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) |
They started walking down the road without much hope in sight. Their saving Lord, and closest Friend had died, now all was night. A Stranger came and matched their gait. So pleasant, seemed they odd. He asked of life, their sad, low mood, "unknowing" the fate of their God. "You're sad on this most pleasant day," He spoke in Question's tone. "You seem as though you've lost a Friend. Your words in softness moan." "So, where have you been these past few days? Do you not know the news? Did you leave shipping 'round the world, that the Teacher missed your views?" "I'd hoped He'd be the new day's dawn, but now the day is dawned and new. It's been three days since He was killed. Our hope is gone since His life's through." "And now we feel another loss for women of our group have said, 'We've seen the grave. It's empty, clean,' and now our loss is weighed with dread." "O fools, and slow of heart to grasp all that the prophets spoke so true. Ought not the Christ to suffer tests, and enter Glory as His due?" He spoke to them of Scriptures all the things, concerning what He did. The day was long, but still, He walked, until, "Please, stay the night," they bid. Then, sitting down to nightly meat, He took the bread and blest it the same as when the seder He did lead, and gave Himself to take our blame. And when He break and gave to them, their eyes were opened, and they knew Messiah stood as risen now, yet vanished 'fore they aught could do. O, serious fools, we ought to have known this One, Who warmed and touched our hearts. The Scriptures point us to His Throne. What wisdom through His mouth imparts. Then waiting not, they braved the dark, returning to Jerusalem. They found the eleven huddled, stark. They told the truth. He'd been with them. They said, "The Lord is risen, indeed, and He appeared to Simon's eyes. He walked along, and kept our speed. When breaking bread, we saw our prize. And as they spoke dear Jesus stood in the midst of them to lift each heart. He said to them in His tender mood, "Peace be to you. Let Hope now start." Affrighted, that He was a ghost, they shook and trembled in His wake. "Why are you fearful, all this host? Your thoughts, that arise, are quite a mistake." "Behold, my fleshly hands and feet. Come. Touch and see. I'm flesh and bones. A spirit cannot do this feat to be of flesh, and walk through stones." While showing them it all was true, He asked for meat, that He could eat. Consuming food could none dead do. He ate fish, and honeycomb, a treat. So many things, He taught them more. To many more, He showed, alive. The future's full of His great store, and with Him, we shall ever thrive. When walks we take, alert we must seek hope beyond the daily test. The Lord will help our wavering trust by being with us ever blest. by Jay OโToole on April 18th, 2022 |