Wow…When I ended my walking workout at my front door after walking 2 laps, I couldn’t believe it was exactly 6.00 miles. I think I’ve managed to create a very measured lap, great for my stats, lol! π€£
As you may have guessed, there was a slight drizzle when I left the house this morning, so the photos automatically qualified for the mono filter! π
lap 2 pond photo…
I thought for the second lap pond photo, I’d try and get the usual pond and the path inside one photo. I think I have the path on the right that I usually stop and take the photo on. I don’t often walk across the grass to get close to the pond, as I don’t want to risk twisting my ankle…Or falling in the pond, lol! π€£
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
Me carrying a Princess! π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
I’m so thankful that there is not much to report from today’s walk. The trail was nice and quiet, I didn’t hurt or injure myself and I actually enjoyed myself out there as I slowed down and gave thanks for everything! π π
My lovely Wife Sarah welcomed me home with a lovely fresh black coffee, a big hug and that amazing sunshine smile that I can feel as it warms me up instantly! π
sarah & the siblings…
From left: Maddie, Sarah, Simon (top), Alfie, Marshall & Corrie
Speaking of Sarah…As you know we were up in Yorkshire for Alfie’s (Sarah’s youngest brother) wedding last weekend, and there was an opportunity to capture a photo of all six siblings in the same place together. The six siblings havn’t been together like this for over 20 years!! π²
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
It was a 3 lapper this morning, and I was so thankful for the quiet trail and the weather that was cloudy and overcast…Perfect! π
I walked at an average pace of 3.60 miles per hour, and I arrived home tired but not in too bad shape. I can’t believe I’m saying this as I couldn’t even imagine a 3 lapper a few months ago! π
lap 2 pond photo…
The temperature was a little warmer today at 10ΛC, so I could just wear my t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms with my INOV8 ultra pack and it was cool but manageable!
Oh and yes I had my chocolate hobnobs with me too! π
lap 3 pond photo…
The trail was nice and quiet so I could focus on walking speed and staying on the trail without all of the distractions.
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
Wow, if that was the fundraising trail walk challenge…I’d be happy that I finished it! BUT this was only 4 laps plus a pitstop and the challenge is 11 laps and 3 pitstops! π¨ After how I felt after today’s walk…That’s too much especially at the moment…But I’m getting stronger week by week. π
It was a cold 7ΛC again and as I was going to be out for around 3.5 hours, I thought I’d leave my tracksuit bottoms at home, as I’d soon get too warm as I stomp around the trail…I was wrong, my legs were ice blocks for about 2 laps! π€£
lap 2 pond photo…
As I was cold I think I tried to walk so fast I’d out pace the cold and my legs would warm up nicely…They didn’t.
At least there was some good news. As I’d burn about 1200 calories on this walk I was wearing my trusty INOV8 ultra pack which not only had 2 x 500ml of zero calorie orange water…But 8 chocolate hobnobs (the best biscuit in the world). They are 93 calories each and they should start being absorbed around 30 minutes after that amazing taste! π
lap 3 pond photo…
It was overcast mostly for the first 2 laps but then the blazing low hanging sun come out to play (ruin my walk). My pace slowed lots as I tried to stagger around like an extra in a zombie movie.
I only had to do 3 laps before I leave the trail and walk to my pitstop (home). It’s only 0.4 miles to and another 0.4 miles back so quite a quick pitstop. I managed to not collapse (good start), keep moving whilst eating half a sandwich and try to get back out within 10 minutes max. When my 50Km walk starts I have to try and have 3 pitstops whilst doing 11 laps, so today was the first time to see if I sieze up?!
lap 4 pond photo…
My legs were a little tight after destroying my leg stabiliser muscles on the trail, then slowing down in the pitstop. But after about a mile they were broken but still moving! I was simply so thankful and so happy that I’d managed my first pitstop and was back out stomping out the miles!
I was overwhelmed with joy as I arrived home and stopped my workout which was exactly 12.12 miles, that made me smile for some reason. It really felt like I was walking on prayers from you guys! I really had nothing left and was laughing to myself that my legs were still going right to the end when I wanted to just give up! π π
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
Yay, I managed another 2 laps (6 miles) this morning, and I wasn’t in a total heap when I returned. I must be getting a bit stronger (and lighter) as I have to start doing 2 laps each day and not wimp out for a 1 lapper! π€£
As this was my last proper trail pounding walk of the week, I do 4 trail walks then have 3 days off to recover, spend time with my lovely Wife Sarah, and also get supplies ready for the next week on the trail! My legs just wanted to give up on lap 2, I think they’re just empty from the last 3 days walk! π€£
lap 2 pond photo…
I love walking past the pond for the second time, as it means I can get a different angle. What is also fantastic is that all of your markers are called out for the second time, so I get to pray and give thanks for you all over again! π π
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
Today I headed out on my last FitBlitz walk of the week, and I was certainly thankful for this beautiful place. I walked nice and slow actually enjoying (instead of racing) around the trail.
I took the time to listen properly to the markers in my ear, and say prayers for the people who’s marker it was named after as I walked towards, and past the marker. It really was a beautiful, relaxing and prayerful walk. π π
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
When Sarah hits the kitchen, itβs not dinner time…Itβs showtime. And this time, she turned out a plate so bold it felt like a headliner at Wembley.
Front and centre: chicken breasts. Not just any chicken breasts, but juicy, golden seared beauties marinated in that black pepper paste with coconut, belting out heat and aroma like a Marshall stack cranked to eleven. Every bite had punch, swagger, and enough kick to make you sit up and take notice.
Then came the pilau rice, rich and spiced with that deep Tamil-style stock, laying down the rhythm section like a phat bassline, keeping the whole dish grooving.
But Sarah doesnβt stop at rhythm, oh no. She brings in solos. Caramelised onions swirled through the rice like molten guitar licks, then…Out of nowhere, she threw down fried mushrooms and lettuce, sizzling away like pyrotechnics on stage. Totally unexpected. Totally EPIC. Totally Sarah!
And just when you think the flavourβs going to take your head clean off, in comes the turmeric yoghurt seasoning…Creamy, fragrant, and cooling, like the encore that leaves you wanting more.
The result? A dish that didnβt just feed the body…It set the soul on fire. Epic Sarah cooking isnβt just about food…Itβs about creating an experience. This Tamil Black Pepper Chicken wasnβt just tasty. It was a culinary anthem. πΆπ₯π΄
Theyβll be talking about this meal for centuries. The night Sarah took the humble chicken breast and forged it into a weapon of pure flavour will go down in history as one of the great culinary creations ever made! π
There are sandwiches, and then there are monuments of flavour. Today, I bring you the latter, a creation so mighty, so vibrant, so unapologetically stuffed to the rafters, that Iβve officially christened it: Sarah’s Super Saturday Sandwich.
At its foundation lies the humble but heroic Hovis Wholemeal Seven Seed bread. Forget your flimsy supermarket slices, this is bread with backbone. Each bite brings the crunch of sunflower, flax, and poppy whispering tales of wholesome power while standing tall under the weight of everything it holds.
Between these sturdy slabs of seeded armour sits a layer of creamy (fat free) cottage cheese, spreading smooth comfort across the battlefield of flavours. Then comes the ham, a salty, savoury punch that demands attention.
But this is no one-note wonder. Sarah has engineered a rainbow riot of freshness:
Juicy tomato slicesΒ that burst like little grenades of summer.
Cool cucumber, slicing through the richness like a refreshing breeze.
Mixed salad leaves, adding crunch, colour and a leafy swagger.
Shredded carrots, sweet and earthy, sneaking in extra crunch with every bite.
And just when you thought it couldnβt get more dramatic…Enter the beetroot. Deep crimson, unapologetic and staining everything it touches like a culinary rebel. It doesnβt just sit there quietly, it shouts its presence, painting the cottage cheese in wild streaks of magenta and giving this sandwich the swagger of a rock star mid-guitar solo.
What youβre left with is not just food…Itβs a stacked masterpiece, a sandwich so mighty it has to be cut in half just to reveal its inner glory. Each cross-section looks like a geological dig of flavour: strata of pinks, reds, oranges, and greens pressed together by the seed-studded cliffs of bread.
The Super Sarah Snack is proof that sometimes, the greatest meals arenβt complicated. Theyβre just layered with love, packed with goodness and bold enough to take risks.
So hereβs to Sarah, the culinary architect behind this stacked skyscraper of taste…I think youβll agree: this isnβt just a snack. Itβs a statement. π² π β€οΈ
Well I’m certainly thankful that I’ve done all 4 trail walks this week, and had no dramas, accidents or collapsing! I’m also thankful for all of the motivation from my lovely Wife Sarah (even after her surgery), Drill Sergent Bruce and of course all of you guys…It’s humbling to say the least that I have so much support, love and encouragement! β€οΈ
As I’ve walked around only 1 lap per day this week, I’ve been carefully listening out to see where I can place lots of new ‘Donation Motivation Markers’. I’m so thankful that I’ve actually made it out this week (even though I didn’t want to), but I needed to stomp and put my legs in to action, as I don’t want them getting lazy, lol.
As you know my lovely Wife Sarah is in recovery mode after her surgery, so this meant she wasn’t working in the London office…Which also means there will be no ‘Steve’s Smelly French Toast’ today…Sorry Dayle but no EPIC descriptions, lol! π€£
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
My lovely Wife Sarah is working in London again today, so I went out on the trail at 7am. One of the good things about attempting 3 laps today, is that I get to take 6 photos for you.
It was nice and cloudy today so I didn’t have the sun to use as an excuse, lol. I also had a couple of soft flasks, a carb gel and a Grenade protein bar on my person…I want to be prepared and not be left wanting! π
It was also cool at 13Β¬C which is perfect for me. I still have 37 pounds to lose so I’m too insulated at the moment, lol. It was time to let the brakes off my HOKA Speedgoats and just hold on!
When I arrived home and stopped my workout, it’d taken me 2 hours 29 minutes to do 8.56 miles. So I must have been walking around 3.5mph which is fast for me, yay! πͺπΌ
Oh and after I’d picked myself up off the floor (you’ve guessed it) it was time to make my smelly French toast as Sarah’s not here to choke on the smell. I’ll leave it to your imagination on how it turned out, as I really don’t want to take a photo of it, lol! π€£
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
Picture this: 7 a.m., the streets still yawning, and me stomping back home after walking 6.42 miles (my longest distance so far) like a man on a mission. Sarahβs off to London, so itβs just me…And the lonely kitchen. No kisses, no cuddles, no lovingly made coffee, just the cold hard reality that I have to make my infamous smelly lunch.
Enter my protein french toast…
Imagine 3 innocent slices of 7 seed wholemeal bread…Suddenly colliding head-on with a tanker full of egg whites, with the aroma of a gym locker room. Sarah hates the smell of those egg whites…So I only unleash this monster when sheβs not around.
the result…?
On the plate it looks like the breadβs been in a high-speed chase, taken a wrong turn into a hen house, and then been caught in a murder mystery. That deep red “crime scene“? Donβt panic…Itβs just sugar free maple syrup pooling like suspicious evidence.
Honestly, you wouldnβt think you could make this much visual chaos with only 3 ingredients…But here I am, casually creating my ‘French Toast’ art that looks like it should be taped off by the police. π¨
Still…With 65 grams of protein, 650 calories, and a plate that could double as a true crime documentary prop…It’s a killer meal and I’m very THANKFUL for it! π
From tales to trails…
I hope you enjoyed the ‘French Toast’ story? But I need to finish this post, lol. I walked 6.42 miles today, which is a record distance for me during this training. I’m still waiting for the muscle memory to keck in, as I’d say I’d never walked this far in my life…It was killer, and I was so THANKFUL that I actually made it! home.
As I did 2 laps today, the 2 photos above were when I decided to walk down the side of the usual pond (smaller one) to get to the steps that lead up to the larger pond (see photo below). I’ve got other ‘audio beacons’ on my Soundscape app which are not on my trail lap route…And the steps is one of them. So when I got to the usual pond photo spot, I selected the ‘Top Pond Steps’ audio beacon, listened to the radar sound as I turned my head, and when my head is facing the beacon (steps) it makes a different beep so I start walking towards it…Hoping I don’t fall into the pond or hit lots of other obstacles! π¨ Wow I’m THANKFUL for the Soundscape app!
Once getting to the top of the steps, you’re greeted with a lovely view of the larger pond.
Back on the trail on lap 2…
I love walking along feeling so small as the towering trees keep me company. Not only do they ensconce me with some shade, make smile noises as the wind tickles them, but it just feels so good walking along (zombie shuffling) surroundedd by lots of trees. π
Give thanks…π
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe itβs lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
Motivational quote…
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. Iβm thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. Iβm thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
A Biblical Blessing:..π
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I was out proper early at 7am this morning, as Sarah is working in London today so I followed her out. This also means that when I arrive home with no cuddles, kisses or coffee I have to make my ‘Protein French Toast’. I use a carton of egg whites (50 grams of protein but they are smelly, and Sarah isn’t a fan of the smell so I save them for when she’s in London! There isn’t a photo of them as they are not pretty and look like 3 pieces of toast has crashed into some eggs with blood every where (well sugar free maple farm grove syrup). You wouldn’t think I could make such devastation with just 3 ingredients, lol! π€£ I’m thankful for the 65 grams of protein and just 650 calories! πͺπΌ
The trail was very quiet this morning, I think going out extra early kept every one away. Either way it meant that the blinding sun wasn’t quite fully awake yet, so I could go out and enjoy the walk…I’m thankful for that! π
I couldn’t get this Robin Mark song out of my head πΆ “Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King…His love endures forever. For He is good, He is above all things, his love endures forever. Sing praise, sing praise!β πΆ but as it’s ‘Thankful Thursday’ I couldn’t ask for a better song to be singing around the trail. π
I’m super thankful that I can now get around 1 lap (2.6 miles, but it’s another 0.8 miles to and from my house) without completely collapsing when I get home. It’s only been about 2 months since I’ve been FitBlitzing the trails again, and I’m so happy it’s finally starting to get a little easier (I really didn’t want to use the word easier), but I’m also getting lighter which can only help! π
Give thanks with a grateful heart…
How might you pause to give thanks today, whether it’s through a prayer, a bible verse that jumps out at you, a walk in nature, or a quiet moment of reflection? π€
A Biblical Blessing:..π
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
From Sight Village, guitars and supercars, what a journey…So Far!! πͺπΌ π
Β This weekend we’re celebrating a brobdingnagian 19 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??!!! π² π
Our Journey in Photos…π
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 π
Steve (me) in the Ferrari F430 Spider 4.3L V8 in 2022 π
From ‘Sight Village’ To ‘Supercars’, what a journey…So Far!! πͺπΌ π
Β 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??!!! π² π
Our Journey in Photos…π
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 π
Steve (me) in the Ferrari F430 Spider 4.3L V8 in 2022 π
Hi friends. I’m simply stunned by all of the love and support from you guys so far, we’ve now reached a whopping 86%!! I also can’t believe there’s only 16 days until all of my hard work will be put to the test!!! π°
Thanks to Suzanne & Martin for completely shocking me with another donation (yes their second) this week!! Now my ‘Blindman’s Trail Marathon’ challenge has reached a colossal Β£860 (that’s Β£86 per lap) for the MS Society…I hope my mum would be proud?! I’d really love to hit my target and make it Β£100 per lap…Oh and it’s my birthday next ‘Fundraising Friday’ (15th) so not only will i be older so this trail marathon will be even harder for me, lol…But it’s a heads up as i may be asking for birthday donations to this fundraiser…What a birthday gift that’d be!! πͺπΌ π π§‘
The Donation…π§‘
Hi friends. Youβre never going to believe this?!! It was Saturday morning and my iPhone blasted out the muppets theme tune to notify me iβd received another donation!! After iβd stopped dancing, jumping up and down and stopped grinning until it hurt, i checked who it was fromβ¦Wow it was a SECOND (yes second) donation from our friends Suzanne and Martin who we were going to meet up for a meal this weekend but it was cancelled. I then checked the lovely message theyβd leftβ¦βA little top up Steve to a nice round figure! Congratulations on your training. As we couldnβt meet up this weekend hereβs the cost of pizza instead!! Not long now till the big event Steve. xxββ¦Well if thatβs not motivation i donβt know what is! πͺπΌ π
Let’s stop MS together! πͺπΌ
Donβt underestimate the impact of the money you are donating! Itβs so important and it really does make a difference; today, tomorrow and for generations to comeβ¦β€οΈ
in Just 16 days…The Trail marathon…Or me…Is going down!! π€£ πͺπΌ
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love Never Fails…
π Bible Verse…
Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
π€ My Thoughts…
This is one of my favourite Bible verses that i try desperately each day to live up to. As soon as i first read this verse it convicted me straight away and i knew i wanted to be a husband like that!
π Prayer…
Holy Spirit, thanks for being a constant guiding presence in my life. Give me the faith to take practical and radical action to keep in step with You, so that You can love my spouse through me in a way that will sustain a fun, loving & trusting relationship. Amen.
Β Today iβm celebrating a brobdingnagian 17 years since i met my lovely wife Sarah at βSight Village, Birmingham, UKβ π Β
This is a major Sight Village show in Birmingham which is held in July each year. Exhibitors throughout the world take part and welcome many thousands of visitors, including people who are blind or partially sighted, professionals, business people and family members.
I was there (from Derby) working for a charity called LOOK and Sarah was there (from Surrey) working for RNIB. She came to my table as she had a magazine which she had just published an article about LOOK and wanted to show me. Sarah opened the magazine and said here are the pictures and the article, i said βWow, Mmmm, Awww and fantasticβ¦It all looks greatβ which made Sarah quite proud of her work. I then said while laughing βyou know i didnβt see any of what youβve just shown me, as iβm blind!β. Then as always, a brief pause as Sarah tries to check out my eyes to see if iβm joking, then Sarah laughed and said βNo way, me too!β. We both approach blindness in a similar way and love blossomed from that point. β€οΈπͺπΌ πΒ
Husbands, love your wives the same as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it.
π€ My Thoughts…Β
This is one of my favourite Bible verses that i try desperately Β each day to live up to. As soon as i first read this verse it convicted me straight away and i knew i wanted to be a husband like that!
π Prayer
Holy Spirit, thanks for being a constant guiding presence in my life. Give me the faith to take practical and radical action to keep in step with You, so that You can love my spouse through me in a way that will sustain a fun, loving & trusting relationship. Amen.
Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.
Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:
A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
A loss of interest in judging other people.
A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
A loss of interest in conflict.
A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
Frequent attacks of smiling.
An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.
Please send this warning out to all your friends. This virus can and has affected many systems. Some systems have been completely cleaned out because of it.
Β Today iβm celebrating 16 years since i met my lovely wife Sarah at βSight Village, Birmingham, UKβΒ
This is a major Sight Village show in Birmingham which is held in July each year. Exhibitors throughout the world take part and welcome many thousands of visitors, including people who are blind or partially sighted, professionals, business people and family members.
I was there (from Derby) working for a charity called LOOK and Sarah was there (from Surrey) working for RNIB. She came to my table as she had a magazine which she had just published an article about LOOK and wanted to show me. Sarah opened the magazine and said here are the pictures and the article, i said βWow, fantastic, it all looks greatβ which made Sarah quite proud of her work. I then said while laughing βyou know i didnβt see any of what youβve just shown me, as iβm blind!β. Then as always, a brief pause as Sarah checks out my eyes to see if iβm joking, then Sarah laughed and said βNo way, me too!β. We both approach blindness in a similar way and love blossomed from that point. π
Husbands, love your wives the same as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it.
π€ My Thoughts…Β
This is one of my favourite Bible verses that i try desperately Β each day to live up to. As soon as i first read this verse it convicted me straight away and i knew i wanted to be a husband like that!
π Prayer
Holy Spirit, thanks for being a constant guiding presence in my life. Give me the faith to take practical and radical action to keep in step with You, so that You can love my spouse through me in a way that will sustain a fun, loving & trusting relationship. Amen.
(Thomas Moor, “Counsels and Thoughts for the Spiritual Life of Believers” 1882)
Remember that among your chief thoughts of the Lord Jesus, one must ever have a prominent place: that He is ever looking down upon you and watching you with tenderest love, and ordering all things for your good.Β
Sometimes it is spiritualΒ medicine, at other times it is spiritualΒ nourishment–but at all times it is spiritual good, and just what is best for you. He sees and knows just what is best for each day and hour. So, always when you think of Him, think of Him as thus looking down upon you and ever caring for you.
The Holy Spirit is ever leading us toΒ thinkΒ of Christ and toΒ liveΒ for Christ and continually toΒ lookΒ to Christ.
The natural mind makesΒ selfΒ the center, and self the end.Β The spiritual mind makesΒ ChristΒ the center, and Christ the end.Β The more we seek Christ, and the less we seek self–the more we please Him.
Christ is the source and end both ofΒ graceΒ on earth andΒ gloryΒ in Heaven.Β Grace in the heart, is glory in its beginnings.Β Glory in Heaven, is grace in its full consummation.Β
Growing in graceΒ is living more upon Christ, and living more for Christ, and growing more like Christ.
To learn of Christ and live upon Christ, is the highest experience of the soul here or hereafter!
Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.
My Thoughts πΒ
Wow, what an amazing word picture! Some of these proverbs just stick in your mind and heart (especially if youβve had a dog.) Itβs just so accurate and so full of His Wisdom that you canβt help but fall on your knees and ask once again for forgiveness.
Β π Prayer 4 2day!Β
Loving Saviour, i donβt deserve the smallest of your mercies, and yet you continue to love, sustain and bless me in immeasurable ways!
Your love is blind to all of my faults, and ugly sides. I pray that You would work through me to love others compassionately and patiently. Amen.
“What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” Philippians 3:8-9Β
When you come to Christ–you must leave behind you: Β all your own righteousness, Β all your own holiness,Β Β all your own sanctification, Β all your own duties,Β Β all your own tears,Β Β all your own repentings, etc.Β Oh, this is hard!Β
You mustΒ bring nothing but your sins and miseriesΒ to Him. Otherwise, Christ is not fit for you–nor you for Christ!
Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.
My Thoughts πΒ
Ouch! We all know how much it hurts when we fail to put our trust in faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, it can really hurt us.
Β π Prayer 4 2day!Β
Holy Father, forgive us when weβve been the unreliable friend, help us to walk in your Spirit and show your steadfast love to others, in Jesus name, amen.
“We know that God causesΒ everythingΒ to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
See what cause the saints have to be frequent in the work ofΒ thanksgiving!Β In this, Christians are defective; though they are much inΒ supplication–yet they are little inΒ thanksgiving. The apostle says. “In everything give thanks!“Β 1 Thessalonians 5:18Β
Why so?Β Because God makes everything work together for our good.Β
We thank theΒ physician, though he gives us a bitter medicine which makes us nauseated–because it is to make us well. We thank any man who does us a good turn; and shall we not be thankful to God–who makesΒ everythingΒ work for good to us?
God loves a thankful Christian!Β Job thanked GodΒ when He took all away:Β “The Lord has taken away–blessed be the name of the Lord!” Job 1:21. Many will thank God when HeΒ gives; Job thanks Him when HeΒ takes away, because he knew that God would work good out of it.
We read of saints withΒ harpsΒ in their hands–an emblem of praise. Revelation 14:2. Yet we meet many Christians who haveΒ tearsΒ in their eyes, andΒ complaintsΒ in their mouths! But there are few with their harps in their hands–whoΒ praise God in affliction.
To beΒ thankful in affliction–is a work peculiar to a saint.Β Every bird can sing in spring–but few birds will sing in the dead of winter!Β Everyone, almost, can be thankful inΒ prosperity–but a true saint can be thankful inΒ adversity!Β
Well may we, in theΒ worstΒ that befalls us, have a psalm of thankfulness–because God works all things together for our good.Β Oh, be much in giving thanks to God!
Β Β ~Β ~Β ~Β ~
And did the Holy and the Just, The Sovereign of the skies, Stoop down to wretchedness and dust, That guilty worms might rise?
Yes, the Redeemer left His throne, His radiant throne on high, (Surprising mercy! love unknown!) To suffer, bleed, and die!
He took the dying traitor’s place, And suffered in his stead; ForΒ manΒ (O miracle of grace!) ForΒ man, the Savior bled!
Dear Lord, what heavenly wonders dwell In Your atoning blood! By this are sinners snatched from Hell,Β And rebels brought to God!
What glad return can I impart For favors so divine? O take my all, this worthless heart, And make it wholly Thine! Β Β Anne Steele, 1859
My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste.
My Thoughts πΒ
Each time i read this proverb i think of my lovely wife Sarah. When she has a bad hypo and her blood sugar goes really low (she has type 1 diabetes – T1D), Sarah always has a piece of toast with local honey on the top. Honey is good and itβs definitely sweet to the taste! πΒ
The Word of God must be . . . Β Β nearerΒ to us than our friends,Β Β Β dearerΒ to us than our lives,Β Β Β sweeterΒ to us than our liberty, andΒ Β Β pleasanterΒ to us than all earthly comforts.
Take the candle of God’s Word and search the corners of your heart.
We speak to God in prayer. God speaks to us in His Word.
AllΒ argumentsΒ against the Word of God are fallacies;Β Β allΒ ideasΒ against the Word are delusions;Β Β allΒ derisionΒ against the Word is folly; andΒ Β allΒ oppositionΒ against the Word is madness.
When GodΒ threatens, that’s a time to repent;Β when HeΒ promises, that’s a time to believe;Β when HeΒ commands, that’s a time to obey.
If a man believed the threatenings of the Word of God,Β he would tremble and fly to the promises for refuge.hrist came out of His Father’s bosom, so the promises came out of Christ’s riven side.
“John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him: You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire!” Luke 3
We have, in these verses, a specimen of John the Baptist’s ministry. It is a portion of Scripture which should always be especially interesting to a Christian mind.
We should first mark theΒ holy boldnessΒ with which John addresses the multitudes who came to his baptism. He speaks to them as a “brood of vipers!” He saw the rottenness and hypocrisy of the profession which the crowd around him were making, and uses language descriptive of their case.Β His head was not turned by popularity.Β He did not care who was offended by his words. The spiritual disease of those before him was desperate, and of long standing–and he knew that desperate diseases need strong remedies!
Well would it be for the Church of Christ, if it possessed moreΒ plain speaking ministersΒ in our days–like John the Baptist.Β
A morbid dislike to strong language;Β an excessive fear of giving offence;Β a constant flinching from directness and plain speaking– are, unhappily, too much the characteristics of the modern Christian pulpit.Β
Uncharitable language is no doubt always to be deprecated. But there is no charity . . . Β in flattering unconverted people,Β Β in abstaining from any mention of their vices,Β Β or in applying smooth names to damnable sins!Β
There are two texts which are too much forgotten by Christian preachers. In one it is written, “Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you.” Luke 6:26. In the other it is written, “Am I now trying to win the approval of men–or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were trying to please men–I would not be Christ’s servant.” Galatians 1:10
We should mark, also–how plainly John speaksΒ to his hearers about HELL and danger!Β He tells them that there is a “coming wrath!”Β He speaks of “the ax” of God’s judgment–and of unfruitful trees being “thrown into the fire!”
The subject of HELL is always offensive to human nature. The minister who dwells much upon it–must expect to find himself regarded asΒ barbaric, violent, unfeeling and narrow-minded!Β
Men love to hear “smooth things,” and to be told of peace, and not of danger. Isaiah 30:10Β
But the subject of Hell is one that ought not to be kept back, if we desire to do good to souls. It is one that our Lord Jesus Christ brought forward frequently in His public teachings. That loving Savior, who spoke so graciously of the way to Heaven–has also used the plainest language about the way to Hell.
Let us beware of being wise above that which is written, and more charitable than Scripture itself. Let the language of John the Baptist be deeply engraved on our hearts. Let us never be ashamed to avow our firm belief, that there is a “coming wrath” for the impenitent; and that it is possible for a man to be lost, as well as to be saved.Β
To beΒ silentΒ on the subject–is dreadful treachery to men’s souls. It only encourages them to persevere in wickedness, and fostersΒ the devil’s old delusionΒ in their minds,Β “You shall not surely die!”Β Genesis 3:4
That minister is surely our best friend–who tells us honestly of danger, and warns us, like John the Baptist, to “flee from the wrath to come!”
Never will a man flee–until he sees that there is real cause to be afraid.Β Never will he seek Heaven–until he is convinced that he is on his way to Hell.Β
The religion in which there is no mention of Hell–is not the religion of John the Baptist, or of our Lord Jesus and His apostles!
The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit; he with whom the LORD is angry will fall into it.
My Thoughts πΒ
Coming from a broken home and being brought up with the life long radiation fallout of thisβ¦Love is whatever affection you can grab, and women where objectified. The Lord was certainly angry at me and my lifestyle and being trapped in pit after pitβ¦
But God who is rich in love and mercy reached down and saved me. His Word was a sharp sword that cut straight through my soul and showed me what His true love is, and working through my lovely wife Sarah to show, teach and grow to be a husband fit for a princess! π ππ»
(J.C. Ryle, 1884) Β A great change has taken place in the last forty years. A quantity ofΒ church workΒ is continually being carried on both by clergymen and laymen, which, however well-meant, can hardly be calledΒ Christian–and in reality has a painful tendency to throw true Christian work into the background, if not to throw it entirely out!Β
No one, for instance, can fail to observe that a large number of professors are spending all their time and strength on church music, church decorations, church programs, and an incessant round of churchΒ attractions. Others are equally absorbed in social work, feeding the poor, and improved dwellings for everyone. Others are incessantly getting up popular concerts, secular lectures, and evening recreations. They proclaim everywhere, thatΒ the way to do good is to amuse people!
Others are always occupied withΒ secularΒ guilds, and societies, and associations–and think you very wrong and heathenish if you do not join them. Myriads ofΒ professorsΒ are restlessly busy about such things from one end of the land to the other; and superficial observers are often saying,Β “What a great deal of church-work there is in these days!”
Now I would not for a moment be supposed to mean that all the things I have just mentioned are wrong and wicked. Yet I doubt whether the present state of things is altogether healthy. I doubt whether the work of the Holy Spirit on hearts and consciences, is not insensibly being left out in the cold and neglected. Amidst the incessant hustle and bustle about matters ofΒ entirely secondary importance–I doubt whether the sort of direct spiritual work to which the Apostles wholly gave themselves, receives as much attention as it ought.Β
It is quite certain that musical services, and church decorations, and concerts, and bazaars, and social work, and the like–will not save souls.Β
It is equally certain that, without repentance, and faith, and holy living, and practical, self-denying, kindly charity–no one is fit for Heaven. Do these simple, old-fashioned graces fill the place which they ought to do, in the daily proceedings of many so-called church-workers in this day? I confess I doubt it exceedingly.Β
I certainly see on every side a vast increase of what people call “church-work.” But there is little or no increase of true religion. There undoubtedly is moreΒ showΒ andΒ glitterΒ andΒ display. But I extremely doubt whether there is more spiritual reality, and more growth of practical godliness.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable toΒ sympathizeΒ with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are.” Hebrews 4:15Β
There is noΒ comfort, but in Christ’s bosom.
There is noΒ safety, but by Christ’s side.
There is noΒ strength, but in Christ’s arm.
There is noΒ holiness, but in Christ’s footsteps.
Look up and see Christ, the merciful and gracious Savior, bending over you in most tender compassion.Β He is very near to you. He marks . . . Β each sigh,Β Β each desire,Β Β each tear,Β Β each prayer.Β He thinks upon and sympathizes with you.
“Let us then approach the throne of grace withΒ confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16Β
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
My Thoughts πΒ
Living in England(and probably your country too?), you grow up learning that drinking alcohol isnβt just a pasttime, itβs a national sport and essential to be cool. How deceitful is sin and the world?!Β
One of my fave quotes is: “I would not put a thief in my mouth to steal my brains.β β William Shakespeare
Letβs thank God today for his Truth and Wisdom that never changesβ¦It changes us! πΒ
“TheΒ eyesΒ of the Lord are upon the righteous. Β HisΒ earsΒ are open unto their cry.” Psalm 34:15 The Lord observes His redeemed people with approval and tender consideration.Β They are so dear to Him, that He cannot take His eyes off them!Β He watches each one of them as carefully and intently, as if there were only that one creature in the whole universe!
Thus the Lord’s eyes and ears are both turned upon His saints. His whole mind is occupied with them. If they are slighted by all others–they are never neglected by Him. He hears their cry at once, even as a mother is sure to hear her sick babe. The cry may be broken, plaintive or feeble–yet the Father’s quick ear catches each note of lament or appeal, and He is quick to answer His children’s voice!
“TheΒ eyesΒ of the Lord watch over those who do right, Β and HisΒ earsΒ areΒ attentive to their prayers.”Β 1 Peter 3:12Β
A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.
My Thoughts πΒ
How many times do you see/hear this Truth throughout life. When i first became a Christian and thought i was reading the bible, when all of the time it was reading me. Letβs thank God today for hisliving breathing Word that transforms! ππ»
“Only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42Β
We should observe what a high commendation our Lord Jesus Christ pronounced on Mary’s choice.Β There was a deep meaning in these words. They were spoken not only for Mary’s sake, but for the sake of all Christ’s believing people in every part of the world. They were meant to encourage all true Christians . . . Β to be single-eyed and whole-hearted, Β to follow the Lord fully,Β Β to walk closely with God, Β to make soul-business immeasurably their first business, and Β to think comparatively little of the things of this fleeting world.
The true Christian’s portion is the grace of God. It is the only good thing which is substantial, satisfying, real, and lasting. The grace of God is . . . Β Β better in sickness–and better in health, Β better in youth–and better in old age, Β better in adversity–and better in prosperity, Β better in life–and better in death, Β better in time–and better in eternity.Β No circumstance and no position can be imagined, in which it is not better for man to have the grace of God.
The true Christian’s possession shall never be taken from him.Β He alone, of all mankind, shall never be stripped of his inheritance.Β Kings must one day leave their palaces. Rich men must one day leave their money and lands–they only hold them until they die.Β
But the poorest saint on earth has aΒ treasureΒ of which he will never be deprived. The grace of God, and the favor of Christ–are riches which no man can take from him. They will go with him to the grave when he dies. They will rise with him in the resurrection morning, and be his to all eternity!
What doΒ weΒ know of this “better part” which Mary chose? Have we chosen it for ourselves? Can we say with truth that it is ours? Let us never rest until we can. Let us choose life, while Christ offers it to us without money and without price. Let us seek treasure in Heaven–lest we awake to find that we are paupers forevermore!
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
My Thoughts πΒ
Amen! Wow this jumps out at me every time i read Proverbs 18. For you who know about my lovely wife Sarah and have read “My Testimony“, will understand why i wrap this around my heart and thank God every day for Sarah! Although Sarah found me, lol. πΒ
It is grace at the beginning, and grace at the end.Β So that when youΒ and I come to lie upon our death beds,Β the one thing that should comfortΒ and help and strengthen us there is the thing that helped us in the beginning.Β Not what we have been, not what we have done, but the grace of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.Β The Christian life starts with grace,Β it must continue with grace, it ends with grace.Β Grace wondrous grace.Β By the grace of God I am what I am.Β Yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
“TheΒ LORDΒ has heard my cry for mercy;Β theΒ LORDΒ accepts my prayer.”Β Psalm 6:9Β
“You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted” Psalm 10:17 “This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles” Psalm 34:6
“The righteous cry out, and theΒ LORDΒ hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles”Β Psalm 34:17Β Β Β “Evening, morning and noonΒ I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice”Β Psalm 55:17Β
“God has surely listenedΒ and heard my voice in prayer”Β Psalm 66:19Β
“I love theΒ LORD, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy”Β Psalm 116:1Β
“I call on theΒ LORDΒ in my distress,Β and He answers me”Β Psalm 120:1Β
“He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him;Β He hears their cry and saves them.”Β Psalm 145:19Β “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,Β and His ears are attentive to their prayer”Β 1 Peter 3:12Β
Christian! God is near at hand whenever you approach Him in prayer.Β Oh, comforting truth!Β You have a God at hand . . . Β to listen to the softest breath of prayer, Β to listen to every confession of sin, Β to listen to every cry of need, Β to listen to every utterance of sorrow, Β to listen to every wail of woe, Β to listen to every appeal for counsel, strength and support!
Arise, O my soul! and give yourself to prayer, for God is near at hand to hear and answer you!
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
“That the world may know that You sent Me andΒ loved them even as You have loved Me!”Β John 17:23Β
Can you believe it . . . Β thatΒ youΒ should be the object of God’s delight, Β thatΒ youΒ should be the object of the Father’s love as truly as Christ is!Β
See the amazing sacrifice which the Father made in giving Jesus to us.Β
Think what it cost Him to tear His Well-Beloved from His bosom and send Him down below to be despised and rejected.Β
Think what it cost Him to nail Jesus up to yonder cross, and then forsake Him and hide His face from Him, because He had laid all our sins upon Him.Β
Oh, the love He must have had to us, thus to have made His best Beloved to become a curse for us, as it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree!”Β
I want you to get this truth right into your souls, dear friends.Β Do not hold it as a dry doctrine, but let it penetrate your heart.Β
Oh, when the river ofΒ God’s great love to usΒ came rolling in like a mighty torrent, what a sea of love was there! Now we are borne onward forever by the mighty sweep of infinite love into an everlasting blessedness which tongues and lips can never fully set forth!Β Oh, be ravished with this!Β Be in ecstasy at love so amazing, so divine! The Father lovesΒ youΒ even as He loves His Son! After the same manner and sort, He loves all His redeemed people.
Can you believe it!Β
Oh, if the love of Jesus once enters into a man’s soul . . . Β Β it will forever transform him, Β Β it will sway him with the noblest passions, Β Β it will make him a zealot for Christ, Β Β it will cast out his pride and selfishness, Β Β it will change him into the image of Christ, and Β Β fit him to dwell in Heaven where love is eternally perfected.
“The Lord raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy from the dunghill!” Psalm 113:7Β
What a gracious stoop of love! He frequently lifts the lowest of mankind out of their poverty and degradation, and adopts them into His family.Β
His gracious Spirit is continually visiting the down-trodden, giving beauty for ashes to those who are cast down, and elevating the hearts of His mourners until they shout for joy.Β
These upliftings of grace are here ascribed directly to the divine hand, and truly those who have experienced them will not doubt the fact that it is the Lord alone who brings His people up from the dust of sorrow and death. When no hand but His can help, He interposes and the work is done.Β
“And lifts the needy from the dunghill”Β whereon they lay like worthless refuse, cast off and cast out–left as they thought, to rot into destruction, and to be everlastingly forgotten.Β How great a stoop from the height of His throne, to a dunghill! How wonderful is that power which occupies itself in lifting up beggars, all befouled with the filthiness in which they lay! For He lifts them out of the dunghill, not disdaining to search them out from amidst the base things of the earth–that He may bring to nothing the great ones, and pour contempt upon all human glorying.Β
What a dunghill was that upon which we lay by nature!Β
What a mass of corruption is our original estate!
What a heap of loathsomeness we have accumulated by our sinful lives!
We could never have risen out of this corruption by our own efforts–we were dead men rotting in a dunghill of sin!Β
Almighty were the arms which lifted us, which are still lifting us, and will lift us into the perfection of Heaven itself!
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14Β
Jesus could accomplish man’s redemption in no other way than by crucifixion. He must die–and die the death of the cruel cross.Β
What light and glory beam aroundΒ the cross!
Of what prodigies of grace, is it the instrument,Β of what glorious truths, is it the symbol,Β of what mighty transforming power, is it the source!Β
Around the cross gathers all the light of the Old Testament economy:Β Β it explains everyΒ symbol,Β Β it substantiates everyΒ shadow,Β Β it solves everyΒ mystery,Β Β it fulfills everyΒ type,Β Β it confirms everyΒ prophecy,Β of that dispensation which had eternally remained unmeaning and inexplicable, but for the death of the Son of God upon the cross.Β
Not theΒ pastΒ only–but allΒ futureΒ splendor gathers around the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. It assures us of the ultimate reign of the Savior, and tells of the reward which shall spring from His sufferings. And while its one arm points to the divine counsels of eternity past–with the other it points to the future triumph and glory of Christ’s kingdom in the eternity to come! Such is the lowly yet sublime, the weak yet mighty instrument, by which the sinner is saved and God eternally glorified.Β
The cross of Christ is . . . Β the grand consummation of all preceding dispensations of God to men; Β the meritorious procuring cause of all spiritual blessings to our fallen race; Β the scene of Christ’s splendid victories over all His enemies and ours; Β the most powerful incentive to all evangelical holiness; Β the instrument which is to subjugate the world to the supremacy of Jesus; Β the source of all true peace, joy and hope; Β the tree beneath whose shadow all sin expires, all grace lives.Β
The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!Β What a holy thrill these words produce in the heart of those who love the Savior!Β How significant is their meaning, how precious is their influence!Β
Marvelous and irresistible, is the power of the cross! The cross of Christ has . . . Β subdued many a rebellious will;Β Β broken many a marble heart;Β Β laid low many a vaunting foe;Β Β overcome and triumphed, when all other instruments have failed;Β Β transformed the lion like heart of man, into the lamb like heart of Christ!Β
When lifted up in its own bare simplicity and inimitable grandeur–the cross of Christ has won and attracted millions to its faith, admiration, and love!Β
What a marvelous power does this cross of Jesus possess! It changes the Christian’s entire judgment of the world.Β Looking at the world through the cross–his opinion is totally revolutionized.Β He sees the world as it really is–a sinful, empty, vain thing.Β He learns its iniquity, in that it crucified the Lord of life and glory.Β His expectations from the world, and his love to the world, are transformed.Β He has found another object of love–the Savior whom the world cast out and slew.Β His love to the world is destroyed by that power which alone could destroy it–the crucifying power of the cross.Β
It is the cross which eclipses, in the view of the true believer, the glory and attraction of every other object.Β
What is the weapon by which faith combats with, and overcomes the world? What but the cross of Jesus!Β
Just as the natural eye, gazing for a while upon the sun, is blinded for the moment to all other objects by its overpowering effulgence; so to the believer, concentrating his mind upon the glory of the crucified Savior, studying closely the wonders ofΒ graceandΒ loveΒ andΒ truthΒ meeting in the cross–the world with all its attraction fades into the full darkness of an eclipse.Β
Christ and His cross infinitely better than the world and its trinkets!Β
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14Β
The delight which God has in His redeemed people!Β
“I willΒ rejoiceΒ over them to do them good.” Jeremiah 32:41Β
“AsΒ a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,Β so your God willΒ rejoiceΒ over you!”Β Isaiah 62:5Β
The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take greatΒ delightΒ in you . . . He willΒ rejoiceΒ over you with singing!” Zephaniah 3:17Β
How heart-cheering to the believer, isΒ theΒ delightΒ which God has in His redeemed people!
We cannot see any reason inΒ ourselvesΒ why the Lord should take pleasure in us. We cannot take delight in ourselves, for we often have to groan, being burdened; conscious of our sinfulness, and deploring our unfaithfulness.Β
And we fear thatΒ God’s peopleΒ cannot take much delight in us, for they must perceive so much of our imperfections and our follies, that they may rather lament our infirmities, than admire our graces.Β
But we love to dwell upon this transcendent truth, this glorious mystery–that as the bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so does the Lord rejoice over us!Β
We do not read anywhere that God delights in the cloud-capped mountains, or the sparkling stars–but we do read that His delights are with the sons of men.Β
We do not find it written that evenΒ angelsΒ give His soul delight; nor does He say, concerning cherubim and seraphim, “You shall be calledΒ Hephzibah, for the LordΒ delightsΒ in you”; but He does say all that to poor fallen creatures like ourselves, debased and depraved by sin–but redeemed and saved by His grace.Β
In what strong language He expresses His delight in His people! Who could have conceived of the eternal One as bursting forth into a song? Yet it is written, “He will take greatΒ delightΒ in you . . . He will rejoice over you withΒ singing!”Β
As He looked upon the world He had made, He said, “It is very good”. But when He beheld those who are the purchase of Jesus’ blood, His own chosen ones, it seemed as if the great heart of the Infinite could restrain itself no longer–but overflowed in divine exclamations of joy.Β
Should not we utter ourΒ grateful responseΒ to such a marvelous declaration of His love, and sing, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!”Β
O God the Holy Spirit, have mercy upon us miserable sinners. Move, we beseech You, in our disordered hearts. Remove the deformities of unruly desires and hateful lusts. Chase away the mists and darkness of unbelief. Brighten our inner man with the pure light of truth. Sow abundantly the seeds of righteousness. Make our souls fragrant as the garden of the Lord. Enrich them with every godly fruit. Beautify them with heavenly grace. Be our comforter, our guide, our light, our sanctification.Β
Especially take of the things of Christ, and show them with enlarged power to our longing souls. May we daily learn more of His love, His grace, His tender compassion, His faithfulness, and His beauty. May we delight ourselves in Him with increased delight.Β Lead us to the cross, and show us in His wounds–the hateful character of sin.Β May we see our sins, as . . .Β Β theΒ nailsΒ which transfixed Him, Β theΒ cordsΒ which bound Him, Β theΒ swordΒ which pierced Him, Β theΒ thornsΒ which tore Him, Β theΒ tauntsΒ which stung Him.Β
Help us to read in His cruel death, the reality and immensity of His love.Β
Open to us the wondrous volumes of glorious truth in the cry,Β “It is finished!”Β Our atonement is forever achieved,Β our debt is fully paid,Β all our guilt is washed away, all our sins most righteously forgiven, our souls saved, Hell vanquished, the devil crushed, Heaven won, andΒ eternity of glory our rightful home!
Holy Spirit, deepen in us these saving lessons.Β Write them with Your finger on the tablets of our hearts.Β
May our walk be . . . Β sin-loathing, Β sin-fleeing, Β Christ-loving, Β God-fearing!
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!” Romans 8:28Β
The Christian does not merely hold this truth as a theory, but he knows it as a matter of fact. Everything has worked for good as yet.Β
TheΒ poisonous drugsΒ mixed in fit proportions, have worked the cure.Β
TheΒ sharp cutsΒ of the lancet, have cleansed out the infected flesh and facilitated the healing.Β
In every event of your life, God has always worked out the most divinely blessed results.
Believing that God rules all, that He governs wisely, that He brings good out of evil–the believer’s heart is comforted, and he is enabled calmly to meet each trial as it comes. The believer can in the spirit of true resignation pray, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine! Send me what You will, my Father, so long as it comes from You!”
“The LORD said: Β I have indeedΒ seenΒ the misery of My people in Egypt. Β I haveΒ heardΒ them crying out because of their slave drivers, Β and I amΒ concernedΒ about their suffering. Β So I have come down toΒ rescueΒ them . . .” Exodus 3:7, 8
Perhaps no figure of speech represents God in a more gracious light, than when He is spoken of as stooping from His throne and coming down from Heaven to attend to the wants and woes of His redeemed people.Β
How can we but love Him, when we know that He . . . Β numbers the very hairs of our heads, Β marks all our paths, and Β orders all our ways? When a tear is wept by you–do not think that God does not behold it, for . . . “You keepΒ trackΒ of all my sorrows. Β You haveΒ collectedΒ all my tears in Your bottle. Β You haveΒ recordedΒ each one in Your book.” Psalm 56:8Β
Your sigh is able to move the heart of Jehovah,Β your whisper can incline His ear unto you,Β your prayer can stay His hand,Β your faith can move His arm!
Do not think that God sits on high taking no account of you. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him.
October 16, 2025 
iChristian 
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