The Christian Race

The Christian race is difficult. It is a race from earth to heaven! Is it easy for a man to deny himself, to crucify the flesh, to behead his beloved sin? If we would have a sight of God in glory, we must run this race. We cannot have the world without labor, and would we have heaven without labor? In the heavenly race, ALL must run. Those who are unfit to run in other races, like the lame and blind must run this race. None are excused from this race. All have run from God by sin, and all must run to Him by repentance!  Either run or be damned! Either flee to heaven or fall to hell! 

If we do not throw off this weight of sin by sincere repentance it will sink us into hell. A man cannot run a race with a heavy burden upon his back. An immoral person cannot run the race of holiness; a proud man cannot run the race of humility; a self-willed man cannot run the race of obedience. The world is a golden weight which has hindered many and made them lose their race. "Demas has deserted me because he loved this present world!" (2 Timothy 4:10) 

So far as the world is a weight throw it off! I do not say lay aside the use of the world but the love of the world.  (1 John 2:15) When the golden dust of the world is blown in men's eyes it so blinds them, that they cannot see their race! 

Oh, Christian, unburden your soul of sin!  Throw off this weight if you intend to lay hold on the crown! 

[Thomas Watson]

1 Corinthians 9:24 ... Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Hebrews 12:1 ... Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ❤

God Causes the Temptations of the Godly

Among the many trials the Lord appoints for His people, few are as relentless and distressing as temptation. The Christian is not merely opposed by the world and the flesh; but by a personal, malicious enemy. Satan is rightly called "the tempter." (Mark 4:15) He is restless, strategic, and cruel, ever watching, ever waiting, ever laying snares for the saints. Yet even here, Scripture speaks with settled certainty: temptation itself, is sovereignly overruled by God for the good of those who love Him. 

The devil's methods are both violent and subtle. As a dragon, he assaults the soul with fiery darts, blasphemous thoughts, doubts of God's goodness, and suggestions that strike at the very foundations of faith.  (Ephesians 6:16) Like the old serpent, he is cunning beyond measure. He studies temperament, times his attacks, disguises sin in religious language and sometimes delivers poison in a golden cup! (2 Corinthians 11:14) Yet for all his craft, Satan remains a creature under restraint. He can propose objects, stir the imagination, and excite remaining corruption but he cannot force the will, nor can he move one inch beyond the limits God has set. (Job 1:12)

Here the comfort of Romans 8:28 shines with peculiar brightness. Temptation does not escape God's providence. The same Lord who permits the assault, also governs its outcome. Like a tree shaken by fierce winds, the believer becomes more deeply rooted. What Satan intends for ruin, God intends for refinement. 

First, temptation drives the soul to prayer. When the enemy presses hard, the saint flees faster to the throne of grace. "For this I implored the Lord three times," Paul says of Satan's buffeting. (2 Corinthians 12:8) Temptation exposes our weakness, strips away self-confidence, and teaches us to cry, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." (Matthew 6:13) That which sends us to prayer cannot ultimately harm us. 

Second, temptation strengthens resistance to sin. The more fiercely the devil urges, the more clearly the believer learns to hate the evil set before him. Joseph's refusal was sharpened, not softened, by the persistence of temptation. (Genesis 39:9) God turns Satan's spur into a bridle, making the soul recoil from the very sins it is urged to commit. 

Third, temptation humbles pride. Paul's "thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan" was given was given so that he would not exalt himself. (2 Corinthians 12:7) Far better to be humbled by temptation, than proud of success. God will sooner allow a saint to feel their frailty than to trust their own strength. 

Fourth, temptation tests and proves grace. The devil tempts to destroy, but God permits temptation to reveal sincerity. Faith is shown not in the absence of battle, but in steadfast resistance. Courage shines brightest when the conflict is fiercest. (James 1:12)  

Fifth, temptation equips believers to comfort others. Those who have wrestled with the enemy are best suited to warn, guide, and encourage fellow pilgrims. "We are not ignorant of his schemes." (2 Corinthians 2:11) The scars of battle become instruments of mercy. 

Sixth, temptation draws forth the tender compassion of Jesus. "He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered; He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted." (Hebrews 2:18) When the soul is bruised, Christ intercedes; when the battle rages, grace is supplied. 

Seventh, temptation loosens our attachment to this world and makes us long for Heaven. Here on earth the fight never ends; there the enemy is forever silenced. The weary soldier looks for the crown. (2 Timothy 4:7-8) Even when a believer is temporarily overcome, it works for his spiritual good. Peter's fall shattered his pride and produced deeper humility, greater watchfulness, and truer dependence on Jesus. (Luke 22:62; John 21:15-17)

Thus, the old serpent is continually outwitted by divine wisdom. Temptation becomes a crosswind that carries the saints toward glory. The enemy rages, but Jesus reigns. And the God who permits the battle, ensures the victory. 

[Thomas Watson] 

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1 Corinthians 15:57 ... But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

If God Feeds His Birds ...

Romans 8:32 ... He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

This glorious promise carries us from Calvary's crimson hill to the spacious plains of God's boundless provision. The Father, having offered His beloved Son as a substitutionary sacrifice for His people, thereby demonstrated that every cost of our redemption was borne in full. If the Sovereign of Heaven did not count the anguish of Golgotha too great to spare His only begotten Son, then will He now withhold from us any good thing? Never! 

The gift of Christ for our salvation, secures every lesser gift. As we behold the infinite compassion manifested in the cross, we trust that such love will daily supply our every need. If God did not spare His beloved Son for us, then He will withhold no needful blessing from those for whom Jesus died. If God has given you Jesus, then He has engaged all the riches of Heaven for your good. He who gave the greater, will not deny the lesser. If God feeds His birds, then surely, He will not starve His babes. 

Free pardon and full forgiveness, grace along the way, and glory at the end all this our Savior has promised to give! Believer, when fear whispers that your burdens exceed your father's care, return to Calvary. There you see the height of His giving and there you find the answer to your every need. Rather than sinking under anxiety, let faith boldly think: "Will my God, who gave His darling Son for my salvation refuse to give me daily bread, comfort in sorrow, or needed strength?" 

No trial can outstrip His upholding grace; no Scriptural request can exceed His generosity. 

Heavenly Father, you did not spare Your own Son but delivered Him up for us. Teach us to rest in that matchless gift. Grant us faith to plead Your promises, courage to cast all our cares on You, and joy in anticipating Your gracious provision. May our lives overflow with gratitude as we receive the riches of Your grace. Amen. 

[Thomas Watson] 

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Old Adam, Put in a Better Dress

Natural honesty, moral virtue, prudence, loyalty, liberality, temperance, these are not the new birth. These make a splendid show in the eye of the world, but they differ as much from the new birth, as a stick differs from a star! 

Morality indeed is commendable, and it would be well if there were more of it. Yet morality is but human nature at its best; it does not amount to saving grace. There is nothing of the Gospel, in mere morality. That fruit is sour which does not grow on the root of Jesus! 

Heat water to the highest degree and you still cannot make wine out of it; it is water still. Just so, let morality be raised to the highest it is human nature still. It is but old Adam, put in a better dress. Moral virtue may exist with the hatred of godliness. A moral man hates holiness as much as he does vice! 

[Thomas Watson] 

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John 3:3 ...  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:7 ...  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. ❤

Take Heed of The Company You Keep!!

Beware of unnecessary familiarity with the ungodly.

We cannot catch health from another, but we may soon catch a disease! The disease of sin is very contagious! I should be as afraid of going among the wicked as going among those who have the plague! "They mingled among the pagans and adopted their evil customs." (Psalm 106:35) If we cannot make others better let us take care that they make us no worse.

Lot was a 'miracle' he kept fresh in Sodom's salt-water!

My beloved, take heed of the occasions of sin evil company is a great occasion of sin. The Nazarites in the old law, as they were not to drink wine, so they were also forbidden grapes, from which the wine was made, as you read in Numbers 6. This teaches us, that all occasions of sin must be avoided.

Evil company is the devil's drawnet, by which he draws millions to Hell. How many families, and how many souls have been ruined and undone in this city by evil company? Many there are, who go from a playhouse and from a tavern to the bottomless pit!

[Thomas Watson]

Proverbs 13:20 ... He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. ❤

God Has Two Fires!

God has two fires: 

One where He puts His gold, one where He puts His dross. 

The fire where He puts His gold, is the fire of affliction to purify them. 

The fire where He puts His dross, is the fire of damnation - to punish them.

[Thomas Watson]

 Isaiah 48:10 ... Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

Matthew 25:41, 46 ... Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: ...

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

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Some Means to Fruitfulness

I shall here lay down some means to fruitfulness. If you would be fruitful, remove those things which will hinder fruitfulness, such as cherishing any secret lust in the heart. Sin indulged is like vermin to the tree, which destroys the fruit. Grace cannot thrive in a sinful heart. Avoid the love of riches. The cares of the world choked the seed, in Matthew 13. 

The love of sin poisons the fruit; the love of riches chokes it. Another means to fruitfulness is weeping for sin. Moisture helps growth in trees; holy tears water the trees of God and make them more fruitful. Mary Magdalene, a weeping plant how fruitful was she in love to Christ! Moist grounds are most fertile; the soul that is moistened and steeped in tears is most fruitful. 

Never did David's graces flourish more, than when he watered his couch with tears. Another means to fruitfulness is humility. The low grounds are most fruitful. "The valleys are covered with grain." (Psalm 65:13) 

The humble heart is the fruitful heart. The largest and sweetest fruits of the Spirit, grow in a humble Christian. 1 Peter 5:5 says, "God gives grace to the humble." Paul called himself the least of saints, yet he was the chief of the apostles. 

[Thomas Watson]

John 15:8 ...  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. ❤

"If God Left Us"

The sins of the ungodly are the 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 a 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! 

[Thomas Watson] 

Titus 3:3 ...  For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

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Willingly ...

Jesus Christ went more willingly to the cross than we do to the throne of grace.

[Thomas Watson]

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John 10:17-18 ...  Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Hebrews 4:16 ...  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. ❤

Puritan Quotes

Do not think on the comforts you lack, but on the mercies you have. Look rather at God's end in afflicting, than to the measure and degree of your affliction! 

[Christopher Love]

The humble Christian studies his own unworthiness. He looks with one eye upon grace to keep his heart cheerful; and with the other eye upon sin to keep it humble. 

[Thomas Watson]

If Satan's darts have wounded us, then faith cools the scalding heat of sin by applying to us the precious balm of Christ's blood!  

[Christopher Love]

Sin is a leprous spot. It makes everything we touch unclean! 

[Thomas Watson]

A man with God is always in the majority! 

[John Knox]

The tongue exists to reveal our heart! 

[John Calvin]

The human heart is a factory of idols! 

[John Calvin

God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does! 

[Martin Luther]

Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God! 

[Martin Luther]

The bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me! 

[Martin Luther]

It is certain that a man must completely despair of himself, in order to be fit for the grace of Christ! 

[Martin Luther]

Faith is the wedding ring in which we have pledged ourselves to Christ! 

[Martin Luther]

Ministerial work is to make saints out of sinners, living souls out of the dead,
children of God, out of servants of the Devil! 

[Martin Luther]

Ministers should make it their business not to set forth new notions, but to press on Christians old truths, and known duties. 

[Thomas Gouge]

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A Praying Soul...

Prayer delights God's ear: it melts His heart; and opens His hand. God cannot deny a praying soul. 

[Thomas Watson]

Psalm 6:9 ... The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.

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God Shoots Many Kinds of Arrows!

We pray here, that we may have grace to submit to God's will patiently, in whatever He inflicts. Patient submission to God's will, is a gracious frame of soul, whereby a Christian is content to be at God's disposal and acquiesces in His wisdom. "It is the Lord's will, let Him do what He thinks best!" (1 Samuel 3:18)  

Patient submission to the will of God, lies in seeing His hand in the affliction. "Affliction does not spring from the soil, and trouble does not sprout from the earth!" (Job 5:6) Affliction does not come by chance! Job eyed God in all that befell him. "The Lord gave me everything I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!" (Job 1:21) Job looks beyond second causes, he sees God in the affliction! "The Lord has taken it away." 

There can be no submission to God's will, until there is an acknowledging of God's hand in the affliction. Patient submission to God's will, lies in justifying God. God is holy and just, not only when He punishes the wicked, but when He afflicts the righteous. "Now we are being punished because of our wickedness and our great guilt. But we have actually been punished far less than we deserve." (Ezra 9:13)  

While we live here in this valley of tears, patient submission to God's will is much needed. The Lord sometimes lays heavy afflictions upon us. "Your arrows have struck deep, and Your blows are crushing me!" (Psalm 38:2) God sometimes lays many afflictions upon us. "He multiplies my wounds." (Job 9:17) God shoots many kinds of arrows! 

God sometimes afflicts with POVERTY, which is a great affliction. To have an estate reduced almost to nothing, is hard to flesh and blood. "The Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty." (Ruth 1:20-21)  

God sometimes afflicts with REPROACH. Dirt may be cast upon a pearl. Just so, those names may be blotted, which are written in the Book of Life. Piety shields from Hell, but not from slander. God sometimes afflicts with the DEATH of loved ones. "Son of man, I am going to take away your dearest treasure. Suddenly she will die!" (Ezekiel 24:16)  

God sometimes afflicts with INFIRMITY of body. Sickness takes away the comfort of life. Sometimes God lets the infirmity continue long. Some diseases are chronic and linger and hang about the body for many years. The Lord is pleased to exercise many of His precious ones with chronic infirmities. God tries His people with various afflictions so that they have need of patient submission to His will. Murmuring is not consistent with submission to God's will. Murmuring is the height of impatience; it is a kind of mutiny in the soul against God. "They began to murmur against God!" (Numbers 21:5)  

When water is hot, then the scum boils up! When the heart is heated with anger against God, then murmuring boils up! Murmuring springs from pride! Men think they have deserved better at God's hand; and, when they begin to swell with pride, they spit poison! 

[Thomas Watson] 

Hebrews 12:5-6 ... And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. ❤

"Sin"

Sin is worse than suffering; it is better to suffer than to sin. Every sin is an attempt to dethrone God in your heart. Sin never goes alone but leaves a stain wherever it touches.

[Richard Baxter]

Sin is the dare of God's justice, the rape of His mercy, the jeer of His patience, and the contempt of His love. Sin turns the soul into a dungeon of darkness.

[John Bunyan] 

Sin is infinitely worse than any affliction. One sin allowed, is enough to damn the soul. Sin is the soul's only sickness, and Christ is the soul's only Physician.

[Jeremiah Burroughs]

Sin in the heart is like Jonah in the ship it turns the soul into a tempest. Sin will usher in the greatest and saddest losses imaginable. Sin is Satan's firstborn.

[Thomas Brooks]

Sin is an offense against infinite holiness and deserves infinite punishment. Sin is a deicide every sin would kill God if it could.

[Stephen Charnock]

Be killing sin, or it will be killing you. The seed of every sin is in every heart. 

[John Owen]

The smallest sin is an infinite evil, because it is committed against an infinite God. Sin is the foulest evil it pollutes everything it touches. 

[Samuel Rutherford]

Sin is the cause of all suffering and the root of all sorrow. Sin is the disturber of Heaven, earth, and Hell. One of the greatest sins, is not to see sin as the greatest evil. Sin is the soul's enemy, the heart's wound, and the thief of eternal joy.

[Ralph Venning]

Till sin is bitter, Christ will not be sweet. Sin has the devil for its father, shame for its companion, and death for its wages. Sin is a spiritual poison that would murder the soul. Sin is worse than Hell, because sin brought Hell into being.

[Thomas Watson]

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Commenting Upon the Bible

Chrysostom compares the Scripture to a garden every truth is a fragrant flower which we should wear, not on our bosom, but in our heart! David counted the Word "sweeter than honey and the honeycomb". There is that in Scripture which may breed delight. It shows us the way to riches, Deuteronomy 28:8, Proverbs 3:30; to long life, Psalm 34:42; to a Kingdom, Hebrews 12:28. 

Well then may we count those the sweetest hours, which are spent in reading the holy Scriptures. Well may we say with the prophet, "Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and the joy of my heart!" (Jeremiah 15:16) Conform to Scripture. Let us lead Scripture lives. 

Oh, that the Bible might be seen printed in our lives! Do what the Word commands. Obedience is an excellent way of commenting upon the Bible. "Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth." (Psalm 86:11) Let the Word be the sundial by which you set your life. What are we the better for having the Scripture, if we do not direct all our speech and actions according to it? What are we the better for the rule of the Word, if we do not make use of it, and regulate our lives by it? What a dishonor is it to religion, for men to live in contradiction to Scripture! The Word is called a "light to our feet".  (Psalm 119:105) It is not only a light to our eyes to mend our sight but to our feet to mend our walk. 

Oh, let us lead Bible lives! Be thankful to God for the Scriptures. What a mercy is it that God has not only acquainted us what His will is, but that He has made it known by writing! The Scripture is our polestar to direct us to Heaven, it shows us every step we are to take. When we go wrong it instructs us; when we go right it comforts us. Adore God's distinguishing grace, if you have felt the power and authority of the Word upon your conscience if you can say as David, "Your Word has quickened me." (Psalm 119:50)

Christian, bless God that He has not only given you His Word to be a rule of holiness but His grace to be a principle of holiness. Bless God that He has not only written His Word, but sealed it upon your heart, and made it effectual. Can you say it is of divine inspiration, because you have felt it to be of lively operation? 

Oh, free grace! That God should send out His Word and heal you. That He should heal you, and not others! That the same Scripture which to them is a dead letter, should be to you a savor of life! 

[Thomas Watson] 

Psalm 119:97 ...  O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. ❤

"Providential Care"

In every trial and tribulation, let us find comfort in the knowledge that God, in His infinite wisdom, orchestrates all for the good of His chosen people. God's hand is behind every event, crafting our lives for His glory. 

[John Owen] 

The providence of God is a tapestry of grace, where every thread, even the darkest, contributes to the glorious picture of our salvation. His providence is a rich treasure; He knows how to turn our trials into triumphs, our sorrows into songs. [Thomas Watson] 

The heart that loves God finds peace in knowing that even the most confusing paths are ordered by Him for our benefit. [Richard Sibbes] 

To love God is to rest in His sovereign will, trusting that even the most perplexing circumstances are shaped for our ultimate good. In every situation, whether in joy or sorrow, we are called to trust that God is orchestrating the events of our lives for His glory. 

[Jonathan Edwards] 

Though the winds may howl and the storms rage, we are assured that God's hand is upon us, guiding every event to our benefit and His glory. 

[Richard Baxter] 

God's providence is a divine compass, guiding our lives through every storm, always pointing us toward our true good and His eternal glory. In the tapestry of life, every thread of sorrow is skillfully woven by God, contributing to the beauty of our salvation. 

[Matthew Henry] 

God's providence is like a skilled artisan who, though unseen, is weaving our lives into a masterpiece, with every thread serving His holy purpose! 

[John Bunyan] 

All that befalls us, whether sweet or bitter, is ordained by God, who works all things in concert for the good of those who are called according to His purpose. 

[William Perkins]

Trust in the Lord, for He has a wise design in every affliction, transforming our pain into a pathway of grace. Trust the divine Designer; He weaves even our pain into His purpose. 

[Samuel Rutherford] 

We may often walk through the valley of shadows, but remember, dear believer, that God is sovereignly guiding our steps toward a glorious end! We may rest assured that even the harshest providences are part of God's plan, working towards a good that we may not yet see. 

[John Flavel]

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

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"Afflictions"

Afflictions teach us to value the blessings of God which in prosperity we are apt to forget.

God's afflictions are not to destroy us, but to wean us from the world and bring us closer to Christ.

It is folly to doubt God's goodness because of His chastening rod, for the rod is in the hand of infinite love.

[Richard Baxter]

Afflictions are but God's furnace to refine His gold. 

Christ's school of affliction is the best school in this world.

God would not rub so hard, if it were not to fetch out the dirt that is ingrained in our natures.

Afflictions are God's medicines to cure His people.

[ Thomas Brooks]

As the winter prepares the earth for the spring, so affliction prepares the soul for glory.

The greatest afflictions are less than we deserve.

God empties us of worldly comfort to fill us with heavenly joy.

[William Bridge]

God's people are like gold they are purified by fire. 

God does not strike as an enemy to destroy, but as a father to correct.

[Jeremiah Burroughs]

Sanctified afflictions are better than unsanctified prosperity.

The furnace of affliction is where God polishes His jewels.

[John Flavel]

God's wounds cure sin's kisses kill.

[William Gurnall]

Afflictions quicken our desires for eternal things.

Afflictions are blessings to the soul, though they seem bitter to the flesh.

[John Owen]

Your afflictions are your father's love-tokens.

When I am in the cellar of affliction, I look for the Lord's choicest wines.

[ Samuel Rutherford]

God breaks the cistern to drive us to the fountain.

The fire does not destroy the gold, but only refines it.

God's hammer breaks us in pieces, that He may fashion us into His own likeness.

God squeezes the sins out of His saints by affliction.

It is better to go limping to Heaven, than leaping to Hell.

[ Richard Sibbes]

A sick bed often teaches more than a sermon.

God's rod is a pencil to draw Christ's image more distinctly upon us.

[Thomas Watson]

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Five Sharp Stings!

Many love sin, more than God. 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. "Your whole head is injured; your whole heart is sick. From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness-only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil." (Isaiah 1:5-6) 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! 

Sin is a hideous monster. Lust makes a man brutish-and malice makes him devilish! What is in sin to be loved? Shall we love deformity? God's heart rises against sinners. "My soul loathed them!"(Zechariah 11:8)  

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! 

[Thomas Watson]

Romans 1:28-32 ... And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. ❤

The Only Way!!

If you are not with Christ while you live, you will not go to Christ when you die. 

You must be in Christ before you can be with Christ.

[Thomas Watson]

John 14:6 ... Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ❤

God's Peace...

The world can create trouble in peace,
but God can create peace in trouble.

  [Thomas Watson]

 John 14:27 ... Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Philippians 4:7 ... And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ❤

The More Bloody --- The More Lovely!

Lost men cannot see the stupendous beauty of Christ. All sparkling beauties are found in Him—but they lack eyes! He is infinitely and superlatively lovely! All that we could ever say about Jesus falls infinitely short of His matchless worth. He is pure, unspotted beauty! There is an infinite resplendency, a sparkling luster to His beauty! Jesus is most lovely in His sufferings, when He made an atonement for our sins. What, lovely in His sufferings? Lovely when He was buffeted, spit upon, and besmeared with blood? Oh yes, He was most lovely upon the cross, when He showed most love to us!  He bled love at every vein! Those drops were love drops! The more blood the more lovely! 

Oh, how lovely ought a bleeding Savior be to our eyes! Let us wear this blessed crucifix always in our heart! The cross of Christ is the key that opens paradise to us! How beautiful is Christ on the cross! The ruddiness of His blood took away the redness of our guilt! Christ's crucifixion is our coronation! He left His Father's bosom, that hive of sweetness to come and live in this poor world. Truly, He exchanged the palace for the dunghill! "The unsearchable riches of Christ!" (Ephesians 3:8)

Not even the angels can dig to the bottom of this mine! They adore Christ, being ravished with His amazing beauties! Jesus is the very extract and quintessence of beauty. He is a whole paradise of delights! 

[Thomas Watson]

Song of Solomon 5:16 ...  His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. ❤