{"id":838,"date":"2021-04-01T12:27:05","date_gmt":"2021-03-31T23:27:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sonbeamsandshadows.com\/?p=838"},"modified":"2021-04-01T12:27:05","modified_gmt":"2021-03-31T23:27:05","slug":"the-vapour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/sonbeamsandshadows.com\/index.php\/2021\/04\/01\/the-vapour\/","title":{"rendered":"The Vapour"},"content":{"rendered":"

This morning I slept in. My family went to a camp and after I saw them out the door, I went back to bed. I didn\u2019t think I\u2019d sleep much, but I feel fast asleep and didn\u2019t get up until after 10am.<\/p>\n

As I went into the kitchen, the timing was perfect. God\u2019s timing always is perfect. I looked out the kitchen window to see what I thought was a beautiful sight. It had rained much the previous days and ended with a heavy downpour last night. Everything was soaked from all the rain. Our shed has a metal roof, and the sun was brightly shining. Sunbeams could be seen as the moisture on our shed roof was evaporating into the sunbeams. I\u2019ve seen this a few times before and always thought how lovely it was to actually see evaporation in the process, and to see God\u2019s handiwork continuing on as the cycle of life goes on day after day.<\/p>\n

However, I also knew, this event of evaporation wouldn\u2019t last long. I grabbed my phone and ran outside and did the best I could to capture the vapor disappearing into the sunbeams. I took a few photos and went back inside and that was it. This whole evaporation event was gone.\u00a0 Just a few minutes of beauty and glory and it was gone. If others were unable to see this event, they missed a special moment of beauty. There are other places this event could have happened, like around the water we live nearby and forests. I\u2019ve had the blessing of seeing this event happen as the vapor disappeared off forest trees, their leaves, and the forest floor. It was a beautiful morning event I shared with one of my daughters. Another time, the vapor was going up off the water at a harbour near our house when I went out for sunrise photos. I\u2019ve never forgotten that morning as well. Those times taught me this event does not last for long, but those events are also something I remember as an enjoyable moment in time.<\/p>\n

Well by now, many of you may know what I\u2019m getting too. Yes, the famous verse in the Bible that we like to quote but also like to ignore.<\/p>\n

James 4:14 \u201cWhereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

I think, all too often, we really don\u2019t think our life is a vapor. We believe it goes on and on \u2013 but it does not. Especially when trials, difficulties, and age creep up on us, we feel as if life will never end; but it will end. It will end and it will end quickly and only a few of those around us will have the blessing of enjoying our life or enjoying our vapor.<\/p>\n

What memories will those around you have of your life? Those memories will only last for a brief period of time. Sadness and sorrow after a funeral will soon disappear into fond memories that will also soon vanish into just a photo in a book that will also disappear as people further down the road don\u2019t even know the person in the photo in the book and the book is put with a pile of things into a thrift store.<\/p>\n

When your vapor has vanished what glories in heaven will you be enjoying? What have you done for the Lord? How many prayers have you lifted up to heaven on someone\u2019s behalf? How much help have you been to your Pastor and church? How many tracts have you handed out? What have you given up on this side of Glory to attain rewards in heaven? How much time, money, things, or life-long goals? Remember, even though we may think life goes on forever \u2013 it doesn\u2019t. \u201c\u2026It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

This was a brief thought God gave to me this morning as the vapor vanished off my shed\u2019s roof. I\u2019ve also heard the phrase \u201cOnly one life, twill soon be past, Only what\u2019s done for Christ will last.\u201d<\/u> Here is the whole poem by C.T. Studd to help us think about our life as a vapour.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo little lines I heard one day,
\nTraveling along life\u2019s busy way;
\nBringing conviction to my heart,
\nAnd from my mind would not depart;
\nOnly one life, \u2019twill soon be past,
\nOnly what\u2019s done for Christ will last.<\/p>\n

Only one life, yes only one,
\nSoon will its fleeting hours be done;
\nThen, in \u2018that day\u2019 my Lord to meet,
\nAnd stand before His Judgement seat;
\nOnly one life,\u2019twill soon be past,
\nOnly what\u2019s done for Christ will last.<\/p>\n

Only one life, the still small voice,
\nGently pleads for a better choice
\nBidding me selfish aims to leave,
\nAnd to God\u2019s holy will to cleave;
\nOnly one life, \u2019twill soon be past,
\nOnly what\u2019s done for Christ will last.<\/p>\n

Only one life, a few brief years,
\nEach with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
\nEach with its clays I must fulfill,
\nliving for self or in His will;
\nOnly one life, \u2019twill soon be past,
\nOnly what\u2019s done for Christ will last.<\/p>\n

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
\nWhen Satan would a victory score;
\nWhen self would seek to have its way,
\nThen help me Lord with joy to say;
\nOnly one life, \u2019twill soon be past,
\nOnly what\u2019s done for Christ will last.<\/p>\n

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
\nIn joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
\nFaithful and true what e\u2019er the strife,
\nPleasing Thee in my daily life;
\nOnly one life, \u2019twill soon be past,
\nOnly what\u2019s done for Christ will last.<\/p>\n

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
\nAnd from the world now let me turn;
\nLiving for Thee, and Thee alone,
\nBringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
\nOnly one life, \u201ctwill soon be past,
\nOnly what\u2019s done for Christ will last.<\/p>\n

Only one life, yes only one,
\nNow let me say,\u201dThy will be done\u201d;
\nAnd when at last I\u2019ll hear the call,
\nI know I\u2019ll say \u201ctwas worth it all\u201d;
\nOnly one life,\u2019twill soon be past,
\nOnly what\u2019s done for Christ will last.<\/p>\n

Only one life, \u2019twill soon be past,
\nOnly what\u2019s done for Christ will last.
\nAnd when I am dying, how happy I\u2019ll be,
\nIf the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.\u201d<\/p>\n

C.T Studd<\/p>\n

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