Yet here he stands, amid his life’s evening shadows, and declares that his sublimest work lies yet ahead of him, that he has not yet attained his life’s goal, that his best has not yet been reached. “I care nothing for anything in my past,” he says; ” it does not satisfy me. It is not worth counting. Old and broken though I am, hemmed in, too, by these oppressive limitations, these walls, these chains–yet I am not at the end of my life! An unquenchable hope lives in my heart, and the star of my life shines far onward.”

So we see him there, in the thickening shadows of life’s evening-time, in the mists of gathering twilight–weary, worn, wearing chains–but still full of hope, still straining every energy, still reaching forward; still forgetting the past, still drawn irresistibly on toward some great aim, some glorious goal which lies beyond, unseen by mortal eyes. At length, night falls upon the vanishing form; it passes out of our sight; we see the old man going at last to a martyr’s death. But his eyes are yet fixed on something bright and glorious beyond! In the last words we catch from his lips, he speaks of a crown laid up for him. The last glimpse of him we have, with white locks tossed by the wind, with eyes fixed steadily and intently upon the Beyond, he is still pressing on!

The secret was this: he had in his eyes a distinct and definite future; a future not bounded by death’s horizon–but running on into eternity! Immortality was real to him. No runner in a race ever saw goal or garland more vividly–than this glorious, eagle-eyed man saw the end of his course, the goal of his life! Nor was it any earthly vision that drew him on; had it been, hope would have been dead in his heart in the broken years of his old age. He saw life sweeping on through death and beyond it–and so he looked forward to the future, when he would reach his loftiest attainments. Nothing good, beautiful, true, or real–would end for him at the grave.

What were the things which were ahead, for that old apostle there in his prison? Nothing very bright, the man of the world would say. A few days of chains and dungeon-life, then the axe, and then a grave!

But ahead of the aged Christian man–there are far more blessed things–than the best he has left behind him.”

For the Christian, the future always look bright if he looks far enough ahead—the best is yet to come!

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

The Lord cares for His children!

He knows our needs—and has promised to supply them.
He knows our foes—and will deliver us from them.
He knows our fears—and will make us ashamed of them.

All creatures and things are in His hand, and at His disposal; all circumstances are under His absolute control. He . . .
directs the angel,
feeds the sparrow,
curbs the devil, and
manages the tempest!

He is your Father—and His love to you is infinite. You are His delight—His dear child. Will He neglect you? Impossible! Cast then your cares upon Him. Tell out all your desires, fears, and troubles to Him; let Him know everything; keep nothing back. And then in the confidence of faith, expect Him to fulfill His Word, and act a Parent’s part.

Bless Him for all He has given, for all He has promised. Plead with Him for all you may need. But never for one moment, or under any circumstances, distrust Him! He cannot love you more! He is your ever present help. He will rejoice over you to do you good, with His whole heart, and with His whole soul.(By James Smith, 1857)

“Cast all your care upon Him, because He cares about you!” 1 Peter 5:7

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind…” 1 Cor. 13:4

A small elderly lady visited her local post office frequently. She had been doing business there for many years, and, although a few workers had come and gone, the post office remained a place for her to interact with other people in her town. One day the line for the counter backed up almost to the door. As the older woman was standing in line, she struck up a conversation with the young lady in front of her. After some introductory formalities the younger woman asked the old lady what her business was at the post office on that day. “I have come to purchase some stamps to send a few letters to my family.” “Did you know there is a stamp machine in the lobby from which you can purchase your stamps?” asked the young woman. “You don’t have to stand in this long line.” The older lady looked down at her letters then back up at the young lady as she replied, “I could save some time, but the machine won’t ask me how my arthritis is.”

Many people today want so badly to be shown kindness. You know those people who talk on and on about a recent ailment, the condition of a family member, or about their latest adventures? So often they do so in hopes that someone will care about what they have to say and will show them kindness.While our world thrives on the hustle and bustle of daily events, God desires that we would take time to display kindness.—– 

How often do you display kindness? How often do you stop what you are doing and take time to meet the need of someone else? Displaying kindness will cost you something. Whether it’s time, money, or physical work, showing kindness may require your giving up something so that others can be helped.

Think of the kindness (consideration, help) Christ showed you. He gave up His home in Heaven. He entered sinful earth. He lived among scornful people. He endured the hardships of everyday life. He was rejected and despised. He was mocked and belittled. He was condemned and crucified. He gave of Himself so that we might be free from the penalty of sin. What a perfect display of loving kindness!

What have you given up lately in order to show kindness to others? It may have been money to buy someone a meal, time to labor in someone’s yard, or an hour to listen to someone’s heartache. Displaying kindness will often cost you something, but there is no price too great to pay to show Christ-like loving kindness to others.(From Daily in the Word)