September 21, 2021 -- I Thessalonians 2:19-20 -- Set a Worthy Goal

Beloved of the Father, by the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.
I Thessalonians 2:19-20 ESV

What is your goal? What do you spend your life pursuing? Can you hold it up to Jesus on the day of His return? If not, cast it aside. Our life’s goal is to know Jesus Christ. ~Albert Martin

Lord Jesus, Great High Priest,
Thou hast opened a new and living way
by which a fallen creature can approach thee with acceptance.
Help me to contemplate the dignity of thy Person,
the perfectness of your sacrifice, 
the effectiveness of your intercession.
O what blessedness accompanies devotion,
when under all the trials that weary me,
the cares that corrode me, the fears
that disturb me,
the infirmities that oppress me,
I can come to you in my need and feel peace beyond understanding!
The grace that restores is necessary to preserve,
lead, guard, supply, help me.
And here your saints encourage my hope;
they were once poor and are now rich,
bound and are now free,
tried and now are victorious.
Every new duty calls for more grace than I now possess,
but not more than is found in thee,
the divine Treasury in whom all fullness dwells.
To thee I repair for grace upon grace,
until every void made by sin be replenished
and I am filled with all thy fullness.
May my desires be enlarged and my hopes be emboldened,
that I may honor you by my entire dependency and the greatness of my expectation.
Do thou be with me, and prepare me for all
the smiles of prosperity, the frowns of adversity,
the losses of substance, the death of friends,
the days of darkness, the changes of life,
and the last great change of all.
May I find your grace
sufficient for all my needs.

"Grace Active". They Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Ed A. Bennett. Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2020. page 215

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