Grace Gems

[nChrist]

Three worms which often breed in prosperity

(Thomas Watson, "The Lord's Prayer")

"Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11

To make us content with "daily bread," though God
straitens us in our allowance, think seriously of the
danger there is in a high, prosperous condition.

Some are not content with "daily bread," but desire
to have their barns filled, and heap up silver as dust;
which proves a snare to them. "Those who will be rich
fall into a snare." 1 Tim 6:9. Pride, idleness, and lust--
are three worms which often breed in prosperity.

Prosperity often deafens the ear against God. "I spoke
unto you in your prosperity, but you said--I will not hear."
Jer 22:21. Soft pleasures harden the heart. In the body,
the more fat--the less vitality. Just so, the more outward
plenty--often the less piety.

Prosperity has its honey--and also its sting! Anxious care
is the evil spirit which haunts the rich man--and will not
let him rest. When his chests are full of money--his heart
is full of care, either how to manage or how to increase,
or how to secure what he has gotten.

Should this not make us content with that allowance which
God gives us--if we have daily bread, though not dainties?
Think of the danger of prosperity! The spreading of a full
table may be the spreading of a snare! Many have been
sunk to hell, with golden weights!

"People who want to get rich fall into temptation and
 a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that
 plunge men into ruin and destruction!" 1 Timothy 6:9.

The world's golden sands are quicksands, which should
make us take our daily bread, though it be but coarse,
contentedly. If we have less prosperity--we have less
snare. As we lack the rich provisions of the world--so
we lack their temptations. "If we have food and clothing,
we will be content with that." 1 Timothy 6:8.

If God keeps us to a spare diet--if He gives us less of
temporal things--He has made it up in spiritual things.
He has given us the Pearl of great price--the Lord Jesus,
who is the quintessence of all good things. To give us
Christ, is more than if God had given us all the world.
He can make more worlds--but He has no more Christs
to bestow. Christ is such a golden mine, that the angels
cannot dig to the bottom! His riches are unsearchable!
Ephes. 3:8. From Christ we have justification, adoption
and glorification!

Consider that it is not having an abundance, which makes
us content. It is not a fancy cage which will make the bird
sing. Having an abundance may make one less content.
One staff may help the traveler--but a bundle of staffs
will be a burden to him. A great estate may be like a
long trailing garment--more burdensome than useful.

He who can say, "My God," has enough to rock his
heart quiet in the lowest condition. What can he lack
--who has the all-sufficient God for his portion!

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be
 content with what you have, because God has said,
 Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
    Hebrews 13:5

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[nChrist]

They are never separated

(Thomas Watson, "The Lord's Prayer")

"You were sanctified, you were justified."
    1 Corinthians 6:11

Justification and sanctification are not the same.

Justification is without us--sanctification is within us.
The one is by righteousness imputed--the other is by
righteousness imparted. Justification is once and for
all--sanctification is gradual. One person is sanctified
more than another--but one cannot be more justified
than another. One has more grace than another--but
he is not more justified than another.

The matter of our justification is perfect, namely,
Christ's righteousness; but our sanctification is
imperfect, there are the spots of God's children. Our
graces are mixed with sin, our duties are defiled.

Thus justification and sanctification are not the same.

Yet, for all that, they are never separated. God never
pardons and justifies a sinner--but He also sanctifies him.
"This is He who came by water and blood, even Jesus
Christ." 1 John 5:6. Christ comes to the soul by blood,
which denotes remission of sin; and by water, which
denotes sanctification. Let no man say he is pardoned,
who is not made holy! This I urge against those who
talk of their sin being forgiven, and having a part in
Christ--and yet remain unconverted, and live in the
grossest sins!

Where God pardons, He purifies. Whoever God forgives,
He transforms. Let no man say his sins are forgiven--who
does not find an inherent work of holiness in his heart.
"I will place My Spirit within you and cause you to follow
My statutes and carefully observe My ordinances."
Ezekiel 36:27

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[nChrist]

God is either blind or forgetful

(Thomas Watson, "The Lord's Prayer")

"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,
 whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose
 sin the Lord does not count against him."
    Psalm 32:1-2

All the curses of God stand in full force against
an unpardoned sinner. It is astonishing, that an
unpardoned man could be merry, who is heir to
all God's curses!

Luther professed there were three things
which he dared not think of, without Christ:
  his sins,
  death,
  the day of judgment.

Death to a Christless soul, is the "king of terrors."
Death is sent to the unpardoned soul with dreadful
tidings. Death is God's jailer to arrest him. Death
is a prologue to damnation. It takes away all earthly
comforts; it takes away sugared morsels; no more
mirth or music. "The music of harpists and musicians,
flute players and trumpeters, will never be heard in
you again." Rev 18:22. The sinner shall never more
taste of luscious delights, for all eternity; his honey
shall be turned into the "gall of asps." Job 20:14.

The sinner dying unpardoned, must go into damnation!
This is the second death--an undying death. He must
forever bear the anger of a sin-revenging God. As long
as God is God--so long the vial of His wrath shall be
dropping upon the damned soul.

Oh! how sad, then, is it to live and die unpardoned!
You may lay a grave-stone upon that man, and write
this epitaph upon it, "It would have been good for that
man--if he had never been born!" He will be engulfed
in a dreadful a labyrinth of fire and brimstone for all
eternity!

Now, if the misery of an unpardoned state is so
inexpressible--what is the reason why so few seek
after pardon? If they lack health--they go to the
physician; but if they lack forgiveness of sin, they
seem to be unconcerned, and do not seek after it.

Why is this?

Men do not seek earnestly after forgiveness of sin,
for lack of conviction. Few are convinced what a
dreadful thing sin is--that it is distillation of all evil,
that it brings all plagues on the body, and curses
on the soul. Unless a man's sins are forgiven, there
is not the vilest creature alive--the rat, serpent or
toad, which is in a worse condition than the sinner!
For when they die they go but into the earth; but
he, dying without pardon, goes into hell torments
forever! Men are not convinced of this--so they
play with the viper of sin!

Men do not seek earnestly after forgiveness of sin,
because they are seeking other things. They seek
the world immoderately. The world is a golden snare.
"The riches of the world, are the snares of the devil."
The wedge of gold hinders many from seeking after
pardon.

Men do not seek earnestly after forgiveness of sin,
out of hope of impunity. They flatter themselves in
sin, and because they have been spared so long,
therefore think God never intends to reckon with
them. "He has said in his heart--God has forgotten;
He hides His face and will never see it." Psalm 10:11.
They think that God is either blind or forgetful.
But let sinners know--that long forbearance is not
forgiveness. God bore with Sodom a long time, but
at last rained down fire and brimstone upon them.
The adjourning of the court, does not acquit the
prisoner. The longer God is taking the blow--the
heavier it will be at last, if sinners repent not!

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[nChrist]

Oh, this is heaven, the heaven of heaven!

(Octavius Winslow)

"I desire to depart and be with Christ,
 which is better by far!" Philippians 1:23

Fellowship with Jesus is the highest, purest,
sweetest mercy, a saint of God can have on
earth! Yes, it is the highest, purest, sweetest
bliss, the saints of God can have in heaven!

What is the enjoyment of heaven?
Not merely . . .
  exemption from trial,
  freedom from sorrow,
  rest from toil,
  release from conflict.

Oh no! it is the presence--the full
unclouded presence of Christ!

To be with Christ,
to behold His glory,
to gaze upon His face,
to hear His voice,
to feel the throbbings of His bosom,
to bask in the effulgence of His presence,
Oh, this is heaven, the heaven of heaven!

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[nChrist]

This lion of hell is ever hunting after his prey!

(Thomas Watson, "The Lord's Prayer")

"Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil,
 your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring
 lion, looking for some victim to devour!" 1 Peter 5:8

Consider Satan's diligence in tempting. He neglects
no time. He who would have us idle--is always busy
himself. This lion of hell is ever hunting after his
prey! He compasses sea and land to make a proselyte.
He prowls around--he watches where he may throw in
the fireball of temptation. He is a restless spirit; if we
repulse him, he will not desist--but come again with
a new temptation.

Satan's diligence in tempting, is seen in the variety
of temptations he uses. He does not confine himself
to one kind of temptation--he has more plots than
one. He has many tools to work with. If he finds one
temptation does not prevail--he will utilize another.

If he cannot tempt to lust--he will tempt to pride.

If temptation to covetousness does not prevail--he
will tempt to extravagance.

If he cannot make men profane--he will try to make
them religious formalists.

If he cannot make them wicked--he will tempt them
to be erroneous. Error damns as well as vice. Vice
pistols; error poisons!

Satan has acquired long experience in the art of
temptation. He has been a tempter for as long as
he has been a devil. Having such experience, he
knows what the temptations are, which have foiled
others, and are most likely to prevail--as the fowler
lays those snares which have caught other birds.

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[nChrist]

To damn them with delights!

(Thomas Watson, "The Lord's Prayer")

"So that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are very
 familiar with his evil schemes." 2 Corinthians 2:11

The serpent beguiled Eve with his subtlety; let
us not be beguiled by his hellish snares and plots.

Satan has a dexterity in subtle contrivances.

He hurts more as a fox than a lion.

His snares are worse than his darts.

His error damns as well as His vice;
poison kills as well as a pistol.

Satan bewitches and ensnares men, by setting
pleasing baits before them; as the riches, pleasures,
and honors of the world. "All these things will I give
you." Matthew 4:9. How many does he tempt with
this golden apple! Pride, idleness, luxury--are the
three worms which are bred by prosperity. "Those
who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare."
1 Timothy 6:9. Satan kills with these silver darts!
How many are ensnared by his luscious delights!

The pleasures of the world are the great engine by
which Satan batters down men's souls. His policy is to
tickle them to death--to damn them with delights!
The flesh would gladly be pleased, and Satan prevails
by this temptation--he drowns them in the sweet
waters of pleasure.

Such as have abundance of the world, walk in the
midst of golden snares! We had need watch our hearts
in prosperity, and pray not to be led into temptation.
We have as much need to be careful that we are not
endangered by prosperity--as a man has to be careful
at a feast where there are some poisoned dishes of food.

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[nChrist]

Buffeted by Satan's temptations

(Thomas Watson, "The Lord's Prayer")

Why does God allow His people to be buffeted
by Satan's temptations? He does it for many wise
and holy ends.

God allows His children to be tempted, to test their love.
Our love to God is seen, when we can look a temptation
in the face--and turn our back upon it. Though the devil
comes as a subtle serpent, and offers a golden apple--yet
the one who loves God will not touch the forbidden fruit.
When the devil offered Christ all the kingdoms of the
world, and the glory of them--such was Christ's love to
His Father, that He abhorred the temptation. True love
will not be bribed. When the devil's darts are most fiery
--a saint's love to God is most fervent. "If you love Me,
you will keep My commandments." John 14:15

God allows His children to be tempted, to test their courage.
Many have no heart to resist a temptation. No sooner does
Satan come with his solicitations--but they yield. They are
like the coward, who as soon as the thief approaches, delivers
his purse. He is a valorous Christian, who brandishes the sword
against Satan, and will rather die than yield. The heroic spirit
of a saint is never more seen than in a battlefield, when he is
fighting with the red dragon--and by the power of faith puts
the devil to flight!

God allows His children to be tempted, that they may be kept
from pride. Pride keeps grace low, so that it cannot thrive. As
the head swells--the other parts of the body waste away. Just
so, as pride swells--grace wastes away. God resists pride; and,
that He may keep His children humble, He sometimes allows
them to fall into temptation. "To keep me from getting puffed
up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan
to torment me and keep me from getting proud." The thorn
in the flesh was to burst the bubble of pride! Better is the
temptation which humbles me--than the duty which makes
me proud. Rather than a Christian should be proud, God lets
him fall into the devil's hands a while--that he may be cured
of swelling pride.

God allows His children to be tempted, that they may be fitter
to comfort others who are in the same distress, and speak a
word in due season to such as are weary. Paul was trained up
in the fencing-school of temptation, and was able to acquaint
others with Satan's wiles and stratagems, 2 Cor 2:11. A man
who has ridden over a place where there are quicksands, is
the fittest to guide others through that dangerous way. Just
so, he who has been buffeted by Satan, and has felt the claws
of the roaring lion--is the fittest man to deal with one who is
tempted.

God allows His children to be tempted, to make them long
more for heaven, where they shall be out of gunshot, and
freed from the hissing of the old serpent! Satan vexes and
molests the saints. He lays his snares, and throws his fireballs!
But this only makes the children of God long to be gone from
hence, and pray that they had the wings of a dove, to fly
away and be at rest! Heaven is the place of rest--no bullets
of temptation fly there! The eagle that soars aloft in the air,
and sits perching upon the tops of high trees--is not troubled
with the stinging of serpents below. Just so, when believers
have got into heaven above, they shall not be stung by the
old serpent! The devil is cast out of the heavenly paradise.
Heaven is compared to an exceeding high mountain. It is so
high, that Satan's fiery darts cannot reach up to it! Death calls
the saints off the battlefield, where the bullets of temptation
fly thick--so that they may receive a victorious crown!

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[nChrist]

The sword which wounds the red dragon!

(Thomas Watson, "The Lord's Prayer")

"In every situation take the shield of faith, and
 with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming
 arrows of the evil one!" Ephesians 6:16

No grace more bruises the serpent's head--than faith.
It is both a shield and a sword, defensive and offensive.
It is a shield to guard the head and defend the vitals.
The shield of faith prevents the fiery darts of temptation
from piercing us through. Faith is also the sword which
wounds the red dragon!

How does faith come to be so strong--that it can resist
Satan and put him to flight?

Because faith brings the strength of Christ into the soul.
Samson's strength lay in his hair--ours lies in Christ. If a
child is assaulted--it runs and calls to its father for help.
Just so, when faith is assaulted, it runs and calls Christ,
and in His strength overcomes!

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[Def]

The sword which wounds the red dragon!

(Thomas Watson, "The Lord's Prayer")

"In every situation take the shield of faith, and
 with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming
 arrows of the evil one!" Ephesians 6:16

No grace more bruises the serpent's head--than faith.
It is both a shield and a sword, defensive and offensive.
It is a shield to guard the head and defend the vitals.
The shield of faith prevents the fiery darts of temptation
from piercing us through. Faith is also the sword which
wounds the red dragon!

How does faith come to be so strong--that it can resist
Satan and put him to flight?

Because faith brings the strength of Christ into the soul.
Samson's strength lay in his hair--ours lies in Christ. If a
child is assaulted--it runs and calls to its father for help.
Just so, when faith is assaulted, it runs and calls Christ,
and in His strength overcomes!

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Hi Tom Amen!!" the shield of faith"
Tom i am trying to trace when  you ask the Question poll " how is your bible i answered
 that i change every year because the word changed i am sure you understood it was my writing on the side in the bible that change not the infallible word of God that never change it is because of the work of the Holy Spirit in me that my writing in my bible change and one day theire will be no more change when i am one with Him .awaiting patiently for that change..i just could not sleep thinking that i did not make that clear   I am so perfectly imperfect but always willing and open to learn
In Jesus Tom.thank you for understanding this imperfect sinner saved by the Blood of the Son of the Living God Our Lord Jesus Christ ..
PS: where do i read this famous wonderful poll
Love in Jesus Tom..Def.(+¸+)

[nChrist]

Hi Tom Amen!!" the shield of faith"
Tom i am trying to trace when  you ask the Question poll " how is your bible i answered
 that i change every year because the word changed i am sure you understood it was my writing on the side in the bible that change not the infallible word of God that never change it is because of the work of the Holy Spirit in me that my writing in my bible change and one day theire will be no more change when i am one with Him .awaiting patiently for that change..i just could not sleep thinking that i did not make that clear   I am so perfectly imperfect but always willing and open to learn
In Jesus Tom.thank you for understanding this imperfect sinner saved by the Blood of the Son of the Living God Our Lord Jesus Christ ..
PS: where do i read this famous wonderful poll
Love in Jesus Tom..Def.(+¸+)

Hello Sister Def,

First, we are all grossly imperfect. GOD will perfect us at HIS appointed time after we go home to be with HIM. HE has begun a good work in us that HE has promised to finish.

The only poll I know about was started by Dreamweaver, and I understood your answer.

http://forums.christiansunite.com/index.php?topic=19715.msg224889#msg224889

It was what does your Bible look like? If you're wanting to read the poll results, scroll to the top of the screen in that thread and push the button "See Poll Results".

Sister, I knew exactly what you meant in your answer. We can study the same portion of Scripture 100 times, and there is always something more that GOD can reveal to us. This is just one reason why the Bible is timeless - It is GOD'S WORD to us. Our understanding of many portions of Scripture does change as we grow and mature in the Strength of CHRIST. We could study the Holy Bible day in and day out for 100's of years and still learn something new every time we pick it up. GOD'S instructions to us and help in times of trial are still just as accurate as they were thousands of years ago because GOD'S WORD is timeless and it will endure forever.

Love In Christ,
Tom

 

[Def]

Hello Sister Def,

First, we are all grossly imperfect. GOD will perfect us at HIS appointed time after we go home to be with HIM. HE has begun a good work in us that HE has promised to finish.

The only poll I know about was started by Dreamweaver, and I understood your answer.

http://forums.christiansunite.com/index.php?topic=19715.msg224889#msg224889

It was what does your Bible look like? If you're wanting to read the poll results, scroll to the top of the screen in that thread and push the button "See Poll Results".

Sister, I knew exactly what you meant in your answer. We can study the same portion of Scripture 100 times, and there is always something more that GOD can reveal to us. This is just one reason why the Bible is timeless - It is GOD'S WORD to us. Our understanding of many portions of Scripture does change as we grow and mature in the Strength of CHRIST. We could study the Holy Bible day in and day out for 100's of years and still learn something new every time we pick it up. GOD'S instructions to us and help in times of trial are still just as accurate as they were thousands of years ago because GOD'S WORD is timeless and it will endure forever.

Love In Christ,
Tom

 

to have God mercy and compassion (Exodus 33:19) make me feel very small and scary  in this tent,But i feel His love for i am in Jesus now and that is at His right hand.
before I loved  God always did but  it seamed like a one way street.since i" deeply believe "that Jesus is the Son  of God,God from God "and that all thing were made by Him".I can Feel God flowing through me, my house is full of His presence..well you must all have the same right.. thank you for answering i appreciate the time you toke  Brother tom..
Love in Jesus  looking up and still learning the power of a loving God and Father"The Light"No one can look at Him and live..Def
please i am just expresing the power of the holy spirit here.Mercy..Come Lord Jesus Come..thank you Tom

[nChrist]

The burdens of prosperity

(Thomas Watson, "The Lord's Prayer")

People are usually better in adversity, than prosperity.
A prosperous condition is not always so safe. True, it
is more pleasing to the flesh--but it is not always best.
In a prosperous state, there is more burden. Many
look at the shining and glittering of prosperity--but
not at the burdens of prosperity.

[1] There is the burden of CARE. Therefore God calls
riches "cares." Luke 8:14. A rose has its prickles--so
have riches. We think them happy, who flourish in
their silks and gold--but we do not see the troubles
and cares which attend them! A shoe may have silver
lace on it--yet pinch the foot. Many a man who goes
to his hard labor, lives a more contented life than he
who has millions. Disquieting care is the evil spirit
which haunts the rich man. When his chests are full
of gold--his heart is full of care how to increase them,
or how to secure what he has gotten. A large estate,
like a long, trailing garment--is often more
troublesome than useful.

[2] In a prosperous estate there is the burden of
ACCOUNT. Such as are in high places, have a far
greater account to give to God than others. "Unto
whom much is given--of him shall be much required."
The more golden talents any are entrusted with--the
more they have to answer for. The more their revenues
--the more their reckonings. God will say, "I gave you
a great estate--what have you done with it? How have
you employed it for My glory?"

[3] A prosperous condition has more DANGER in it.
Such as are on the top of the pinnacle of honor--are
in more danger of falling. They are subject to many
temptations. Their table is often a snare. Millions are
drowned in the sweet waters of pleasure.

A large sail overturns the vessel. Many, by having a too
large sail of prosperity, have had their souls overturned!
He has need have much wisdom and grace, to know how
to wisely bear a high condition. It is hard to carry a full
cup without spilling--and a full estate without sinning!

Prosperity breeds pride. When the tide rises higher in
the river, the boat rises higher; so, when the tide of an
estate rises higher, many men's hearts rise higher in
pride. Prosperity breeds carnal security. Samson fell
asleep in Delilah's lap--so do men in the lap of ease
and plenty. The world's golden sands, are quicksands.

God knows what is best for us. If we have less estate, we
are in less danger. If we lack the riches and honors of
others--so we lack their temptations. "How hard it is for
rich people to get into the Kingdom of God! It is easier
for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a
rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!" Luke 18:24-25.

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[nChrist]

to have God mercy and compassion (Exodus 33:19) make me feel very small and scary  in this tent,But i feel His love for i am in Jesus now and that is at His right hand.
before I loved  God always did but  it seamed like a one way street.since i" deeply believe "that Jesus is the Son  of God,God from God "and that all thing were made by Him".I can Feel God flowing through me, my house is full of His presence..well you must all have the same right.. thank you for answering i appreciate the time you toke  Brother tom..
Love in Jesus  looking up and still learning the power of a loving God and Father"The Light"No one can look at Him and live..Def
please i am just expresing the power of the holy spirit here.Mercy..Come Lord Jesus Come..thank you Tom

Hello Sister Def,

You are speaking from the heart, and I think that all sincere Christians feel the same way. YES - we are all small and weak, but our GOD is the ALMIGHTY - THE GREAT I AM. When we are weak - HE is strong. We have a great mystery and TRUTH revealed to us since the CROSS - JESUS CHRIST. HE is our mediator now, and that's only a portion of the beautiful TRUTH. The HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD also lives in our hearts, so what greater love could we have extended to us? We don't need the Levitical Priests and the hundreds of rituals to come into the presence of the HOLY OF HOLIES. We have access to HIS Throne of Grace 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are now Children of the KING OF KINGS, and HE loves to hear our prayers.

Sister, we are still small and weak, especially in this short life. However, we are held in the Mighty Hands of GOD, and our hearts are sealed by the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, setting us apart as a purchased and eternal possession. We belong to HIM, and that makes me happy. No power can snatch us from HIS Mighty Hands. This is more than enough to cause us to give thanks continually. We have been rescued and delivered from the Wrath to come. PRAISE GOD!

Love In Christ,
Tom

Romans 1:16-20 NASB
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

[Def]

Hello Sister Def,

You are speaking from the heart, and I think that all sincere Christians feel the same way. YES - we are all small and weak, but our GOD is the ALMIGHTY - THE GREAT I AM. When we are weak - HE is strong. We have a great mystery and TRUTH revealed to us since the CROSS - JESUS CHRIST. HE is our mediator now, and that's only a portion of the beautiful TRUTH. The HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD also lives in our hearts, so what greater love could we have extended to us? We don't need the Levitical Priests and the hundreds of rituals to come into the presence of the HOLY OF HOLIES. We have access to HIS Throne of Grace 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are now Children of the KING OF KINGS, and HE loves to hear our prayers.

Sister, we are still small and weak, especially in this short life. However, we are held in the Mighty Hands of GOD, and our hearts are sealed by the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, setting us apart as a purchased and eternal possession. We belong to HIM, and that makes me happy. No power can snatch us from HIS Mighty Hands. This is more than enough to cause us to give thanks continually. We have been rescued and delivered from the Wrath to come. PRAISE GOD!

Love In Christ,
Tom

Romans 1:16-20 NASB
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Wow Tom, thank you.
Like the sound, of trees  in the wind ,
              you made me " SIGH" in AWE ! !
Glory Glory to Our God  and Father  in Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Come Come Lord Jesus Come..you are so close and you will be on time..
love in Jesus Tom Thank you .
Def

[nChrist]

The Trojan horse

(Thomas Watson, "The Lord's Prayer")

"Deliver us from evil." Matthew 6:13

In this petition, we pray to be delivered from the
evil of our heart, that it may not entice us to sin.

The heart is the poisoned fountain, from whence
all actual sins flow. "For from within, out of the heart
of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft,
murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit,
sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness."
Mark 7:21-22.

The cause of all evil lies in a man's own bosom--all
sin begins at the heart. Lust is first conceived in the
heart--and then it is midwifed into the world. Whence
comes rash anger? The heart sets the tongue on fire.
The heart is the shop where all sin is contrived and
hammered out.

The heart is the greatest seducer "Each one is
tempted when he is carried away and enticed by
his own lust." James 1:14. The devil could not hurt
us--if our own hearts did not give consent. All that
he can do is to lay the bait--but it is our fault to
swallow it! How needful, therefore, is this prayer,
"Deliver us from the evil of our hearts!"

It was Augustine's prayer, "Lord, deliver me from
that evil man--myself!"

Beware of the bosom traitor--the flesh. The heart
of a man is the Trojan horse--out of which comes
a whole army of lusts! O let us pray to be delivered
from the lusts and deceits of our own heart!

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