitzโ 2022 together!! ๐ช๐ผ
Motivational Quote:..
Jim Rohn
โYou can either suffer the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.โ
Please click the Grace logo for more devotionals! ๐
Our great lesson!
(James Smith, “The Pastor’s Morning Visit”) “I willย instructย you.” Psalm 32:8 At best we know but little, and we are slowย to learn.ย But the Lord has promised to instruct us.ย The Lord’s teaching always produces . . . ย humility, ย self-loathing, ย confidence in God, ย zeal for His glory, and ย heart devotion to Him!
The Lord’s teaching always . . . ย brings us to the feet of Jesus, and ย delivers us from the present evil world.ย
Under Divine instruction we learn . . . ย the true nature ofย sin, ย the vanity of theย world, ย the emptiness ofย creatures, and ย the fullness and preciousness ofย Christ!
Is Godย willingย to instruct us?ย Then let us beย earlyย andย oftenย at His throne of grace, praying, as the Psalmist did,ย “Showย me Your ways, O LORD, ย teachย me Your paths; ย guideย me in Your truth andย teachย me; ย for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5ย
Then shall we exclaim, as Elihu did,ย “God is exalted in His power.ย Who is a teacher like Him!”ย Job 36:22ย
The Lord will teach us to profit, andย sanctifyย us through the truth He imparts.ย
Christ isย our great lesson, and to know Him rightly is life, peace and joy!
Is Jesus your Teacher? Then . . . ย sit at His feet, ย treasure up His Words,ย ย and show forth His praise!ย
He says, “Learn of Me.” Learn to . . . ย ย knowย Him, ย ย loveย Him, ย ย obeyย Him, and ย ย liveย upon Him!
“Teachย me Your way, O LORD;ย leadย me in a straight path!” Psalm 27:11ย
Hi FitBlitz family! Yay, as you may be awareโฆIโm celebrating again for losing 6lbs in June! Also i managed to smash the 2 challenges set by my apple watch! ๐ All of my extra focus on walking more and eating more on point has payed off. ๐ช๐ผ
But thereโs no time to slack off nowโฆLetโs โFly in Julyโ and annihilate Julyโs challenge badge, and hopefully iโll lose another 6lbsโฆAd Victorium! ๐ช๐ผ ๐
June Challenges Smashedโฆ
Julyโs ChallengeโฆLetโs Do This!! ๐ช๐ผ
Average 5.4 miles a day in July!
Motivational Quoteโฆ
โI will beat him. I will train harder. I will eat cleaner. I know his weaknesses. I know his strengths. Iโve lost to him before, but not this time. Heโs going down. I have the advantage because I know him well. He is the old me.โย
Hi FitBlitz family! After 3 mad days of speed and endurance building walks, it was nice to have time to perambulate (thanks word for today for a new word) around the trail today. I walked 3 miles at 3 miles per hour and thought iโd take lots of photos for you, and also enjoy myself instead of pushing the limitsโฆOh and it would finally give my legs a rest too! ๐
I made up a rule that meant i couldnโt take any photos of the trail in front of me, i could only take photos from my left, right or behind meโฆI thought it wouldnโt bore you too much and give you a slightly different perspective of the trail, lol! ๐คฃ
It was really overcast today and the temperature had also dropped, so not many scintillating (thanks to the other word for today podcast) photos as theyโd look much betterโฆ
“Learn from Me–for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29
All of Christian life is a school. “Learn from Me,” said the Master. We are only beginners when we first become Christians, and enter Christ’s school. We begin at the lowest grade. We do not have to wait until we know a great deal before we begin to attend school. School is not for finished scholars, but for the most ignorant. We may come to Christ when we know almost nothing. He is the teacher, and all believers are learners.
“Learn from Me–for I am gentle.” Gentleness is a lesson which we are to learn. It will probably take us a good long while to learn this lesson, but we must learn it because it is in Christ’s curriculum for all His students.
Contentment is another lesson which we must learn. When he was well along in life, Paul said, “I have learned the secret of being contentin any and every situation.” It was a long and difficult lesson for him to learn.
Patience is a lesson that has to be learned. An impatient person is not a complete Christian.
Thoughtfulness is a necessary lesson. There are a great many thoughtless Christians. They are always blundering in their interactions with others. They say the wrong word, they do the wrong thing. They are always hurting other people’s feelings, giving pain to gentle hearts. Yet it is all from thoughtlessness. “I didn’t mean to offend him. I didn’t mean to be unkind. I just never thought!” There are few lessons in Christian life that more people need to learn, than this of thoughtfulness.
We have to learn to trust. Worry is a sin. It is probably as great a sin as dishonesty or profanity or bad temper. Yet a good many Christian people worry, and one of the most important lessons in Christ’s school, is to learn not to worry.
Kindness is a lesson we must learn. It takes many years to learn the one little lesson of kindness.
Joy is a lesson to be learned.
Peace is another.
Humility is another necessary lesson.
Praise is a great lesson. All of life is a school, and it is in learning these lessons that Jesus says we shall find rest for your souls. Christ Himself is our teacher, and with Him we should never fail to learn, though it be only slowly. Then as we learn our lessons, our lives will grow continually more and more into quietness, peace and Christlikeness.
Hi FitBlitz family! After finishing a lovely coffee by my even lovelier wife Sarah, i put on my usual shorts and vest combo ready for my walk, when โHold on a minuteโฆIs that rain?โ i thought as i opened the front door to the rain pounding down. I answered my question by putting on my ultra bright yellow rain jacket and went to say goodbye to Sarah. ๐
Sarah said โWow thatโs bright, and with your orange trainers, iโve got to take a photo for your bloggers to seeโ. I assumed she meant it looked really cool and that i look like an old retired footballer (soccer player)โฆIโll leave that one alone and hope you enjoy the photo above anyway, lol! ๐คฃ Full credit to Sarah as she ran out in the rain to take the photo, then ran back in again! ๐
Please click the Grace logo for more devotionals! ๐
โThe Christian is not superficial in any sense, but is fundamentally serious and fundamentally happy. You see, the joy of the Christian is a holy joy, the happiness of the Christian is a serious happiness. … it is a solemn joy, it is a holy joy, it is a serious happiness; so that, though he is grave and sober-minded and serious, he is never cold and prohibitive.โย โย David Martyn Lloyd-Jones,ย Studies in the Sermon on the Mount
Hi FitBlitz family! WowโฆNow that was a long walk and iโm pleased iโve survived, lol. ๐คฃ I managed a total of 6 laps todayโฆYouโd think iโd get bored of walking around and around the same trailโฆBut i donโt, itโs just a beautiful walk and iโm so blessed to be able to do it! ๐ ๐
I kept a good pace of around 3.75 mph for over 4 and a half hours which iโm really happy with, also i couldโve only dreamed of such a thing 2 years ago! I think iโd better sort myself out to do another fundraiser before i burn myself outโฆOr get too old, lol! ๐คฃ
Letโs โFitBlitzโ 2022 together!! ๐ช๐ผ
Motivational Quote:..
โIt is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.โ
Who has not felt vexation? Who knows not what it means?
Theย infantย in its cradle, theย schoolboyย at his play, youthย in all its vitality, manhoodย in its prime, and especiallyย old age— all, all have felt vexation!
My soul,ย youย know it well! Your sins, your fallen nature, your infirmities–all lay you open toย vexation.ย How easilyย irritatedย you get!ย How quick to feel offenses!ย How swift to gatherย sorrowsย to yourself through your excess of sensitivity! Often have youย murmuredย at your lot, rising inย mutinyย against your Maker!ย How often has yourย patienceย failed!ย Whatย triflesย have often wounded you!ย Some scheme of pleasure has been thwarted–and you were quite vexed!ย A rainy day, or even some trifling inconvenience–has often ruffled your composure.ย How often a kind reproof, a friendly warning–someย imaginedย slight–a look–a smile withheld, and yet with no intention of unkindness–has filled you with vexation!ย How often has . . . ย wounded pride;ย ย a humbling sense of your infirmities; ย a deep conviction of your lack of judgment;ย ย the fear of standing low in man’s opinion –vexed you beyond expression!ย
My soul, you are notย singularย in your vexation.ย Go where you will, you will find it.ย The world is full of vexation.ย “All is vexation of spirit!”
This doesย notย mean that . . . ย woes mayย lawfullyย be brooded over, orย ย sense of injuries may beย cherishedย in the soul, orย ย that morbid feelings may beย indulgedย in, orย ย that moody silence, brooding vexation, and carking care–are healthful for the soul! Oh, no!ย
If God is true, if Scripture precept has its weight, and promises their meaning–then vexation, O my soul, should have no part in you! Open you must be to its trials day by day. But . . . ย where is your grace;ย ย where is your holiness;ย ย where is your consistency;ย ย where is your strength, your comfort, and your steadfastness –if you areย conqueredย by vexation?
Have you, then, learned of Christ, the lowly and the meek One–and not found rest for your soul? (Matthew 11:29.)ย Have you learned your lesson so badly?ย Go, learn it over again. Fight, then, against thisย habit of vexation. Give it no place within you. Look to the Comforter to help you. Taste the tranquility of God. Take every trial, as it rises, to Jesus, your Savior-Friend. Thenย peaceย shall be your portion–notย vexation.
“Peace I leave with you;ย My peaceย I give you. ย I do not give to you as the world gives. ย Do not let your hearts beย troubled, and do not be afraid!” John 14:27ย
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,ย ย will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus!” Philippians 4:7
Hi iChristian family! As you may know i love the ‘Armour of God’ and i’ve just read this great post about it…So i just had to share with you guys! ๐ ๐
Did you know that, apart from being servants, children and heirs; called and chosen that weโreย also Godโs soldiers?
Weโre going to show how to have a victorious living in Jesus, making use of Godโs armour. Because the biggest purpose of Godโs armour is for you to defend and to overcome the enemy daily (Eph. 6:11)
Please click the Grace logo for more devotionals! ๐
A life-giving stream for parched pilgrims!
Theย Wordย and theย Spiritย are so intimately conjoined, that we are scarcely warranted in thinking of the one without the other. The Word does not operate without the Spirit’s agency; and the Spirit does not work apart from the Word.
It was by the Spirit’sย inspirationย that the Word was first given, for “holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).
It is by the Spirit that we areย enlightenedย (Ephesians 1:17, 18), yet the Word is the means He employs.ย
It is by the Spirit that we areย sanctifiedย (Romans 15:16), yet not apart from the Truth (John 17:17).ย
It is by the Spirit, that we areย strengthenedย (Ephesians 3:16) as He causes the Word to dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16).ย
It is by the Spirit, that we areย comfortedย (Acts 9:31) as He applies the Divine promises to our hearts.ย
How appropriate, then, that theย grand instrumentย employed by theย Spiritย of grace, should be termed “theย Wordย of His grace.”
The “Wordย of His grace” proclaims . . . ย ย restย for the weary, ย ย pardonย to the guilty, ย ย justificationย to the ungodly, ย ย adoptionย to the outcast, ย ย eternal heavenly treasuresย for spiritual paupers!ย
It is “the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind” who are to be called to the feast which free grace has spread! (Luke 14:13)
“The Word of His grace” not only instructs us where grace is to be found, and how further supplies of it are to be obtained–but it is the principal medium through which grace is actually imparted to the soul. It isย a life-giving stream for parched pilgrims–as they journey through this “wilderness of sin.”ย
As its sacred pages are reverently perused– ย theย mindย is instructed, ย theย conscienceย is enlightened, ย theย affectionsย are warmed, ย and theย willย is moved.ย
As its exceeding great and preciousย promisesย are meditated upon and treasured up in the heart–new strength is imparted to the soul.ย
As its holyย preceptsย are turned into earnest prayer–help is obtained for the discharge of duty.ย
As its timelyย warningsย and admonitions are heeded–temptations lose their power and the snares of Satan are avoided.
As its cheering revelation of what God has prepared for those who love Him is received by faith–new hope is kindled in the heart, and the trials of life are borne with greater fortitude. And as the end of the journey is neared–death loses its terrors and the call to leave this “valley of tears” becomes more desirable.ย
Without “the Word of His grace” we would beย mariners upon the sea of life–without chart or compass! ย “Now I commit you to God and toย the Word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified!” Acts 20:32ย
๐ Wow…Ellie never fails to convict and build up with her wisdom filled posts! I love “Which are you? Are you teachable, pliable, and motivational? If so, youโll process the โnectarโ of wellness, until youโve reached your mental, physiological and spiritual goal.” ๐
Strive to be a BEE! ๐ช๐ผ
Our pastor used an excellent illustration that I believed expressed similarities between nutrition and Christianity. I hope youโll recognize the correlation as well.
***
A man of God strolled through a beautiful public garden one morning. He happened upon a brilliant butterfly setting on a beautiful blue flower next to the path. It wasnโt long however until the butterfly flew away searching for another pretty flower to land upon.
The Butterfly:
As a nutritionist, Iโve counseled many who flit from one diet plan to another. They believe another magical formula will work. It does until it doesnโt since they were searching for an easy fix, not Truth. I understand that even I wonโt last long in their orbit. Theyโll be off to find another mythical diet plan.
Weight loss shouldnโt be a quick fix. If you lose weight too quickly. your body assumes youโre starving or sick. Your metabolism slowsโฆ
Hi fitness family! Hope youโve had a โFitBlitzingโ weekend? Today on the trail i managed 4 laps (11.13 miles) and kept my pace around 4 miles per hour for a total of 2 hours 45 minutes! ๐ช๐ผ
I kept my โWalk 130 bpmโ music playlist on for the whole duration, as itโs like a pulsing metronome as i push myself to keep up. I put my right foot down on the bass drum (first beat) and my left foot down on the snare drum (beat 2), and as itโs the same persistent beat all of the time, itโs a real workout when a steep hill appears and you have to keep the same beat but with much more effortโฆYou just keep pumping away until you hope a down hill or flat section will start, lol! ๐คฃ
If it didnโt feel so good, healthy and so rewarding for the body, itโฆ
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: Come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise: Be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; And his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100:1โญ-โฌ5 KJV
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for a new week. Thank You for Your Word and for the truth within. Lord Jesus, I humbly request that You help us to live in praise and honor this week, being witnesses of Your goodness by our words, our actions, and our attitudes. Lord, please teach us how to be focused upon Youโฆ
Hi fitness family! Today on the trail in the 28หC heat i started thinking about how far iโd ventured along my health and fitness journey after 2 years, and how iโm managing to walk around this trail every day in this intense heat, with no hay fever and wearing my medium clothesโฆI instantly started giving thanks for everything! ๐ ๐
๐คง No Hay Feverโฆ
I canโt tell you how much easier itโs been this summer without suffering from the constant streaming eyes, dripping nose and ferocious sneezing! My mind still hasnโt adapted to the new body work yet (even after 2 years) and i still walk around expecting the effectsโฆBut nothing comes, yay! ๐ ย
โ๏ธ The Sun & The Heatโฆ
Iโve never been comfortable in the sun and always hated the heat, iโd always try and find shade or find some other way out of it. Simply walking theโฆ
Please click the Grace logo for more devotionals! ๐
The transforming power of the Spirit!
(J.C. Ryle, “The Lord’s Garden“) “To all those in Rome who areย lovedย by God andย calledย to be saints.” Romans 1:7
Believers are separated from the world by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit calls them out from the world, and separates them as effectually as if a wall were built between them and it. He puts in them . . . ย new hearts, ย new minds, ย new tastes, ย new desires, ย new sorrows, ย new joys, ย new wishes, ย new pleasures, ย new longings.
He gives them . . .ย ย new eyes, ย new ears, ย new affections, ย new opinions.ย
He makes themย new creatures. They are born again–and with a new birth they begin a new existence. Mighty indeed isย the transforming power of the Spirit!
Hi fitness family! Itโs a roasting 27หC which is climbing to around 32หC on Friday! ๐ This is very hot for England, Uk and i certainly felt it whilst out on the trail today for 2 ยฝ hoursโฆI was dripping like a Salvador Dali painting! ๐คฃ
I was walking around the trail trying to think of a photo iโd not already taken of this 3 mile trail, as iโve already bored you to death with photos of trees, trails and ponds, lol! ๐คฃ When iโd finished stomping up a hill section right after the pond, i stopped at the โCrossroadsโ to take a well needed water breakโฆWhen i thought โWait a minuteโฆI havenโt shown them the 4 points of the crossroads yet?!โ
Yay iโve managed to find some more paths and trees to really get you fed up! ๐คฃ I was very tired at this point and the sun wasโฆ
“No longer will there be any curse!” Revelation 22:3ย Our beautiful world, filled with the wonderful works of God, bears evident tracesย that it is not what it was created at first. It bears everywhere, the marks of a great change–which change is accounted for in the Bible by the fall of Adam. God made everything very good–but man sinned, andย the curseย came upon himself and the whole creation! Though still beautiful, yet how much is its beautyย marredย andย defaced!ย Now, thorns and thistles spring up, where once were only lovely flowers and sweet fruits. The wild beasts of the forest, though still beautiful in outward form–now possess violent and ferocious dispositions; and the beasts ofย burdenย groan under the tyranny of man. Man himself is subject to labor and toil, to sorrow and sickness and death. Even his most innocent enjoyments are marred by sin!
But thanks be to God, the promise ofย deliverance from the curseย sounds in our ears in this blessed Scripture, “No longer will there be any curse!” Where then, is this land of blessing and perfection? It is thatย Paradiseย which Christ has gone to prepare for His people; that “Restย which remains for the people of God.”ย
Here on earth, even our very blessings areย mixedย with signs of the curse.ย But there shall beย no more curseย in our Heavenly home: ย no more toil and labor, ย no more weariness and faintness, ย no more hunger or thirst, ย no more bitter cold or burning heat, ย no more disappointment,ย ย no more sorrow, ย no more pain, ย no more sickness,ย ย no more death!ย
In Heaven there shall be no more curse, but all will be theย perfection of bliss. Who can conceive the happiness of such a state? For this, the whole creation groans and travails in pain, eagerly waiting for its consummation.
Let us, then, who have such exceedingly great and precious promises, when sighing under theย effectsย of the curse in any of its forms–gladly turn our thoughts to meditate on Heaven’s glorious realities! And when admiring the beautiful works of God, which still exist to show us what they once were–let us also turn our thoughts to the greater beauty and glory of our Paradise above!
Hi fitness family! I seriously didnโt want to go out today as i knew the sun was going to be far too bright, but i dragged myself out of the door and on to the trailโฆOnce iโm out i can get it done and all of my excuses have failed, lol! ๐คฃ
It wasnโt long before i could hear lots of engine noise and blades cutting, chopping and snapping twigs and branches in front of me, so i turned my audiobook off, slowed down and imagined walking on to huge blades as my flesh and bones are sprayed all over the trail. Once i listened properly, i could hear that they were moving forwards so i just followed super slowly until i could get past, phew! The image above shows what was in frontโฆCould you let me know what it is in the comments section as i have no idea?โฆ
Hi fitness family! After โFitBlitzingโ around my local nature reserve this morning, and doing my daily 8.5 miles (3 laps) i stopped to take a few photos and thoughtโฆI think iโll just let you sit back and enjoy this beautiful place without any of my flannel and waffleโฆI can save all that until tomorrow!! ๐คฃ
Letโs โFitBlitzโ 2022 together!! ๐ช๐ผ
Motivational Quote:..
โThere are plenty of difficult obstacles in your path. Donโt allow yourself to become one of them.โ
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformedby the renewing of your mind!” Romans 12:2
I believe that one reason why the church has so little influence over the world–is because the world has so much influence over the church!
It is overwhelming to see the growing worldliness of the visible church. Many professed Christians–the Lord alone knows whether they are true believers or not–give us grave cause for apprehension. We see them tolerating practices which would not have been endured by their fathers; my blood chills when I think of how far some fashionable professors go astray!
When the Church descends to the world’s level, her spiritual power is gone. Jesus said, “Preach the gospel to every creature!” But men are getting tired of the divine plan; they are going to be saved by the music, or by the theatricals, or by the amusements! Well, they may try these things as long as ever they like; but nothing can ever come of the whole thing but utter disappointment and confusion: God is dishonored, the gospel is travestied, hypocrites are manufactured by thousands, and the church is dragged down to the level of the world!An unholy church! It is useless to the world–and of no esteem among men. It is . . . an abomination, Hell’s laughter, and Heaven’s abhorrence! “The world has absorbed the Church, and the church is content that it should be so!” Horatius Bonar
“Conformity to the world, in all ages, has proved the ruin of the church!” Rowland Hill
“The spirit of the world is eating out the very heart and life of true godliness!” George Everard
“Refined worldliness is the present snare of the Church of God!” Horatius Bonar
“Fear not, for I haveย redeemedย you! I haveย calledย you by your name–you areย Mine!” Isaiah 43:1
God is intensely desirous to rid me of my needless fears. Does He not give me reason after reason for peacefulness, calmness and hope?
1.ย “Fear not,” He says, “for I haveย redeemedย you!”ย ย What a work it was!ย ย What a price it demanded!ย ย What a sorrow it involved! It meant the surrender and sacrifice of His Son, His Only-Begotten, His Well-Beloved. It meant for the King of Glory, to be born in a lowly stable, with the ox and donkey and camel. After a life of suffering, it meant a stark and dreadful Cross onย the Hill of Shame!
A Scottish professor, who retained to the last a childlike heart, speaking to his students one day about the atoning sacrifice of Calvary, said, with the tears running down his cheeks,ย “Ay, ay, do you know what it was? Do you know what it was? It was damnation–and He took it lovingly!”
It wasย myย damnation–and He took it lovingly! And since God gave all this for me, then how can He ever abandon me? Let my heart be confident and strong.
2.ย There is Hisย understanding of my case. “Fear not,” He continues, “for I haveย called you by name!” He has such multitudes to remember, and yet He knows me individually and intimately! Theย starsย lie along the face of the sky like bright unnumbered dust; but He knows star from star. Theย flowersย spring up in battalions; but not a single flower is “born to blush unseen”–He knows it, and rejoices in it. There are billions of people in the world today, and I cannot grasp the tremendous aggregate; but He is familiar with each beating soul.ย
Just so, He comprehends . . . ย my special needs and circumstances, ย my overbearing duties, ย my sore temptations, ย my herculean difficulties, ย my subtle and persevering foes. Should I not be strong and courageous, when the Lord of Heaven has such perfect acquaintance with me?
3.ย And there is Hisย ownershipย of my soul. “Fear not,” He commands once more, “forย you are Mine!” In a sense I was always His possession; but since Heย purchasedย me with Christ’s blood, I am among . . . ย His jewels, ย His trophies, ย His special possessions, ย His redeemed children!ย
Why should I be afraid? I am Christ’sย redeemedย child, and Heย ownsย andย keepsย me!
Can youbelieve itโs been 2 years today, since i started on my life long health target starting with (โJune time to pruneโ) on 1st June 2020. I wanted to post this on my blogs as a milestone for me, as i like to share all of my ups and downs with you all!๐ช๐ผ ๐
Now itโs June again and i have some extra pounds to prune! Iโm still a size medium (from XXL) but itโs not the easy fitting new clothes i enjoyed a year agoโฆSo yay i have a new goal to smash already, lol! ๐คฃ
Itโs great getting back to walking each day after taking a well earned rest with lots of celebrating whilst taking the whole month of May off. But now iโm back focused again on my future fundraisers, lol! ๐คฃ I still canโt believe in these last 2 years iโve managedโฆ
Hi fitness family. Walked another 6 miles (2 laps) this morning, and the weather went from cold and grey to super bright sunshineโฆOh and there was also a little rain thrown in the mix too! ๐
By the wayโฆWhen i returned home to crop my photos (they really do need cropping as iโm taking them blind, lol), i was super surprised to find a Canada goose in the bottom left of my pond shot aboveโฆI love finding things in my photos, as i canโt see what iโm taking when i actually snap the shot!! ๐ช๐ผ๐ฒ
For some reason there werenโt as many people on the trail (works way better for me), as for the first 4 months it was really busy which meant so many more human, dog, bike and even ranger truck obstacles, lol! ๐คฃ But when the sun is shining and the trail is clearโฆIt really is aโฆ
August 3, 2022 
iChristian 
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