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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)    |
| By Carl Haselton, Jr. about 1957 Old Soldiers do not fade away! Their memory is with us today! Their lives they gave, Their country to save! Let's say thanks to them for their care. For the battle's fray they did bear, Faced death for us out there! Oh! Say for them a thankful prayer! God is gracious to us all, For they did answer their Country's Call. For the cause of Freedom they did fight, Spilled their blood with all their might. Greater love than this hath none, To give one's all for the Victory won. Jesus Christ expressed the Love That only comes from God above! Yes, Old Soldiers march with us today. Their courage and valor show us the way To face the crises of Satan's forces. Turn them to God and His Resources! ----------------------------------------- The Soldiers, aged, have borne the cost. Salute, we now each honored frame. Some walk in pain with others lost Their bodies show the foe they tamed. Let's thank them for their royal care, embattled days on shoulders bore. They stared down death for us out there. Oh, thank them prayerful, tatters wore. Oh God in Grace, these souls, who stood harked to the call for this Land's need. For Freedom's cause the fight showed good, With red-stained loam in might they bleed. A love so great none other hath, To give one's life, that others live. As Jesus Christ walked Calvary's path Salvation to His sons would give. Old Soldiers march through each blest town. Their courage, valor, robed array are small compared to Christ's redound. Enthroned on High, He rules today. Lines: 40 Branch of Service: United States Navy by Jay O’Toole on September 30th, 2025   |
| "Oh - eeee - Oh - ee,ee,ee,ee,eee - Oh - eeeet." Shofar it shouts, "The new year comes. The days of Grace when all is meet. The old year's sins. Atone it's sum." Rosh Hashanah, the "head of the year," that honors God's created world. Yom Kippur, blest atonement clear, the Joy, now cleansed as all unfurled. Repentance made to river's flow the sins are washed, now in the past. All symbols of the Lord we know. Our sins upon Christ all be cast. The horn of God, His Only Son, but to the host, yet unrevealed. Creator He made all things done. Salvation in His Blood, now sealed. Atonement Day on Calvary's hill, the Lamb full crushed, appeased God's Wrath. Before Creation 'twas His Will, long time before He trudged the path. "Oh, worship we in God's great hall. With effort try we make amends. With heart of self we often call." To nothing man-made, He attends. "On Yom Kippur, we pray make new the seed of Jacob still so blind." Messiah's Sacrifice now through. His Deed full paid is Mercy's find. Made new they'll hear the shofar blast. Then snatching them to His Dear Side, they'll know the Messiah then at last when humble hearts have no more pride. by Jay O’Toole on September 29th, 2025 |
"Dear Lord, please grant us Your Great Peace, all founded on the Merits of Christ. Such awful news brings no release. Our rest comes in His once-paid Price. "The days now shorter, dark comes quick. The time to work is growing slim. The wind looms close to douse this wick, before I speak to all of Him. "Yet, I've no power to save a soul. Your Word Alone transforms the heart to cause new birth, to make one whole, to smile upon the brand new start. "The evil days are on us now when cowards would cause all great fear, but grant us boldness as we bow before Your Feet to hold You dear. "Oh Prince of Peace, our Hope Alone, come soon to shine Truth's Only Light. Each little flame, please trim and hone. Ensconce us in Your House 'fore night. "Oh, Lord, the waves of adversity do threaten now to sink the barque. Disciples fear, that life would flee e'er safe in harbor. There to park. "You told the men of Your Own Sojourn, 'Why fear you now for God is here?' But we, like they in spirit groan, so weak our faith with the Savior near. "We open mouths like little birds. Please, fill them with Your nourishment, 'til satisfied by all Your Words, where Peace we find in the curtain rent. "For the days remaining cause us rest upon the Arms, that hold the Earth. When all is done by Grace we're blest as Mercy triumphs in the New Birth. "Amen, Dear Lord. Your mighty breath created all for Now and Aye. Amen to He, Who conquered death, Whose Merit is the Key to the lasting Day." by Jay O’Toole on September 28th, 2025 |
Sometimes this life's a heavy task. The things to do won't slow down much. When we need help, we should just ask another soul with a friendly touch. We get caught up, it seems, in time. We may then have some time for fun, but just when life's now so sublime, we find more things that need to be done. The biggest job on Terran sod for lives, redeemed, and saved for aye is winning souls for the Lone Great God as serving Him, while it's today. Some day, maybe soon, the Lord will come to catch away His lone, lovely bride. The Supper made's much more than some. From trials of Earth, we there may hide. Caught up to Christ with Him to dwell. The battle's now in very past. His Merits save His Bride from Hell. The Joys and honor all will last. by Jay O’Toole on September 27th, 2025 |
| Rosh Hashanah 2025 came with great respect and honor. The dates of September 22-24, 2025 were filled with meaning. It was the Feast of Trumpets, and during those days, the nations of the world met at the United Nations building in New York City. Some hearts and minds were absolutely convinced that the Lord Jesus Christ would come in the clouds during those days, to take the Bride of Christ to His Father's House to begin the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, but that didn't happen. Why? “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36, KJV) Please, understand I believe in the imminent return of Jesus Christ in the Rapture to take the Church, His Bride, to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, but I am convinced that this Bible verse shows the Truth, that any time there is a popular date promoted for the Rapture the Lord is probably not going to come on that date. Why? “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” (I Thessalonians 5:2, KJV) The Lord's Coming will use the same kind of stealth as that of "a thief in the night." The very moment anyone realizes that it is time for the Rapture, the Rapture will be over and done. Ever try to jump out of the way of a bolt of lightning. That's the kind of speed the Rapture will come. Actually, the Rapture will no doubt be faster. Over the past few days, a lot of people got their jollies over making fun of "the believers in the Rapture." However, even their ridicule was one more affirmation that Bible prophecy is true, and that it will happen on the moment of God's Choosing. “And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (II Peter 3:4, KJV) These words were predicted about 2000 years ago. He is definitely coming, again. I pray we'll all be ready. by Jay O’Toole on September 26th, 2025 |
This Life restores, renews, reacts to changes every day. The past may at our sureness attack, to often hit, "Replay!" When starting over, give it time to find its rhythm, new. The hope may find you in your prime with greater things to do. Some limps of gait mean you have walked o'er many lifetime miles. These days well-spent as you have talked of times away we've whiled. A new path may need cutting tools, if overgrown, it's now. The lumbering steps seem hard and cruel, until at new skills bow. When starting over, be at peace, while learning what you need, and in this chapter, find release in this new day's honored deed. by Jay O’Toole on September 25th, 2025 |
silence, darkness rest things that move will keep their stealth black as blanket lies by Jay O’Toole on September 24th, 2025 |
| "The future starts today." This catchy thought, in its original and other forms, has launched multiple advertisement campaigns that have supported the advancement of various products and viewpoints throughout history. Good shoes support the spinal column. Good food supports the sustenance of the body. Good glasses help me to see what I am writing at Writing.Com. When our favorite sports team wins a game, that supports our mental and emotional health. However, that begs the question, "Does the mental and emotional health decline for the fans of the team that lost the game?" As the son of a Baptist preacher, I have been reared to believe I have the personal responsibility to "lead people to the Lord," preparing them for their eternal future. However, the amount of pushback I've gotten from the people I've encountered in my life has led me to believe that the Good News I'm trying to share is not always received as Good News by the people I'm talking to. Preparation for the future among the various belief systems seems to have only a handful of goals and outcomes. I've never met anyone who knows that he or she is going to Hell and is okay with that. Therefore, it would seem that the bulk of Humanity, if not every human, believes in the bright afterlife of the cessation of pain and everlasting joy. Yet, I have encountered varied beliefs about what is required to be part of this "happily ever after," assigning those who eschew their particular requirements to an existence of everlasting pain and sadness. My logical brain gets quite the workout, trying to justify all the pluses and minuses of these various systems. 1. Probably the easiest belief system to express is atheism. There is no afterlife in this belief. This life is all the atheist has. The conundrum for me is this. "Where is the hope in an existence that when I am past existence, I will no longer know that I ever existed?" 2. The vast majority of religions in the world seem to tell me that if I am more good than bad when I die, then I will have joy forever, avoiding the Hell of eternal punishment. The conundrum for me is this. "How will I ever know if I have done enough good to outweigh the bad of my life, with which I am all too familiar? Is Purgatory a real place? Where is the proof that it actually does what I am told that it does? Is there some document or testimonial from Heaven, regarding a person, who 'was burning, but now I am at peace'?" 3. Christianity tells me that I can have peace with God through the Merits of God's Son, Jesus Christ. However, among Christian belief systems, there are two very different viewpoints that tell me how the Merits of Jesus are applied to my life. A. Arminianism - "a theological movement in Protestant Christianity that arose as a liberal reaction to the Calvinist doctrine of predestination. The movement began early in the 17th century and asserted that God’s sovereignty and human free will are compatible. The movement was named for Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch Reformed theologian..." https://www.britannica.com/topic/Arminianism This view emphasizes the responsibility of a human to choose to "trust Jesus Christ as one's own personal Savior" in order to "avoid going to Hell when you die." The conundrum for me is this. "If I can choose to trust Jesus Christ as my Personal Savior whenever I want to trust Him, what precludes me from ever getting tired of being a Christian, choosing not to trust Him for the rest of Time and Eternity? Thus, losing my Salvation." B. Calvinism - "a major branch of Protestantism that follows the theological tradition and teachings of John Calvin, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, the doctrine of predestination, and the necessity of grace through faith." https://fiveable.me/key-terms/ap-world/calvinism This view emphasizes the absolute Sovereignty of God, regarding the Salvation of any and all saved humans. This means that no human can come to God by whim or volition, without a summons from this One Everlasting Judge. (John 6:44, KJV) The conundrum for me is this. "If God Alone calls, regenerates, and gives the faith needed to trust Him, what motivation is there for me to 'call on His Name,' (Romans 10:13, KJV) or to evangelize? (Matthew 28:18-20, KJV) I have spent my entire lifetime, thus far, looking for Occam's Razor as it pertains to the afterlife. What is it that causes me to be saved? What is it that causes me to want to be saved? Is God as wholly in charge of the new, spiritual birth (John 3:3, KJV) as He was in the old, physical birth? Am I still required to call upon the Name of the Lord? (Romans 10:13, KJV) Why do I want to call upon the name of the Lord? (Philippians 2:13, KJV) What characteristics prove to the satisfaction of my soul that I have been "born again?" (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Galatians 5:22-23, KJV) Is the Occam's Razor the Truth, that God and His ways are inexplicable by human reasoning? 1. The Trinity is One and Only One God. Three Unique Persons are Each God, yet at the same time These Three Unique Persons together comprise Only One God. 2. The Salvation Call is issued by God Alone at the moment of His Own Choosing. (John 6:44, KJV) At the same time, the coming of each believer is according to his or her will as tuned by the Lord (Philippians 2:13; Ezekiel 36:26-27, KJV) with the promise that God will turn away none of these who come. (John 6:37, KJV) 3. Is it possible that Calvinism and Arminianism are the two perspectives of a holographic image? From the right side, we see the Sovereignty of God, and from the left side, we see the responsibility of Man. 4. The Bible is the Absolute Word of God. In the process of creating His Word, He did not use automatic writing, but He breathed His Word through the framework of human personality. In the Bible, we see the personalities of Paul, Peter, Daniel, David, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Moses, Joshua, and every other man who penned the words of Scripture, while at the same time, we have the confidence that every word of The Holy Bible is the exact word that The Lord wanted written. None of this makes human sense, but every bit of it makes Divine Sense. Occam's Razor = God is above everything in the physical Universe in every way, including Man's ability to comprehend God. Some god we can understand is no god at all. by Jay O’Toole on September 23rd, 2025 |
| When Life is going quite good it seems, and then you "hit the wall," the words can flow out by the reams, and your face can land the fall. It's just like running a marathon. I've done that. I should know. The first few miles, your heart is ON, but then things start to slow. "I need some water and some food. I can't take much more of this." "Dear Heart, you're tired, and sounding rude. We are not running for bliss." The mind takes over to finish the race as the body and heart fatigue demand we stop, commitment erased, creating their own bush league. It's a good thing, too, for mile 20 it seems is the marathon's wall of great shame. It comes sooner or later or whenever it deems is the best time your feat to defame. The runner is trained to run through this tough wall with the mind always charging ahead. The mind must refuel before the body can fall to convince it of the victory, it read. The mind's the adult, that must carry the race or the child of the body will fail. Every step of the run must know what it's traced to finish the marathon's tale. Often, Life is like that. We run into the wall as the weary old body says, "ENOUGH!" The mind has to counsel the child with it's call, "Feel better do you, now? Life is tough." "The wall nearly broke you, but now we'll go through. When we finish the race, there'll be time to heal every hurt, every wound, pay each due, until victory will feel quite sublime." But what now of our friends? We must teach this great truth when it seems that insanity took hold. The words we must say is that "fighting from youth through this wall makes us weak, and then bold." by Jay O’Toole on September 22nd, 2025 |
| How do we live with certainty through years? How do we heal abuse from when we're small? Will God replace a confidence for fears? Will Hope be there to keep us from a fall? How does a child learn certainty when young? Can children learn appropriately to choose? How do we learn sweet notes until they're sung? How do we learn what's truth and not a ruse? How do we help an older soul to heal? How do we bless when choosing causes fear? Can certainty of life become so real, that what was past may finally be clear? This life is short. Mistakes will soon be gone. The Lord fore'er Salvation He has won. by Jay O’Toole on September 21st, 2025 |
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