August 21

Satan's quarrel with God is too avanced for him to give you a second glance. Besides, can he give you armor to quench the fiery blasts of God's judgment? How could he, when these burning bullets are embedded inside his own heart, causing unspeakable torment? And will he send sympathy when at last you have destroyed yourself by following his advice? Of course not-- no more than the ravenous wolf pities the sheep after he has torn her into pieces and drunk her blood.

So that you can never say you did not understand how to find peace with God through the Gospel, carefully weigh these next four thoughts. This peace is both indispensable and comprehensive. You cannot be happy with anything less than peace but you do not need anything more than peace to fill you with true joy. Of all the varieties on God's spiritual menu, His serving of peace can least be spared. If you take this away the feast is spoiled, even if a brightly garneshed outward peace replaces it at the center of the prince's table.

Sinner, listen to me! Is not this controversy between you and God like a swollen toad at the bottom of your cup of honey? Your sins are unpardoned and you are condemned to die for them, no matter how much you may be dancing in the shadows of your prison. What would you think about a man who spent his last hours before being hanged playing at his favorite sport? Truly God is merciful if He stays your execution one more day!

I confess, when I see a man whose life proves him an unforgiven sinner, and whose pleasure comes by dressing in expensive clothing and entertaining with the prideful air of affluence, I am amazed that he cares neither about God nor himself. How much longer do you think the Lord will watch him pile up this trash around himself before He tosses a torch to the bottom of it?

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