We live much of life amid unique choices. Joy is anchored in The One beyond our life. |
โThere are times when solitude is better than society, and silence is wiser than speech. We should be better Christians if we were more alone, waiting upon God, and gathering through meditation on His Word spiritual strength for labour in his service. We ought to muse upon the things of God, because we thus get the real nutriment out of them. . . . Why is it that some Christians, although they hear many sermons, make but slow advances in the divine life? Because they neglect their closets, and do not thoughtfully meditate on God's Word. They love the wheat, but they do not grind it; they would have the corn, but they will not go forth into the fields to gather it; the fruit hangs upon the tree, but they will not pluck it; the water flows at their feet, but they will not stoop to drink it. From such folly deliver us, O Lord. . . .โ โ Charles Spurgeon โOur anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strengths.โ โ C. H. Spurgeon โHope itself is like a star- not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.โ โ Charles Haddon Spurgeon โIf sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.โ โ Charles Spurgeon โA Bible thatโs falling apart usually belongs to someone who isnโt.โ โ Charles Spurgeon โVisit many good books, but live in the Bible.โ โ Charles Spurgeon โWhen your will is God's will, you will have your will.โ โ Charles Spurgeon https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/2876959.Charles_Haddon_Spurgeon (Philippians 2:13, KJV) |
For more than 60 years, I've lived on Planet Earth working, loving, eating, and sleeping. Having been born at a very early age much of my first five years is not easy to recollect. However, those years, that begin with first grade have been filled with hills and valleys of emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual progress. Most notable are high school and university graduations with various honors, marriage to my college girlfriend, and the birth of our only child about 20 years ago. Every life needs a good foundation, which is a rock upon which to stand. This is a big part of my life's story. God opened my mind, even as a small child, to realize, that life with Jesus of Nazareth would answer life's greatest question, "How shall I live throughout the entirety of my existence?" Obviously, these are not the words I used back then, but I knew enough to know, "I need protection now, and I want to be protected forever when I leave this life." In simplicity as a child, growing into more complex thoughts as an adult, my one continuous desire has been to know Jesus as my personal Saviour. Friendship is one of the greatest gifts a life can know. Meeting the young lady in college, who has become my wife of nearly 37 years is this blessing of friendship in my own life. Steering the ship of life with my longtime friend has been a source of joy for me. The gales have threatened to capsize us. Yet, with God's Help, still we sail. Calm seas and gentle pools in the rivers have given restoration to hearts in need of rest. Friendship with this dear sister, who also knows the saving Lord brings peace to my heart since our friendship can last beyond this life. The future of every life deals with both the temporal and the eternal. We've been blessed with an amazing daughter, who has been given to us as a hope for both of these needs. What a pleasure it has been to watch her grow from a small child to a talented adult lady! If my life follows the normal path, I will be able to leave the world in her hands to be well cared for. Since she has expressed my same desire to know the saving Lord, then I may rest confident, that our friendship, too, can last beyond this life. My life knows few of the successes touted by Society at large. Gold has been minimal in my purse, but why should I focus on gaining Heaven's paving material? (Revelation 21:21, KJV) I've known some acclaim, locally as a singer and actor on our community stage, but now I work as a janitor. Fame is fleeting. (Proverbs 22:1, KJV) Years ago I wrote for a newspaper in a state capital, but now I am challenged to publish a book. What is my life's value? I have a saving Lord, Who died, was buried, and rose again to secure my place with Him forever. I have a wife and daughter, who know the same saving Lord, that we may serve Him together forever. I'm convinced, that my life is a Success. by Jay OโToole on June 28th, 2023 |