Life is like a painted dream! by Octavius Winslow (1808-1878)

“For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” (Psalm 48:14) The world passes away. Everything here in this present world is changing.

Life is like a painted dream,
Like the rapid summer stream,
Like the fleeting meteor’s ray,
Like the shortest winter’s day,
Like the fitful breeze that sighs,
Like the waning flame that dies,
Darting, dazzling on the eye,
Fading in eternity.

A rope of sand, a spider’s web, a silken thread, a passing shadow, an ebbing wave, are the most fitting and expressive emblems of all things belonging to this present earthly state.

Homes that sheltered us in childhood we leave,
Land which gave us birth we leave,
Loved ones who encircled our hearths pass away, and
Friends of early years depart.

And the world that was so sunny, and life that was so sweet, is all beclouded and embittered . The whole scenery of existence changed into wintry gloom. Such are the saddening, depressing effects of life’s vicissitudes.

But in the midst of all, “this God is our God for ever and ever!”

All beings change, but God. All things change, but heaven. The evolutions of time revolve, the events of earth go onward, but He upon whom all things hang, and by whom all events are shaped and controlled, moves not.

Mal 3:6 “For I am the Lord, I change not.”

Affairs may alter.
Circumstances may change.
Relations and friends may depart one by one.
Souls in a single day pass through many fluctuations of spiritual feeling.

But He who chose us to be His own, and who has kept us to the present moment, is our covenant God and Father forever and ever, and will never throw us off and cast us away. (Heb 13:5)

Psa 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

Octavius Winslow (1808 – 1878) was a prominent 19th-century evangelical preacher in England and America. Known as “The Pilgrim’s Companion,” he was Baptist minister until 1870 when he was ordained an Anglican deacon and priest. He was a contemporary of Charles Spurgeon and J. C. Ryle and a prolific writer. His Christ-centered, richly devotional writings offer inspiration and encouragement.

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith... Heb 12:1-2

Words of Wisdom from the Cloud of Witnesses: The Cloud of Witnesses is a reference to Christians in Heaven who have run their races and are now with the Lord. Their words of wisdom, encouragement, hope, and joy live on and inspire us to know Jesus better, to love Him more, and to run our race to the finish line. Their words strengthen our souls, equip our minds, encourage our hearts, and empower us to stand firm in our faith and be motivated, ready, and willing to share the hope we have in Jesus.

More Words of Wisdom from the Cloud of Witnesses

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Do not be anxious about anything. (Phil 4:6)

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must rightly remember who is in control. Our God is sovereign over all things, including COVID-19. As Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) said, “The sovereignty of God is a soft pillow on which weary people lay their heads.”

Remember also God’s gracious promise, and that it is true and He is faithful to keep it: Hebrews 13:5 …”I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” The next verse remind us of the power that comes in trusting God and how we can live: Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man [or COVID-19] shall do to me.

God loves us, and in Christ we find confidence and calm in times of uncertainty and trouble. When we trust in God, fear is replaced with faith, stress is replaced with strength, anxiety is gone and hope abounds, problems become opportunities, and we are able to receive the blessings God has for us in the midst of difficult circumstances. Turn to Jesus. He will lead you to the still waters and give rest for your troubled soul.

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…Hebrews 6:19

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