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 |    We live much of life amid unique choices. Joy is anchored in The One beyond our life. |
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“There 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. . . .” ― Charles Spurgeon “Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strengths.” ― C. H. Spurgeon “Hope itself is like a star- not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.” ― Charles Haddon Spurgeon “If 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.” ― Charles Spurgeon “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” ― Charles Spurgeon “Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.” ― Charles Spurgeon “When your will is God's will, you will have your will.” ― Charles Spurgeon https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/2876959.Charles_Haddon_Spurgeon (Philippians 2:13, KJV)    |
night-time silence breaks chirping frogs in chorus song gentle hope retained by Jay O'Toole on January 11th, 2020 |
early in the year yellow cups and saucers blessed before springtime rush by Jay O'Toole on January 10th, 2020 |
Peace creates the quiet heart. Peace agrees with Jesus' best. Changing thoughts is where we start. Under His wings through every test. (Hebrews 4:9/ Psalm 91:1-2) Keep it simple in your ways. Live with a margin in your days. "Pretend to be rich, and you'll die without. Pretend to be poor, and you'll banish all doubt." (Proverbs 13:7) Tell of "the Way and the Truth and the Light." Speak it by morning and all through the night. Some will believe you, and some, they just won't, but stopping's no option. So, I beg you, just don't. With the Lord on your side, and His mercy obeyed, have great joy in your heart, and a smile none would trade. When Christ comes (as He will,) on this hope you can cling, Earthly service may pale to the song you will sing. "The five talents You gave have gained five talents more,' but what strength I have used at the last than before. Yet, so much was not done, that Your Glory deserved. I've agonized fully, though often I swerved." (Matthew 25:20) "My dear child, there's a hope, that will ever remain. In your life, there were limits to what you could gain, but after you've lived, in the life, that won't die will be time for perfecting the things you would try." Though no verse yet exists, that can prove these dear things, the heart of the Savior in the hope, that He brings, seems to show so much more than we ever could know in this life of the flesh on these pathways below. (I Corinthians 2:9) Will we learn in that day? Will we grow to new heights? There's no promise below, neither proof, that it cites, but the character known of this Christ, Who still lives, shows One, Who's effusive, and wondrously gives. "For eye hath not seen, nor ear yet hath heard, nor entered the heart of the man of the Word, what His love has prepared for the ones, who love Him." But we know of a truth, that all in Him will win! (I Corinthians 2:9) When we think of the things, that we wanted to do, and we're tempted to cry, that life too soon is through, then we change our dear thoughts to the life, that will come, and we'll see greater days than our earthly days' sum. Greater talents to learn, greater cities to lead, greater places to go, greater tomes yet to read, greater art left to make for the Glory of our God, greater moments to sing, and to praise, and applaud. What if now is the time we will branch out and taste little snippets of God we will learn in that Place! For the days of our sojourn, let us try many things, that our Joy in His Presence will know naught but wings! (2nd Kings 4:6) by Jay O'Toole on January 9th, 2020 |
| Crisp and cool the air, wondrous blue to fill the sky. Holidays are gone, little children wonder why. Tapestry of blue, some royal leaders make their way. Messiah's star doth shine, and still, they travel day by day. Their days are shining bright. How dark the blue 'mid twinkling dots! All rest in circling peace with treasured gifts secured in pots. Cold and blue the wintry ice forces all to shelter seek. Man's first Sin exacts the price. Consequences bite and reek. Warms the heart His smile. He comes to melt the blue away. Frightened as a pup I back and hide as a suffering stray. Patiently He waits, reaching out to bring me near. Winsome smile, it breaks the cold, blue ice around my fear. Frozen I can't move. Blue depression makes me shrink. Near He comes to hold my doubtful life, that tends to sink. One, Who came to save my lonely life so long was blue. Icy heart, I give. Warmest hope transformed by You. New life now I have. Rest within Your loving arms. Blue still tempts to chill. Strong You stand before alarms. Nothing in my hands, no payment You require to be done. Blue may lurk about, but warmth within. I'm Your loved, dear son. by Jay O'Toole on January 8th, 2020 |
Both head and heart must function well, that humans be alive. This truth throughout our days will tell the way, that we may thrive. The spirit man bears picture same, that mind, emotions dwell in tandem, both will lift the Name of Him Who conquered Hell. The mind pursues the knowledge base of all the truth thus seen bequeathed by God on Earth to trace His face in every scene. The heart can feel His heartbeat through the word, that He has given. Creation speaks His loving, too. It draws to His side once riven. Through hearts, we see the needs of men. Through heads, we learn the How to meet each need, the day to win, before our Maker bow. by Jay O'Toole on January 7th, 2020 |
| The word, respect, needs to be better understood these days. Too often, respect is simply a substitute for the word, "like." If you say, that you respect someone, it automatically follows, that you like that person in the modern social context. However, if rightly understood, we consistently need more respect for our detractors than for our friends. For example, Clemson is preparing to meet LSU in the college football championship game. It doesn't take much to believe, that Dabo Sweeney and his team of support coaches are pouring over every bit of game footage, that they can find, to help them learn how to defend against Joe Burrow. We may say, that Dabo Sweeney and the Clemson Tigers have much respect for Joe Burrow. Do they like Joe Burrow? Possibly, but in the context of a championship football game, "Like" has nothing to do with the point. Neutralizing the strengths of Joe Burrow's offense and the LSU defense has everything to do with their purpose of winning back-to-back national championships. In other words, respect and like are separate concepts, and they should never be mistaken as substituting for each other. I respect atheism strongly, but I do not like atheism at all. Atheism is the extreme result of the Original Sin. The Original Sin showed, that Adam and Eve, our first parents, chose to accept truth as being from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil rather than continuing to accept the truth of God Himself, who is the Source of all Truth since He is TRUTH. (John 14:6) . (Truth is a Person. Truth is NOT a set of inanimate facts.) My hat is off to all atheists. These men and women must fancy themselves to be really strong individuals. Actually, these people have way more courage and faith than I will ever possess. Atheists believe they are strong enough to control air, sun, gravity, heartbeats, breathing, all within the short lifespan of 100 years, more or less, leaving the Earth more fit for subsequent generations than they received it when they were born. I believe in the existence of One and Only One God, since the belief in no God or multiple gods has no possibility of succeeding, given the scientific parameters of the physical universe. Every item required for the existence of human life on Earth has such a small range of allowable error for the continuation of human life on this planet, that these may each be said to sit on the edge of a sharpened razor. 1. Oxygen and nitrogen in breathable air are in such a tandem, that much remixing and life on Earth ceases to exist. 2. The tilt of the Earth is required for seasons to aid plant growth and food production, thus providing sustenance for humans. 3. The spin of the Earth on its axis is maintained at such a speed, that day and night aid in the food production, mentioned in the previous example. 4. The annual course of Earth around the sun is maintained at such a speed as to help the two previous examples to maintain life on Earth. There are many more examples, that could be given, but the point would remain the same. Chance (i.e. no God) has no ability to begin nor to continue these life-specific events. Multiple gods would fight over supremacy to the destruction of all life on Earth since everything would be quickly out-of-balance in the fight to become the supreme god. Over the years I have come to understand and to respect the strengths of each argument espoused by atheists, singularly and corporately, as well as atheism as a belief system, (whether or not any atheist ever confesses, that it is actually a belief system.) Atheism poses a formidable counterpoint to my belief in Jesus Christ as my only Savior as well as being the only possible Savior of any human being. As a formidable detractor, atheism has my highest respect. One does not enter a debate on the subject of God with beliefs, comprised of no more than "warm, fuzzy teddy bears." Atheists are highly intelligent individuals, who have come to their position through years of hardship, doubts, and personal questioning. However, in one regard it's humorous, that atheists are so much like the preachers, whom they vehemently oppose. Atheists and preachers alike are not always right, but they are rarely in doubt,...at least, publicly. Finally, this piece is not intended to necessarily gain me any friends among atheists, since most continue to find some point of contention with whatever I say, even if it is my attempt to "offer an olive branch" on some issue, minor though it may be. The point of this piece is to give an admonition to atheists and believers alike. Respect, especially those, who differ with you, intellectually. Each person has no doubt come to his or her position through great mental effort, and probably a great deal of emotional/spiritual wrestlings. Bottom Line: Atheism and belief in God are matters of faith. Atheism can't prove the nonexistence of God any more than a Christian prove, that God exists. The scientific evidence can be used to prove the existence of God, pro or con, with the final arbiter being the viewpoint, that one maintains, philosophically. Nonthinking believers are no better than nonbelieving thinkers, and vice versa. Honest humans confess, that we do not know everything. The part we can't know requires faith on some level. Belief in that which is true cannot be harmed by rational thought. To believe without examining that belief, ruthlessly, demonstrates irresponsibility, and, potentially, the demise of that belief. True respect for belief in the One True God means coming to grips with the tenets of nonbelief if one is to maintain the best belief at one's very core. If Dabo Sweeney were to "just wing it" in the game against LSU a week from today, then he could be the victim of a 73-0 defeat. However, if he studies Joe Burrow and LSU (as I have no doubt, that he is doing,) then he has at least a fighting chance to win. Disrespect of an opponent means sure defeat in any sort of contest or debate. Respect is wise. Respect shows, that you know what is at stake. by Jay O'Toole on January 6th, 2020 |
| Sometimes life seems quite unfair because success is for the few, but perspectives stumble there, defining "popular" as true. I fancy fame would be a plus, my name in lights for all to see, but when I'm out there shining thus, who will my shadow stand-in be? To live where summer heat is harsh, we learn great wisdom from the plants. The stalwart few in scorching march endure the sun's strong torrid rant. Yet, some plants thrive in stifling heat, through lusty, humid, thick-air days, but only in the shade to greet and cheer our souls in such displays. The hostas, ferns, and begonias, too, need shade to grow in God-made power. They need to be watered, 'tis quite true and taken in 'mid winter's dour. If helped by those, whose strength is more, then showy leaves and blooms they'll splay. They give in silence to implore our hearts our gifts for God obey. Dear Barney would not shine as well were Andy not the leading man, and Mayberry would not live to tell the peace of small town's hopeful plan. I've had some famous larger parts when the stage was mine to occupy, but the heavy burden always starts when living past what skills have I. I've shared the stage, supporting those, whose acting skills are large and rare. It's then the wisdom of ones, who chose my part knew how I'd thrive and where. Success is living how we're made, full knowing God is why we're great. The day of small things when obeyed will carve its gift for our hopeful plate. Like the song of courage to give us, "Little is much when God is in it." Fame we think would ne'er deprive us, but fame in God we'd never win it. Constant Pride, begone and leave me! Let me go in Jesus' Name! His great Wisdom ne'er deceives me. Hope in Him will speak no shame. (Romans 8:1) by Jay O'Toole on January 5th, 2020 |
How friendly is the meeting place of...the...Lord! My soul is longing, faints to trace the courts of the lasting Lord. My heart and flesh are crying out for the God, Who lives fore'er. The sparrow finds a house, no doubt, the swallow's nesting there. She lays her young in thine altars about, my King, Who burdens bear. How bless-ed are they, who dwell in thy house! They'll still be praising Thee. the man is blest, whose strength is Spouse, and in his heart are the ways to be. Who passing through the valley of pain makes it a living well. There, blessings come from Heaven like rain the pools they fill and sorrows quell. From strength to strength they go each one, before God there in Zion stand. O, Lord of hosts, please hear your son. Give ear, O God of Jacob's land. Behold, O God, our guarding shield. On Your anointed, see my face. For one day in Your courts I yield. 'Tis better than many in any other place. I'd rather be a butler kneeled in Your House than the wicked chase and like them have their fate all sealed. For the Lord, our God, is a sun and a shield. The Lord will give us grace and glory. No good thing from the ones, who yield, from them, who walk a bright, new story. O Lord of hosts, the man is blest, who trusts in Thee through every test. by Jay O'Toole on January 4th, 2020 |
Secret Christmas. Could it be He lived and died for you and me? Once wrapped up as the greatest Gift. He rose, again, to save and lift. They wrapped Him up in swaddling clothes. Later, wrapped and laid until He rose. His cousin wrapped him in Jordan's River. The Dove descended on the great Life-Giver. The Son of God wrapped in our skin, Salvation's Hope He once would win. He walked each day wrapped in our clothes to win the lost, the ones He chose. Now, once redeemed we're wrapped in Him, that no more should our boss be Sin. The Future's still a mystery wrapped, revealed in time to those he's kept. by Jay O'Toole on January 2nd, 2020 |
| O, Lord, we ask, that You would give our world the peace it needs. We're sinful souls. Please, us forgive. Make Gratitude our deeds. We start by praying for your heart, the ones whom You did choose. Make peace in Israel ever start. Jerusalem ne'er You lose. Dear Lord, we pray for presidents and the leaders of each land, that You would be in residence to guide as You have planned. Please give salvation. Help us call on You, the One, Who saves. You died on the cross to win us all, and rose up from the grave. Protect our first responders, Lord. Their job is often hard. Please, fill their hearts with Your Own Word. Each day their dear lives guard. In Hope, we ask, that You would show our children how to live, that when they're grown, they all would know, in You is where we thrive. So many things need daily prayer. Please, help us to recall, that You can carry every care. We'd bring you one and all. Oh, Prince of Peace, please speak, "Shalom" o'er every earthly thought, that when you come to bring us Home Your joyful peace be wrought. by Jay O'Toole on January 2nd, 2020 "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good." (Psalm 122:6-9, KJV) |
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