Image: Sebastian Kolpert, Pixabay
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1. Life brings trials and suffering,
But hardest of them all
Is living without faith in God
When we reject his call.
2. Life brings riches, fame, success;
We think these things are good,
But we don’t see how poor we are
When we reject his love.
3. Life brings failure, loss, regret,
Which we will have to bear,
And we must face them all alone
When we reject his care.
4. Life brings battles, thrills, and spills —
We think we’re doing well,
But when we spurn the Lord, our God,
We truly live in hell.
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References
1. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows (John 16:33; NLT).
Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honour him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant any more” (Ecclesiastes 12:1; NLT).
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God” (Psalm 14:1; NIV).
2. You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” But you do not realise that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked (Revelation 3:17; NIV).
3. When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other (Ecclesiastes 7:14; NIV).
Remember him – before the silver cord is severed, and the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the wheel broken at the well, and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it
(Ecclesiastes 12:6-7; NIV).
They do not fear God (Psalm 55:19; NLT).
The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on the Lord (Psalm 14:2-4; NIV).
4. The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires (Jeremiah 18:12; NLT).
You lived in this world without God and without hope (Ephesians 2:12; NLT).
She says to him, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell (Proverbs 9:16-18; NKJV).
You will see what an evil, bitter thing it is to abandon the Lord your God (Jeremiah 2:19; NLT).
There is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there (Luke 16:27; NLT).
Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28; NLT).
Ruth, you really are on a roll of exellence in writing for Him! This offering is accurate in every way. It reads like the proverbs, indeed each stanza can stand on its own. Strangely I was reading a category of my former posts on trials last night as I was categorizing my back catalogue of writing.
Ha! With God, there is no such thing as a coincidence, I firmly believe. You are so kind in your feedback. Writing is so hard, and takes so much of my very limited energy, but for the moment, I continue. It’s in his hands. Hospital day for me today. How are both of you? XXXXXX
We are in amazingly good fettle at present, long may it last. I am infection free and finished with antibiotics. I will be praying for you at hospital today sister.
That’s such great news, Alan. Long may this new situation continue. You’re doing so well. God is good! Thank you for your prayers, which I deeply appreciate. Have already had my anticoagulation clinic appt, and am now waiting at the pain clinic. Expecting multiple injections into the joints where my ribs join my sternum. Just been checked in. We are under full lockdown conditions, so everything takes longer than usual. Very few people around, and little traffic. Sorry to chat on. Over and out. With love from Ruth xxxxx
Excellent, as always, Ruth. The picture with today’s post reminds me of the money Judas Iscariot took as payment to betray Jesus. Betraying the God of the universe in never a good thing. I hope your day at the hospital was not too stressful. Blessings.
Thank you, David, I’m back home now. The rib-joint injections are always rather starting and painful, but I’ve survived. Will have a rest after lunch. Thank you so much for your concern XXXXX
Ruth, there was a period of my life when in my youthful pride I rejected the Lord’s call, His love, and His care. Your poem completely captures the reality of where I found myself as a result of my foolishness. Thank goodness the Good Shepherd never stopped pursuing this wayward sheep; words fail to describe how it felt to experience the depth of His forgiveness and love when I finally stopped running. I leave with you today with this blessing based on Psalm 90:17- May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon you today Ruth. May He continue to establish the work of your hand.
Hi, Beth, thank you so much for your comment, and for sharing how hard life has been for you, at times. Thank you also for your wonderful blessing, which I deeply appreciate. May God bless you in everything you do XXXXX
PS I just thought you might value this quotation as much as I do:
Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good.
(Psalm 25:7; NIV).
Sleep well XXXX (It’s bedtime here, but I don’t know whereabouts in the world you are!).
Thank you so much Ruth! The Lord is so very good! Hope you awake refreshed. Here in the States evening has settled in.
Thank you, Beth. Hope you will have a blessed day XXXXX