Grace Gems

[Def]

For  the LIGHT in Me is connected to the LIGHT above me  in Heaven.
Def in Jesus.

[nChrist]

Bonjour Tom.in My prayer book I wrote one day that i had been baptized by the tears of God and i  believe it cause the Blood of Christ were the tears of God. (his Love For the world).
Tom through you ,I would like to express my gratitude to Christians Unite for the privilege  that I could express my faith and learned through sharing
.All my brothers and sisters have help me to put  some of  the pieces of puzzle together
 how sweet you have been to me
you have Thoth me so so much  a piece here and a piece there
O their was so much light ahead of me ,surrounding me that the Light above me is there now to follow forever
so  I thank  My god in the name  of Jesus Christ for his mercy and compassion's  and I pray that He bless every one of you in a very special way and he will meet all your needs.That i am sure of..Love in Jesus (+¸+) Def

Hello Sister Def,

I feel the same way about you, and I give thanks there are many other Christians who come here to strengthen and encourage each other in CHRIST. All of us benefit from sharing with other Brothers and Sisters in CHRIST, and together we share the GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD with a lost world. We're not ashamed of the GOSPEL and know that it still has the greatest power of any message in the entire world. Finally, we can pray that GOD softens the hearts of those that hear it and give thanks that many are still accepting CHRIST.

Love In Christ,
Tom

2 Timothy 1:7-12 NASB
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

[nChrist]

This I cannot understand

(author unknown)

The grace of God is the unhindered, wondrous, boundless
love of His heart, poured out upon His people in a countless
variety of ways, without stint or measure--not according to
our deserving, but according to His infinite heart of love! This
I cannot understand--so unfathomable are its heights and
depths! God's love is infinitely tender, and self-sacrificing,
and devoted, and patient, and eager to lavish its best of
gifts and blessings, upon the objects of His love.

Put together all the tenderest love you know of, the deepest
love you have ever felt, and the strongest love that has ever
been poured out upon you--and heap upon it all the love of
all the human hearts in the world, and then multiply it by
infinity--and you will begin, perhaps, to have some faint
glimpse of the love and grace of God towards His people!

"May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so
 great you will never fully understand it." Ephesians 3:19

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[nChrist]

All the whys and wherefores

(Susannah Spurgeon, "A Basket of Summer Fruit")

"The Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing
 unto you, because the Lord your God loved you."
     Deuteronomy 23:5

Here, my soul, in this most sweet assurance, you will
find your Lord's one reason for all His dealings with
you--whether tender or severe.

In this earthly pilgrimage, you do meet with so many
experiences and providences that are inexplicable and
mysterious, that you are apt to say, "Why this trial,
Lord?" "Why this affliction?" "Why this disappointment
of all my hopes and plans?"

Blessed be the Name of the Lord for such a full and
amazing answer as is this precious verse--to all the
questions with which a doubting heart or a feeble faith
can vex me! It must needs be that my finite mind fails
to understand the ways of God; but if I can believe
that He loves me--this is faith's sufficiency.

My heart, until you have learned the lesson of perfect
trust--doubts and misgivings are sure to arise, and cloud
your fairest prospects. The darkness looks impenetrable
when you do try to peer into it--the rough places seem
impassable when your weary feet stumble over the big
stones in the pathway--the mountains of difficulty appear
inaccessible when the mists of unbelief veil their true
proportions. Truly, the Lord is a God who hides Himself;
and, oftentimes, His purposes are carried out on our
behalf under cover of the thick clouds, in which He
enwraps Himself.

But what a bright star amidst the darkness, what a
lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path--are
the blessed words of this Divinely-illuminated text,
"Because the Lord your God loved you!" This verse . . .
  completely solves all doubts,
  wipes away all tears,
  is a remedy for every fear, and
  a refuge from every distress!
No sweeter assurance could fill my trembling heart
with joy, no softer resting-place could be found for
a weary, heavy-laden sinner!

To know, of a surety, that all God's dealings with
me are those of a loving Father towards a dear and
well-beloved child; to be absolutely certain that
every sorrow conceals a blessing, because He has
appointed it; to look upon pain, and trial, and bitter
experiences as the outcome of a love which is so
infinite that I cannot fathom it--this is to live in
"the secret place of the Most High," this is to
"abide under the shadow of the Almighty!"

If we would but meet every affliction, be it small
or great, with a brave confidence in our Father's
mighty love to us, and an unquenchable faith in
His power--our trials would either vanish altogether,
or be transformed into triumphs which would bring
honor to our King!

"My heart melts within me, Lord, when, by Your Holy
Spirit's aid, I can get even a glimpse of that wonderful
love which You have for me--so undeserving and so vile!
It does seem "too good to be true," sometimes, that I,
notwithstanding all my faults and failings, and despite
all my hardness of heart and guilty indifference, should
be the recipient of such free, unmerited favor! Lord,
open my understanding as well as my heart--that my
love may sun itself in Yours, and have a blessed
realization of what Your grace really means to my
poor soul!"

Now, my soul, from this time forth, decide to answer
all the whys and wherefores which perplex your
life, by the simple response, "Because the Lord loved
me!" Can you imagine a condition more blissful--than
that of being so sheltered and surrounded by God's
wondrous love?

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[nChrist]

Where then, are all my spots?

(Susannah Spurgeon, "A Basket of Summer Fruit")

"You are all beautiful, My beloved; there is no spot
 in you!" Song of Songs 4:7

"Ah!" I hear some timid, trembling believer say, "Such
a text can have nothing to do with me! I am the very
opposite of all that is beautiful and spotless. The eyes
of my soul have seen hideous sights within, which I can
never forget; and I loathe myself and my sin so much,
that though I believe God has forgiven me for Christ's
sake--I feel it impossible to take those precious words
as addressed to one so sinful and imperfect as myself!"

Yet, trembling soul, I would bid you take courage, and
look up! Christ's love for His people is marvelously set
forth in this Song of Songs. The same precious blood
was poured out to redeem the least lamb of the flock,
as for the choicest sheep!

Come, then, timid one--rejoice in the blessed fact that
you are indeed precious to the Lord--and He says, "You
are all beautiful, My beloved!" Adoringly bow before Him
in wonder--at the miracle His love has wrought in you.

It ill becomes the bride of Christ to ignore His loveliness,
which He has put upon her, and go about bemoaning the
scars and blemishes which His great love overlooks and
forgets.

It is quite true that, in themselves, believers are sorrowfully
imperfect and sinful; but if the Lord Jesus, in His marvelous
mercy, unrobes Himself to cover over their unrighteousness,
they may well be content to be thus made "beautiful" in His
sight. We cannot comprehend the mystery and sublimity of
Divine love; but it is the sole and all-sufficient reason for the
dear Lord's estimate of us; and when He uses such endearing
language--our hearts melt and are ravished by His wondrous
condescension. With reverence we say it--when our dear
Master deigns to address us in accents of love and admiration,
our souls are thrilled with heavenly bliss, and we are uplifted
beyond all the sorrows and vexations of this world, into an
atmosphere of unspeakable spiritual joy!

"My beloved!" Oh, say it again, dear Savior! Let the music
of Your voice touch and vibrate through the deepest chords
of my nature, and awaken sweet responses in my soul! You
are the fount and source of all love; oh, fill me, overwhelm
me, plunge me in this sea of mercy and of grace! I would be
swallowed up in it--knowing no other joy or bliss comparable
to that of being able to say, "My Beloved is mine--and I am His!"

"There is no spot in you." Can our loving Lord really mean
this? He does, indeed! "Where then, are all my spots,
dear Lord, for they were legion--and sin must render me
vile and loathsome in Your pure sight?"

All the sins--past, present, and future--all the deformity and
blackness--are cleansed away by Christ's blood--covered by
His righteousness! And so completely is this done, that God
Himself can find no remnant or stain of that which would
have meant eternal death to an unwashed soul. The poor
sinner is lifted from the depths of sin--to the heights of
heavenly bliss! "What kind of love is this?" It is so Divine
and incomprehensible that, in the contemplation of it,
we are lost in wonder and amazement!

Lord Jesus, what a glorious Savior You are! All the sin,
which made Your bride so black and vile--was laid upon
You!

"There is no spot in you." An old writer says--"Now, if
God sees no spot--why should you be prying after one?
Poring over your misery, searching after your blackness
and depravity--will be no help to you. This only keeps
your eyes off Jesus, instead of up unto Jesus. You cannot
look two ways at once. How did the poor serpent-bitten
Israelites in the wilderness get relief and healing? By
looking to their sores, their wounds, their malady? Oh,
no! It was by looking to the brazen serpent! And if you
would get relief--it must be by looking to Jesus Christ!"

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[nChrist]

Put all the 'creatures' into a cup

(Thomas Watson, "God is His People's Great Reward")

"I am your exceeding great reward." Genesis 15:1

In the Hebrew it is, "I am your superabundant, very
exceeding much reward." The text rises higher and
higher--"I am your reward; your great reward; and
your exceeding great reward."

God Himself is His people's reward! Nothing
besides God, can be His people's reward. Nothing on
earth can be their reward. The glittering of the world
dazzles men's eyes; but, like the apples of Sodom, it
does not so much delight--as delude. The world is but
"gilded emptiness!" The world is circular; but the heart
is a triangle. A circle cannot fill a triangle. The world is
enough to busy us, not to fill us. When we enjoy most
of 'the creature'--yet there is always something lacking.
When King Solomon had put all the 'creatures' into
a cup, and went to extract and distill out their worth,
they turned to froth! "Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly
meaningless! Everything is meaningless!" Ecclesiastes 1:2.
God never intended that we should dig happiness--out of
the earth which He has cursed!

Heaven itself is not a saint's reward! Psalm 73:25, "Whom
have I in heaven but You?" There are angels and archangels
--yes, but though these are for a saint's comfort--yet they
are not properly for his reward. Communion with seraphim
is excellent--but God Himself is His people's reward!

"I am your exceeding great reward." Genesis 15:1

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[Def]

Put all the 'creatures' into a cup

(Thomas Watson, "God is His People's Great Reward")

"I am your exceeding great reward." Genesis 15:1

In the Hebrew it is, "I am your superabundant, very
exceeding much reward." The text rises higher and
higher--"I am your reward; your great reward; and
your exceeding great reward."

God Himself is His people's reward! Nothing
besides God, can be His people's reward. Nothing on
earth can be their reward. The glittering of the world
dazzles men's eyes; but, like the apples of Sodom, it
does not so much delight--as delude. The world is but
"gilded emptiness!" The world is circular; but the heart
is a triangle. A circle cannot fill a triangle. The world is
enough to busy us, not to fill us. When we enjoy most
of 'the creature'--yet there is always something lacking.
When King Solomon had put all the 'creatures' into
a cup, and went to extract and distill out their worth,
they turned to froth! "Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly
meaningless! Everything is meaningless!" Ecclesiastes 1:2.
God never intended that we should dig happiness--out of
the earth which He has cursed!

Heaven itself is not a saint's reward! Psalm 73:25, "Whom
have I in heaven but You?" There are angels and archangels
--yes, but though these are for a saint's comfort--yet they
are not properly for his reward. Communion with seraphim
is excellent--but God Himself is His people's reward!

"I am your exceeding great reward." Genesis 15:1

____________________

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thank you brother Tom I must go and meditate on this.Love in Jesus Def(`:')
i have nothing of my own"could this be it?

[nChrist]

Treasures and pleasures!

(Thomas Watson, "God is His People's Great Reward")


"I am your exceeding great reward." Genesis 15:1. God Himself is His people's reward! In what way is God the reward of His people?

God is a satisfying reward. God is a whole ocean of blessedness, so that the soul, while it is bathing in it, cries out in a divine ecstasy, "I have enough!" Here is fullness — but no excess. Psalm 17:15, "I shall be satisfied when I awake with Your likeness." That is — when I awake out of the sleep of death, having my soul embellished with the illustrious beams of Your glory — I shall be satisfied. In God there is not only sufficiency — but redundancy; not only the fullness of the vessel — but the fullness of the fountain! In God, this Ark of blessedness, are all good things to be found. Therefore Jacob, having God for his reward, could say, "I have enough!" or, as it is in the original, "I have all!" Genesis 33:11. God is all marrow and fatness. He is such an plenteous reward as exceeds our very faith. If the Queen of Sheba's heart fainted when she saw all King Solomon's glory — what would it have done to have beheld the astonishing and magnificent reward which God bestows upon His favorites!

God is a suitable reward. The soul, being spiritual, must have something comparable and suitable to make it happy — and that is God. Light is no more suitable to the eye, nor melody to the ear — than God is to the soul. He pours spiritual blessings into the soul, Ephesians 1:3. He enriches it with grace, feasts it with His love, and crowns it with heavenly glory!

God is a pleasant reward. He is the quintessence of delight! He is all beauty and love! To be feeding upon thoughts of God is delicious. Psalm 104:34, "My meditation on Him shall be sweet." It is delightful to the bee to suck the flower. Just so, by holy musing, to suck out some of the sweetness in God, carries a secret delight in it. To have a prospect of God only by faith is pleasant. 1 Peter 1:8, "In whom believing you rejoice." Then what will the joy of vision be — when we shall have a clear, personal sight of Him — and be laid in the bosom of divine love! What a delicious reward will God be in heaven! This will be better felt — than expressed. The godly, entering upon their celestial reward, are said to enter into the joy of their Lord, Matthew 25:21. Oh, amazing! The saints enter into God's own joy! They have not only the joy which God bestows — but the joy which God enjoys!

God is a transcendent reward. The artist, going to paint the picture of Helena, not being able to draw her beauty — drew her face covered with a veil. Just so, when we speak of God's excellencies — we must draw a veil. He is so super-eminent a reward, that we cannot set Him forth in all His luster and magnificence. Put the whole world in scale with Him — and it is as if you should weigh a feather compared to a mountain of gold. God is far better than all other things put together! He is better than the world — and better than heaven! He is the original cause of all good things. Nothing is sweet without Him. He perfumes and sanctifies our comforts!

God being an infinite reward, there can be no defect or scantiness in it. There is no lack in that which is infinite. Some may ask, "Is God sufficient for every individual saint?" Yes! If the sun, which is but a finite creature, disperses its light to the universe; then much more God, who is infinite, distributes glory to the whole number of the elect. As every person enjoys the whole sun to himself — so every believer possesses the whole God to himself. The Lord has land enough to give all His heirs. Throw a thousand buckets into the sea — and there is water enough in the sea to fill them. Though there are millions of saints and angels — there is enough in God to fill them. God is an infinite reward, and though He is continually giving out of His fullness to others — yet He has not the less. His glory is imparted — not impaired. It is a distribution, without a diminution.

God is an honorable reward. Honor is the height of men's ambition. Aristotle calls it the greatest of blessings. What greater dignity than to be taken up into communion with the God of glory, and to possess a kingdom with Him, bespangled with light, and seated with Christ upon His throne, above all the visible orbs!

God is an everlasting reward. Mortality is the flaw of all earthly things. But God is an eternal reward. Eternity cannot be measured by years nor ages. Eternity makes glory, weighty. Psalm 48:14, "This God is our God forever and ever!" Oh, saints of God, your praying and repenting are but for a while — but your reward is forever! As long as God is God, He will be rewarding you! Hosea 2:19, "I will betroth you unto me forever." God marries Himself to His people, and this admits of no divorce. God's love for His elect is as unchangeable as His love for Christ! Psalm 73:26, "My portion forever." This portion cannot be spent — because it is infinite; nor can it be lost — because it is eternal.

In God are treasures which can never be emptied — and pleasures which can never be ended!

"You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand!" Psalm 16:11

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[/color]

[nChrist]

If God left us!

(Thomas Watson, "Four Sad Evils" 1663)

The sins of the ungodly are looking-glasses in which we
may see our own hearts. Do we see a heinous, impious
wretch? Behold a picture of our own hearts! Such would
we be -- if God left us! What is in wicked men's practice
 -- is in our nature. Sin in the wicked -- is like fire which
flames and blazes forth. Sin in the godly -- is like fire hid
in the embers. Christian, though you do not break forth
into a flame of scandalous sin -- yet you have no cause
to boast, for there is as much sin in the embers of your
nature! You have the root of all sin in you, and would
bear as hellish fruit as any ungodly wretch -- if God did
not either curb you by His power, or change you by
His grace!

Why might not God have left you -- to the same excess
of wickedness? Think with yourself, O Christian -- why
should God be more merciful to you, than to another?
Why should He snatch you, as brand plucked out of
the fire -- and not him? How should this make you to
adore free grace! What the Pharisee said boastingly,
we may say thankfully -- "God, I thank you that I am
not like other men -- robbers, evildoers, adulterers, etc."

If we are not as wicked as others -- we should adore the
riches of free-grace! Every time we see men hastening
on in sin -- we are to thank God that we are not such!
If we see a crazy person -- we thank God that it is not
so with us. When we see another infected with the
plague -- how thankful are we, that God has preserved
us from it! Much more when we see others under the
power of Satan -- how thankful we should be, that this
is no longer our condition!

"For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived,
 captives of various passions and pleasures, living in
 malice and envy, hateful . . . ." Titus 3:3

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[nChrist]

Temptations work for our good

(Thomas Watson, "Four Sad Evils" 1663
Note: this excerpt is longer — but choice!)

        "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

        Even temptations are overruled for good, to the children of God. A tree which is shaken by the wind is more settled and rooted. Just so, the blowing of a temptation does but settle a Christian the more in grace.

        Temptations are overruled for good in eight ways:

        (1.) Temptation sends the soul to prayer. The more furiously Satan tempts, the more fervently the saint prays. The deer being shot with the dart — runs faster to the water. When Satan shoots his fiery darts at the soul — it then runs faster to the throne of grace. When Paul had the messenger of Satan to buffet him, he says, "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me" (2 Cor. 12:8 ). That which makes us pray more, works for good.

        (2.) Temptation to sin, is a means to keep from the perpetration of sin. The more a child of God is tempted — the more he fights against the temptation. The more Satan tempts to blasphemy, the more a saint trembles at such thoughts, and says, "Away from me, Satan!" When Joseph's mistress tempted him to lust — the stronger her temptation was, the stronger was his opposition. That temptation which the devil uses as a spur to sin — God makes a bridle to keep back a Christian from sin!

        (3.) Temptation works for good — as it abates the swelling of pride. "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!" (2 Cor. 12:7). The thorn in the flesh was to puncture the puffing up of pride! Better is that temptation which humbles me — than that duty which makes me proud! Rather than a Christian shall be haughty minded — God will let him fall into the devil's hands awhile, to be cured of his swelling pride!

        (4.) Temptation works for good — as it is a touchstone to try what is in the heart. The devil tempts — that he may deceive us; but God allows us to be tempted — that He may try us. Temptation is a trial of our sincerity. It argues that our heart is chaste and loyal to Christ — when we can look a temptation in the face, and turn our back upon it. Many have no heart to resist temptation. No sooner does Satan come with his bait — but they yield; like a coward who, as soon as the thief approaches, gives him his purse. But he is the valorous Christian, who brandishes the sword of the Spirit against Satan, and will rather die than yield. The valor and courage of a saint is never more seen than on a battlefield, when he is fighting the red dragon, and by the power of faith puts the devil to flight. That grace is tried gold, which can stand in the fiery trial, and withstand Satan's fiery darts!

        (5.) Temptations work for good — as God makes those who are tempted, fit to comfort others in the same distress. A Christian must himself be under the buffetings of Satan, before he can speak a word in due season to him who is weary. Paul was well-versed in temptations. "We are very familiar with his evil schemes" (2 Cor. 2:11). Thus he was able to acquaint others with Satan's cursed wiles (1 Cor. 10:13). A man who has ridden over a place where there are bogs and quicksands — is the fittest to guide others through that dangerous way. He who has felt the claws of Satan, the roaring lion, and has lain bleeding under those wounds — is the fittest man to deal with one who is tempted. None can better discover Satan's subtle devices — than those who have been long in the fencing school of temptation.

        (6.) Temptations work for good — as they stir up fatherly compassion in God to those who are tempted. The child who is sick and bruised — is most looked after. When a saint lies under the bruising of temptations, Christ prays, and God the Father pities. When Satan puts the soul into a fever, God comes with a cordial; which made Luther say, that "temptations are Christ's embraces," because He then most sweetly manifests Himself to the soul.

        (7.) Temptations work for good — as they make the saints long more for heaven. There they shall be out of gunshot; heaven is a place of rest, no bullets of temptation fly there. The eagle which soars aloft in the air, and sits upon high trees — is not troubled with the stinging of the serpent. Just so, when believers are ascended to heaven, they shall not be molested by the old serpent, the devil. In this life, when one temptation is over, another comes. This makes God's people wish for death — to call them off the battlefield where the bullets fly so quick — and to receive a victorious crown, where neither the drum nor cannon — but the harp and violin, shall be eternally sounding.

        (8.) Temptations work for good — as they engage the strength of Christ. Christ is our Friend, and when we are tempted, He sets all His power working for us. "Since He Himself has gone through suffering and temptation, He is able to help us when we are being tempted" (Heb. 2:18 ). If a poor soul was to fight alone with the Goliath of hell, he would be sure to be vanquished! But Jesus Christ brings in His auxiliary forces — He gives fresh supplies of grace. "We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us!" (Romans 7:37). Thus the evil of temptation is overruled for our good.

        Question. But sometimes Satan foils a child of God. How does this work for good?

        Answer. I grant that, through the suspension of divine grace, and the fury of a temptation — a saint may be overcome; yet this foiling by a temptation shall be overruled for good. By this foil, God makes way for the augmentation of grace. Peter was tempted to self-confidence; he presumed upon his own strength; and Christ let him fall. But this wrought for his good — it cost him many a tear. "He went out, and wept bitterly" (Matt. 26:75). And now he grows less self-reliant. He dared not say he loved Christ more than the other apostles. "Do you love me more than these?" (John 21:15). He dared not say so — his fall into sin broke the neck of his pride!

        The foiling by a temptation causes more circumspection and watchfulness in a child of God. Though Satan did before decoy him into sin — yet for the future he will be the more cautious. He will beware of coming within the lion's chain any more! He is now more vigilant and fearful of the occasions of sin. He never goes out without his spiritual armor — and he girds on his armor by prayer. He knows he walks on slippery ground, therefore he looks wisely to his steps. He keeps close sentinel in his soul, and when he spies the devil coming — he grasps his spiritual weapons, and displays the shield of faith (Eph. 6:16).

        This is all the hurt the devil does when he foils a saint by temptation — he cures him of his careless neglect; he makes him watch and pray more. When wild beasts get over the hedge and damage the grain — a man will make his fence the stronger. Just so, when the devil gets over the hedge by a temptation, a Christian will be sure to mend his fence; he will become more fearful of sin, and careful of duty. Thus the being worsted by temptation, works for good.

        Objection. But if being foiled works for good, this may make Christians careless whether they are overcome by temptations or not.

        Answer. There is a great difference between falling into a temptation, and running into a temptation. The falling into a temptation shall work for good — not the running into it. He who falls into a river is fit for help and pity — but he who desperately runs into it, is guilty of his own death. It is madness running into a lion's den! He who runs himself into a temptation is like king Saul — who fell upon his own sword.

        From all that has been said, see how God disappoints the old serpent — by making his temptations turn to the good of His people. Luther once said, "There are three things which make a godly man — prayer, meditation, and temptation." The wind of temptation is a contrary wind to that of the Spirit; but God makes use of this cross wind, to blow the saints to heaven!

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[/color]

[Def]

Temptations work for our good

(Thomas Watson, "Four Sad Evils" 1663
Note: this excerpt is longer — but choice!)

        "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

        Even temptations are overruled for good, to the children of God. A tree which is shaken by the wind is more settled and rooted. Just so, the blowing of a temptation does but settle a Christian the more in grace.

        Temptations are overruled for good in eight ways:

        (1.) Temptation sends the soul to prayer. The more furiously Satan tempts, the more fervently the saint prays. The deer being shot with the dart — runs faster to the water. When Satan shoots his fiery darts at the soul — it then runs faster to the throne of grace. When Paul had the messenger of Satan to buffet him, he says, "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me" (2 Cor. 12:. That which makes us pray more, works for good.

        (2.) Temptation to sin, is a means to keep from the perpetration of sin. The more a child of God is tempted — the more he fights against the temptation. The more Satan tempts to blasphemy, the more a saint trembles at such thoughts, and says, "Away from me, Satan!" When Joseph's mistress tempted him to lust — the stronger her temptation was, the stronger was his opposition. That temptation which the devil uses as a spur to sin — God makes a bridle to keep back a Christian from sin!

        (3.) Temptation works for good — as it abates the swelling of pride. "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!" (2 Cor. 12:7). The thorn in the flesh was to puncture the puffing up of pride! Better is that temptation which humbles me — than that duty which makes me proud! Rather than a Christian shall be haughty minded — God will let him fall into the devil's hands awhile, to be cured of his swelling pride!

        (4.) Temptation works for good — as it is a touchstone to try what is in the heart. The devil tempts — that he may deceive us; but God allows us to be tempted — that He may try us. Temptation is a trial of our sincerity. It argues that our heart is chaste and loyal to Christ — when we can look a temptation in the face, and turn our back upon it. Many have no heart to resist temptation. No sooner does Satan come with his bait — but they yield; like a coward who, as soon as the thief approaches, gives him his purse. But he is the valorous Christian, who brandishes the sword of the Spirit against Satan, and will rather die than yield. The valor and courage of a saint is never more seen than on a battlefield, when he is fighting the red dragon, and by the power of faith puts the devil to flight. That grace is tried gold, which can stand in the fiery trial, and withstand Satan's fiery darts!

        (5.) Temptations work for good — as God makes those who are tempted, fit to comfort others in the same distress. A Christian must himself be under the buffetings of Satan, before he can speak a word in due season to him who is weary. Paul was well-versed in temptations. "We are very familiar with his evil schemes" (2 Cor. 2:11). Thus he was able to acquaint others with Satan's cursed wiles (1 Cor. 10:13). A man who has ridden over a place where there are bogs and quicksands — is the fittest to guide others through that dangerous way. He who has felt the claws of Satan, the roaring lion, and has lain bleeding under those wounds — is the fittest man to deal with one who is tempted. None can better discover Satan's subtle devices — than those who have been long in the fencing school of temptation.

        (6.) Temptations work for good — as they stir up fatherly compassion in God to those who are tempted. The child who is sick and bruised — is most looked after. When a saint lies under the bruising of temptations, Christ prays, and God the Father pities. When Satan puts the soul into a fever, God comes with a cordial; which made Luther say, that "temptations are Christ's embraces," because He then most sweetly manifests Himself to the soul.

        (7.) Temptations work for good — as they make the saints long more for heaven. There they shall be out of gunshot; heaven is a place of rest, no bullets of temptation fly there. The eagle which soars aloft in the air, and sits upon high trees — is not troubled with the stinging of the serpent. Just so, when believers are ascended to heaven, they shall not be molested by the old serpent, the devil. In this life, when one temptation is over, another comes. This makes God's people wish for death — to call them off the battlefield where the bullets fly so quick — and to receive a victorious crown, where neither the drum nor cannon — but the harp and violin, shall be eternally sounding.

        (8.) Temptations work for good — as they engage the strength of Christ. Christ is our Friend, and when we are tempted, He sets all His power working for us. "Since He Himself has gone through suffering and temptation, He is able to help us when we are being tempted" (Heb. 2:18). If a poor soul was to fight alone with the Goliath of hell, he would be sure to be vanquished! But Jesus Christ brings in His auxiliary forces — He gives fresh supplies of grace. "We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us!" (Romans 7:37). Thus the evil of temptation is overruled for our good.

        Question. But sometimes Satan foils a child of God. How does this work for good?

        Answer. I grant that, through the suspension of divine grace, and the fury of a temptation — a saint may be overcome; yet this foiling by a temptation shall be overruled for good. By this foil, God makes way for the augmentation of grace. Peter was tempted to self-confidence; he presumed upon his own strength; and Christ let him fall. But this wrought for his good — it cost him many a tear. "He went out, and wept bitterly" (Matt. 26:75). And now he grows less self-reliant. He dared not say he loved Christ more than the other apostles. "Do you love me more than these?" (John 21:15). He dared not say so — his fall into sin broke the neck of his pride!

        The foiling by a temptation causes more circumspection and watchfulness in a child of God. Though Satan did before decoy him into sin — yet for the future he will be the more cautious. He will beware of coming within the lion's chain any more! He is now more vigilant and fearful of the occasions of sin. He never goes out without his spiritual armor — and he girds on his armor by prayer. He knows he walks on slippery ground, therefore he looks wisely to his steps. He keeps close sentinel in his soul, and when he spies the devil coming — he grasps his spiritual weapons, and displays the shield of faith (Eph. 6:16).

        This is all the hurt the devil does when he foils a saint by temptation — he cures him of his careless neglect; he makes him watch and pray more. When wild beasts get over the hedge and damage the grain — a man will make his fence the stronger. Just so, when the devil gets over the hedge by a temptation, a Christian will be sure to mend his fence; he will become more fearful of sin, and careful of duty. Thus the being worsted by temptation, works for good.

        Objection. But if being foiled works for good, this may make Christians careless whether they are overcome by temptations or not.

        Answer. There is a great difference between falling into a temptation, and running into a temptation. The falling into a temptation shall work for good — not the running into it. He who falls into a river is fit for help and pity — but he who desperately runs into it, is guilty of his own death. It is madness running into a lion's den! He who runs himself into a temptation is like king Saul — who fell upon his own sword.

        From all that has been said, see how God disappoints the old serpent — by making his temptations turn to the good of His people. Luther once said, "There are three things which make a godly man — prayer, meditation, and temptation." The wind of temptation is a contrary wind to that of the Spirit; but God makes use of this cross wind, to blow the saints to heaven!

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Thank you brother Tom
Love in Jesus Def(+¸+)

[nChrist]

A beast with a man's head!

(Thomas Watson, "A Divine Cordial" 1663)

Love to God is an expansion of soul, or the inflaming
of the affections—by which a Christian breathes after
God as the supreme and sovereign good.

"There is nothing on earth that I desire beside You."
Psalm 73:25. The Christian loves God above all other
objects. God is the quintessence of all good things;
He is superlatively good. The soul admiring in Him
that constellation of all excellencies—is carried out
in love to Him in the highest degree. God, who is
the chief of our happiness—must have the chief of
our affections. The creature may have the milk of
our love—but God must have the cream! Though
some drops of love may run to our kindred and
friends—yet the full torrent must run out after
Christ. Relations may lie on the bosom—but
Christ must lie in the heart!

We set a high value upon God as being the most sublime
and infinite good. We so esteem God, as that if we have
Him—we do not care though we lack all other things. The
stars vanish, when the sun appears. All creatures vanish
in our thoughts, when the Sun of righteousness shines in
His full splendor. The soul that loves God, rejoices in Him
as in his treasure—and rests in Him as his center. The
heart is so set upon God—that it desires no more.

We must love God more for what He is (His intrinsic
excellencies)—than for what He bestows. True love is
not mercenary. You need not hire a mother to love her
child. Just so, a soul deeply in love with God needs not
be hired by rewards. It cannot but love Him—for that
luster of beauty which sparkles forth in Him!

"And we know that all things work together for
 good to those who love God." Romans 8:28

Despisers and haters of God—have no lot or part
in this privilege. It is children's bread—it belongs
only to those who love God.

This is a sharp reproof to those who do not love God,
to such as have not a grain of love to God in their
hearts—and are there such reprobates alive? He who
does not love God—is a beast with a man's head!
Oh wretch! Do you live upon God's bounty every day
—yet not love Him! These are monsters in nature—
devils in the shape of men! Let them read their doom:
"If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is
cursed!" 1 Corinthians 16:22

How can he expect love from God—who shows no
love to Him? Will God ever lay such a viper in His
bosom—as casts forth the poison of malice and
enmity against Him?

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[nChrist]

Charging God with wrongdoing

(Thomas Watson, "A Divine Cordial" 1663)

"It is the Lord's will. Let Him do what He thinks best."
1 Samuel 3:18

One who genuinely loves God, interprets all His dealings
in the best sense. Though He afflicts sharply--the soul
takes all well. This is the language of a gracious spirit:
"My God sees what a hard heart I have, therefore He
drives in one wedge of affliction after another--to break
my heart. He knows how full I am of the cancer of
covetousness, or the swelling of pride, or the fever of
lust--therefore He gives me bitter remedies, to save my
life. This severe dispensation is either to mortify some
corruption--or to exercise some grace. How good is God,
who will not let me alone in my sins--but smites my body
to save my soul!" Thus genuine piety puts a good gloss
upon all God's afflictive dealings. It is Satan who makes
us have high thoughts of ourselves, and hard thoughts
of God. "Take away everything he has--and he will
surely curse You to Your face!" Job 1:11

"Then Job fell to the ground in worship and said, 'Naked
I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the
name of the Lord  be praised.' In all this, Job did not sin
by charging God with wrongdoing." Job 1:20-22

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[nChrist]

Five sharp stings!

(Thomas Watson, "A Divine Cordial" 1663)

Many love sin, more than God. "They are haters of
God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They are forever
inventing new ways of sinning." (Romans 1:30)

What is there in sin—that any should love it?

Sin is a debt. "Forgive us our debts" (Matthew 6:12).
Sin is a debt which binds over to the wrath of God!
And will you love sin? Does any man love to be in debt?

Sin is a disease. "The whole head is sick" (Isaiah 1:5).
And will you love sin? Will any man hug a disease? Will
he love his plague sores?

Sin is a pollution. The apostle calls it "filthiness" (James
1:21). It is compared to leprosy and to poison of asps!

God's heart rises against sinners. "My soul loathed
them!" (Zechariah 11:8 ).

Sin is a hideous monster. Lust makes a man brutish;
malice makes him devilish! What is in sin to be loved?
Shall we love deformity?

Sin is an enemy. It is compared to a
"serpent". Sin has five sharp stings:
  shame,
  guilt,
  horror,
  death,
  damnation!

Will a man love that which seeks his death?
Surely then it is better to love God than sin.
God will save you—but sin will damn you!
Is he not a fool—who loves damnation!

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

But love to God will never let sin thrive in the heart.
The love of God withers sin. The flower of love kills the
weed of sin! How should we labor for that grace of love
to God—which is the only corrosive to destroy sin!

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[nChrist]

Feel My bleeding heart

(Thomas Watson, "A Divine Cordial" 1663)

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,
 that we should be called children of God!" 1 John 3:1

Our affections for God, should be kindled at the fire
of God's wondrous love to us. "We love Him, because
He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

What a miracle of love it is--that God should love us,
when there was nothing lovely in us. We were rather
fit to be loathed--than loved! We had something in us
to provoke God's fury--but nothing to excite His love.
What love, passing understanding, was it--that Christ
should die for sinners! Augustine says, "The cross is a
pulpit--and the lesson Christ preached on it is LOVE."
Oh the wondrous love of a dying Savior! I think I hear
Christ say to us, "Put your hand into the wound in
My side. Feel My bleeding heart. See if I do not
love you! And will you not bestow your love upon Me?
Will you love the world more than Me? Did the world
appease the wrath of God for you? Have I not done
all this? And will you not love Me?"

"May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so
 great you will never fully understand it!" Ephes. 3:19

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