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

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.

Words of Wisdom from the Cloud of Witnesses:  The Cloud of Witnesses is a reference to those in Heaven who have run their races and are now with the Lord. Their words of wisdom are filled with faith, hope, love, and joy to warm our souls, and the eternal truths of God to grow us and give us joy. 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.

 Hebrews 12:1-2  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...