God is good and is giving me much peace in my heart. This morning’s devotion reading was from John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. It is these and other verses that give me much peace because Jesus has overcome the world. If we indeed are born again in Christ Jesus, we too, have overcome the world and that can give reason for much cheer and happiness. If by Faith we can leave our burdens at the feet of Jesus we have much less of a load to carry.
This week more sad news came our way when a dear lady friend whom we have known for a long time through the street and Mission outreach of Ruth and Naomi passed away. After only a very short illness with cancer she left this world leaving a mourning husband and family behind, however, Joanne had spoken of her desire to be with her Saviour Jesus Christ. These moments are sad and difficult for those that she left behind, yet there is joy in Heaven.
I truly feel blessed, blessed for how good I feel and blessed because today is a new day that God has given for us to enjoy. With God’s help, I am going to make to best of it. I also felt blessed this week when again I needed to visit the Vancouver Cancer Centre for more tests. Each patient that walks through the door has a story of its own and is afflicted with some kind of cancer. Some patients carry a load they can barely carry, loads of pain, discomfort and sadness and it makes me wonder if they too bring there needs to Christ, our burden bearer.
I am 16 days into my Chemo Therapy treatments. The first 12 days made me very tired, less appetite and breaking out in an itchy rash. However things have changed, the rash is gone and I am less tired and eat well. Most certainly God is hearing prayer.
On August 7, I will be receiving a CT and Bone Scan to see if the Chemo treatments are helping. The last scan showed lesions in areas like the ribs and others which are suspicious of bone metastases. Please join us as we continue to pray for complete healing because by God all things are possible.
Thank you again for your loving care, messages, cards and love.
John
Saturday, 30 June 2012
Monday, 25 June 2012
Top Five Regrets of the Dying
I want to share a paper with you that laid in my Bible for maybe a year or longer. This article was written by Bonnie Ware, you can find it on her blog.
For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.
* Note from John. I would like to add this as number 6
For those who do not know Christ. Will you regret that you do not have Jesus Christ as your Saviour ?
For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.
* Note from John. I would like to add this as number 6
For those who do not know Christ. Will you regret that you do not have Jesus Christ as your Saviour ?
Saturday, 23 June 2012
My Father's way may twist and turn
This week we were privileged to visit friends who shared a poem with us, I want to share it with you. It touched my heart, and as has happened many times before, God sends His messengers and messages on time and at a time when we need it most.
“My Father's way may twist and turn,
My heart may throb and ache.
But in my soul I'm glad I know,
He maketh no mistake.
My cherished plans may go astray.
My hopes may fade away,
But still I'll trust my Lord to lead,
For He doth know the way.
Tho' night be dark and it may seem,
That day with never break;
I'll pin my faith, my all in Him,
He maketh no mistake.
There's so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight far too dim;
But come what may I'll simply trust,
And leave it all to Him.
For by and by the mist will lift,
And plain it all He'll make,
Through all the way, tho' dark to me,
He made not one mistake.
― A.M. Overton
Today is week 2 for Chemo treatments. I started last Friday and the side effects showed up the next day when I started to get a very hoarse voice, making it harder to speak. Other side effects have surfaced during the last week like high blood pressure, lack of appetite and fatigue.
Now you may understand a little why the above poem spoke to me so much when it was read to us. As I am going through this period of Clinical Trials of Chemo treatments it also sheds more and more light on my medical condition. I now receive all medical reports by mail and the last results this week show that the cancer continues to spread.
At times I feel like life is a roller coaster that is when I look at the circumstances. When going through trying hours I have to cling to Christ, when I look ahead it looks bleak, but my future is secure with God. Psalm 31: 24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!
We were privileged once again to have our every 3 - 4 week family night where we this time viewed old slides from 30 years ago and times when the family was much younger. It was a good time of laughter and jokes, it is a blessing to come together and look at the past and just to forget about the present for a few hours and just crack up laughing to the point of tears.
Life is good, the family is a blessing and the people that surround us are of great encouragement. Once again thank you so much for your cares, cards, and tokens of love.
Be blessed and be a blessing
John
“My Father's way may twist and turn,
My heart may throb and ache.
But in my soul I'm glad I know,
He maketh no mistake.
My cherished plans may go astray.
My hopes may fade away,
But still I'll trust my Lord to lead,
For He doth know the way.
Tho' night be dark and it may seem,
That day with never break;
I'll pin my faith, my all in Him,
He maketh no mistake.
There's so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight far too dim;
But come what may I'll simply trust,
And leave it all to Him.
For by and by the mist will lift,
And plain it all He'll make,
Through all the way, tho' dark to me,
He made not one mistake.
― A.M. Overton
Today is week 2 for Chemo treatments. I started last Friday and the side effects showed up the next day when I started to get a very hoarse voice, making it harder to speak. Other side effects have surfaced during the last week like high blood pressure, lack of appetite and fatigue.
Now you may understand a little why the above poem spoke to me so much when it was read to us. As I am going through this period of Clinical Trials of Chemo treatments it also sheds more and more light on my medical condition. I now receive all medical reports by mail and the last results this week show that the cancer continues to spread.
At times I feel like life is a roller coaster that is when I look at the circumstances. When going through trying hours I have to cling to Christ, when I look ahead it looks bleak, but my future is secure with God. Psalm 31: 24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!
We were privileged once again to have our every 3 - 4 week family night where we this time viewed old slides from 30 years ago and times when the family was much younger. It was a good time of laughter and jokes, it is a blessing to come together and look at the past and just to forget about the present for a few hours and just crack up laughing to the point of tears.
Life is good, the family is a blessing and the people that surround us are of great encouragement. Once again thank you so much for your cares, cards, and tokens of love.
Be blessed and be a blessing
John
Friday, 15 June 2012
Why on Earth am I here for.......
Has this question ever entered your mind? To tell you the truth, many years ago that thought did enter my mind. However since that time I have found the answers to this question. When travelling this week to the hospital and the Vancouver Cancer Centre in Vancouver I had many opportunities to listen to radio ministries, many had good messages. There was one that stood out titled” What on Earth am I here for”. This message was brought by Dr. David Jeremiah, it spoke to me and I hope it will speak to you too.
We all get attached to “things” to some level, possessions, family or other things. I am not free from these attachments, however I must say that lately these things mean less and less to me. With the seriousness of my cancer I could be facing Eternity soon.
Have you ever thought about your future? Are you not facing the same Eternity as I am? The question is where will you spend Eternity. You will not take your “toys” or any possessions with you. I would like you to spend the next 20 minutes listening to Dr. David Jeremiah. It could make a huge difference in your life. I have had the urge in the past to write about this subject, there is however no need to re-invent the wheel. You can listen to the message here and it is much better than I can say it. It again put things in perspective for me, I am sure it will for you, no matter if you are healthy or sick, rich or poor, it’s a message for all. Also worthwhile watching is the video I posted, it tells a story of its own.
Henrietta and I had a very tiring and busy week going back and forth every day (except Wednesday) to Vancouver. I received many different types of scans, tests and blood tests to the point that I really had enough for a few weeks. I got so many scans that I received a special letter to get me across the USA border. I was told that I am now radioactive for some days and unable to pass the border scanners without the bells and whistles going off. The folks at the hospital almost made it sound like I might glow like a glow worm for the next days.
Not only was this week tiring physically but also mentally. Many questions were asked, many answers were given. By Friday I received the green light to go ahead with the Clinical trial Chemo Therapy. Had I failed any of the criteria or tests I would not have qualified for this Clinical Trial. We thank the Lord for strength He gave this week and also the opportunity to receive the Chemo treatments and the second to none Medical provisions that we enjoy. I stand amazed every time again how smooth and professional our Medical system works. God is so good.
Today was my first day of taking 5 Chemo pills, 5 days on 2 days off and this will go on indefinitely unless I cannot tolerate the treatments. I hope and pray that no problems arise.
God blessed us also with meeting some people this week, people that did not know anything about the Gospel. It’s always a challenge, especially when other religions like Islam enter into the conversation. It is a good thing that we can only bring it to the ears, God will do the rest.
I still feel very good, no pain, no discomfort of any kind. I am very thankful that God is taking me down this road instead of one with much discomfort and pain. We pray for healing and that the road we travel may also be a blessing to many others. Thank you again for so much care and love shown in personal ways, cards, prayers and calls.
Be blessed and be a blessing.
John
We all get attached to “things” to some level, possessions, family or other things. I am not free from these attachments, however I must say that lately these things mean less and less to me. With the seriousness of my cancer I could be facing Eternity soon.
Have you ever thought about your future? Are you not facing the same Eternity as I am? The question is where will you spend Eternity. You will not take your “toys” or any possessions with you. I would like you to spend the next 20 minutes listening to Dr. David Jeremiah. It could make a huge difference in your life. I have had the urge in the past to write about this subject, there is however no need to re-invent the wheel. You can listen to the message here and it is much better than I can say it. It again put things in perspective for me, I am sure it will for you, no matter if you are healthy or sick, rich or poor, it’s a message for all. Also worthwhile watching is the video I posted, it tells a story of its own.
Henrietta and I had a very tiring and busy week going back and forth every day (except Wednesday) to Vancouver. I received many different types of scans, tests and blood tests to the point that I really had enough for a few weeks. I got so many scans that I received a special letter to get me across the USA border. I was told that I am now radioactive for some days and unable to pass the border scanners without the bells and whistles going off. The folks at the hospital almost made it sound like I might glow like a glow worm for the next days.
Not only was this week tiring physically but also mentally. Many questions were asked, many answers were given. By Friday I received the green light to go ahead with the Clinical trial Chemo Therapy. Had I failed any of the criteria or tests I would not have qualified for this Clinical Trial. We thank the Lord for strength He gave this week and also the opportunity to receive the Chemo treatments and the second to none Medical provisions that we enjoy. I stand amazed every time again how smooth and professional our Medical system works. God is so good.
Today was my first day of taking 5 Chemo pills, 5 days on 2 days off and this will go on indefinitely unless I cannot tolerate the treatments. I hope and pray that no problems arise.
God blessed us also with meeting some people this week, people that did not know anything about the Gospel. It’s always a challenge, especially when other religions like Islam enter into the conversation. It is a good thing that we can only bring it to the ears, God will do the rest.
I still feel very good, no pain, no discomfort of any kind. I am very thankful that God is taking me down this road instead of one with much discomfort and pain. We pray for healing and that the road we travel may also be a blessing to many others. Thank you again for so much care and love shown in personal ways, cards, prayers and calls.
Be blessed and be a blessing.
John
Saturday, 9 June 2012
The Tempest
Jesus Calms a Storm
Matthew 8: 23And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing." 26 And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Guide me, O thou great Redeemer
Guide me, O thou great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
hold me with thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore.
I find it difficult to write today, to express my feelings is even more difficult as I face each day with the reality of cancer. The song, Guide me, O thou great Redeemer really sums up the sigh in my heart.
I can honestly say that life for me was a joy in many different ways and even in the challenges that life brought on my path. I had much joy in my family, joy in my work, and joy in my children and grand children and joy in Henrietta. Joy in the opportunities that God blessed me with, the joy of the people I got to know in my lifetime, the joy of friends, and my joy in Christ Jesus. It appears that the latest news of the spreading cancer and the decision to receive more Chemo Therapy treatment are overshadowing my joy.
Not all is gloom, there is bright moments that lift me up and over my circumstances. One of those moments was when the elders of my church came together to pray over me for healing and that this illness would also be used as a blessing. I see these events as a great blessing and as obedience to the Gospel as written in James 5. God wants us to live out the Bible in our lives in word and deed.
Open now the crystal fountain,
whence the healing stream doth flow;
let the fiery cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through;
strong Deliverer,
be thou still my Strength and Shield.
The decision to start Chemo treatments was difficult, on the one hand I can say “no thank you” and on the other hand I want to try everything I can do to fight this battle with cancer. "No" means most likely a fast advance of this dreadful disease, it is for that reason I want to try once more to go the route of Chemo treatments.At the same time I know that only God holds the keys to life and death. It will therefore be our prayer that I will not suffer the side effects of these treatments as I have in the past and that God will bless these Chemo treatments.
Once the decision was made to go ahead with treatments the wheels were set in motion very quickly and within 24 hours I had a complete patient appointment schedule emailed to me, dating from June 11 to July 24 with appointments down to hourly breakdowns for the first week of testing. The clinical Chemo treatments will be starting on June 15. However before this I will have to undergo many tests starting June 11 including a Bone scan, CT Scan, Muga Scan, ECG, blood tests and related tests. I again stand amazed at the medical provisions and the rapid speed and organization of all the medical care I receive.
During this clinical trial of Chemo treatments I will have a full time nurse to share with 3 other patients that have Kidney cancer. I will be 1 of only 3 people at the Vancouver Cancer Center and 1 of 30 in Canada to use these clinical trial Chemo Treatments. I hope and pray that a medical breakthrough will be found against Kidney cancer, if not for me, hopefully for others at a later date.
I really want to thank all those who so faithfully support me in many different ways with prayer, cards, calls, visits, emails, etc. One of those people is Howie who recently wrote a beautiful blog entry about the doubting that can come into the life of a Christian. It was truly a timely message for me to read it. You can read Howie's blog entry here and I hope it will be a blessing for you too.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
bear me through the swelling current,
land me safe on Canaan's side;
songs of praises,
I will ever give to thee.
Just because I will be starting Chemo treatments does not mean that I feel sick, the opposite is true. I feel amazingly well without any discomfort or pain. It is so hard to believe that I have such a serious case of cancer and yet feel so good. That is why it is so difficult to start Chemo treatments, I feel fine and know that by taking these treatments the quality of life could be going down. I am thankful that I can still enjoy each day while trying not to think to much about cancer but to think on Christ who is able to give peace in our hearts, a peace that passes all understanding. Please join us in using the most powerful tool we possess, and that is prayer. I am still convinced that God can do a miracle because He is Almighty and by God all things are possible, that indeed is our prayer.
Thank you again for your cares. I will try to write again next week when most of my days will be spent at the Abbotsford and Vancouver Cancer Centers for testing. Be blessed and be a blessing.
John
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
hold me with thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore.
I find it difficult to write today, to express my feelings is even more difficult as I face each day with the reality of cancer. The song, Guide me, O thou great Redeemer really sums up the sigh in my heart.
I can honestly say that life for me was a joy in many different ways and even in the challenges that life brought on my path. I had much joy in my family, joy in my work, and joy in my children and grand children and joy in Henrietta. Joy in the opportunities that God blessed me with, the joy of the people I got to know in my lifetime, the joy of friends, and my joy in Christ Jesus. It appears that the latest news of the spreading cancer and the decision to receive more Chemo Therapy treatment are overshadowing my joy.
Not all is gloom, there is bright moments that lift me up and over my circumstances. One of those moments was when the elders of my church came together to pray over me for healing and that this illness would also be used as a blessing. I see these events as a great blessing and as obedience to the Gospel as written in James 5. God wants us to live out the Bible in our lives in word and deed.
Open now the crystal fountain,
whence the healing stream doth flow;
let the fiery cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through;
strong Deliverer,
be thou still my Strength and Shield.
The decision to start Chemo treatments was difficult, on the one hand I can say “no thank you” and on the other hand I want to try everything I can do to fight this battle with cancer. "No" means most likely a fast advance of this dreadful disease, it is for that reason I want to try once more to go the route of Chemo treatments.At the same time I know that only God holds the keys to life and death. It will therefore be our prayer that I will not suffer the side effects of these treatments as I have in the past and that God will bless these Chemo treatments.
Once the decision was made to go ahead with treatments the wheels were set in motion very quickly and within 24 hours I had a complete patient appointment schedule emailed to me, dating from June 11 to July 24 with appointments down to hourly breakdowns for the first week of testing. The clinical Chemo treatments will be starting on June 15. However before this I will have to undergo many tests starting June 11 including a Bone scan, CT Scan, Muga Scan, ECG, blood tests and related tests. I again stand amazed at the medical provisions and the rapid speed and organization of all the medical care I receive.
During this clinical trial of Chemo treatments I will have a full time nurse to share with 3 other patients that have Kidney cancer. I will be 1 of only 3 people at the Vancouver Cancer Center and 1 of 30 in Canada to use these clinical trial Chemo Treatments. I hope and pray that a medical breakthrough will be found against Kidney cancer, if not for me, hopefully for others at a later date.
I really want to thank all those who so faithfully support me in many different ways with prayer, cards, calls, visits, emails, etc. One of those people is Howie who recently wrote a beautiful blog entry about the doubting that can come into the life of a Christian. It was truly a timely message for me to read it. You can read Howie's blog entry here and I hope it will be a blessing for you too.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
bear me through the swelling current,
land me safe on Canaan's side;
songs of praises,
I will ever give to thee.
Just because I will be starting Chemo treatments does not mean that I feel sick, the opposite is true. I feel amazingly well without any discomfort or pain. It is so hard to believe that I have such a serious case of cancer and yet feel so good. That is why it is so difficult to start Chemo treatments, I feel fine and know that by taking these treatments the quality of life could be going down. I am thankful that I can still enjoy each day while trying not to think to much about cancer but to think on Christ who is able to give peace in our hearts, a peace that passes all understanding. Please join us in using the most powerful tool we possess, and that is prayer. I am still convinced that God can do a miracle because He is Almighty and by God all things are possible, that indeed is our prayer.
Thank you again for your cares. I will try to write again next week when most of my days will be spent at the Abbotsford and Vancouver Cancer Centers for testing. Be blessed and be a blessing.
John
Friday, 1 June 2012
Looking backward, upward and forward at Jesus
Remember these three looks at Jesus, backward, upward, forward; and make use of them every day.
The first is the secret of peace of conscience: no peace unless we look backward at the cross of Christ!
The second is the secret of real daily strength and comfort in our walk with God: little solid comfort unless we look upward to Christ's intercession!
The third is the secret of bright and cheerful hope in a dark world: no bright prospect unless we look forward to Christ coming again!
Backward, upward, forward: these are the three ways in which we should look at Jesus. The person that looks at the cross is a wise person; the person that looks at the cross and the intercession also, is wiser still; but they that look at all three, the cross, the intercession, and the coming of Jesus, they are wisest of all. J.C.Ryle
The first is the secret of peace of conscience: no peace unless we look backward at the cross of Christ!
The second is the secret of real daily strength and comfort in our walk with God: little solid comfort unless we look upward to Christ's intercession!
The third is the secret of bright and cheerful hope in a dark world: no bright prospect unless we look forward to Christ coming again!
Backward, upward, forward: these are the three ways in which we should look at Jesus. The person that looks at the cross is a wise person; the person that looks at the cross and the intercession also, is wiser still; but they that look at all three, the cross, the intercession, and the coming of Jesus, they are wisest of all. J.C.Ryle
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