Saturday Night Musings

This global generation has never seen a time such as this when a savior is in so much demand. The world’s stage is ready for someone to emerge from the rubbles and to rescue us from danger. President elect Barack Obama said this week that times will get worse before they get better and the turn around for our economy may take years to recover. States are facing short falls, insurance companies have huge financial crises, and the cost of healthcare keeps soaring through the rafters. No one has been able to stop the fear that is ever raging from the thugs of terrorism. Will there ever be peace in the middle east? How many more billions will it take to keep the doors of commerce open?  Can we take on any more water like Katrina and the tsunami waves? Leaders are defending a greater stimulus package to stop the bleeding rather than defending the Constitution. The hoofs of Armageddon are getting anxious. We are close to a time when a day’s wage will only buy a loaf of bread!

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2: 10, 11

A Savior for all people! He is of superhuman proportions and of a kingly origin. One who can wipe away every tear, bring peace to every heart, and give hope of great joy to the entire world. His coming deserves the road to be paved with our garments. There will be dancing in the streets, and the good news is like a shot heard around the world. Joy to the world! The Lord is come; let earth receive her king! Let every heart prepare him room.

A Savior who is human. He was found as a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. The Word was made flesh, and unto us a child was born. This Savior took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in the fashion of a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Away in a manger, No crib for His bed. The little Lord Jesus Laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky look down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

A Savior who is real and authentic. He is Christ the Lord—the Messiah and our God.  He is called Immanuel—God with us. And this shall be a sign unto you! When you find him, you will acknowledge him as the Christ, the son, of the living God. When you have found him you will say as Mary said: My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. What child is this who is laid to rest on Mary’s lap is sleeping. This, this is Christ the king. Whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring him laud. The babe, the son of Mary.

This Savior is the hallelujah Savior. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. He is the Son of the Highest, the Lamb of God who is worthy to receive power, and riches, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. Fall on your knees. Oh hear the angels voices. Oh night divine, Oh night when Christ was born.

It seems to me men ought to come to this Savior while he is calling. His invitation is for whosoever may come. Today he is your Savior, tomorrow he will be your judge. Come now.

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December 7, 2008, America and now our ally Japan goes back 67 years ago when early Sunday Morning on December 7, 1941 our Pearl Harbor US Naval Base was attacked by Japanese war planes. Over 2,000 of our men and women perished in that sea of hell. In August of 1945, America retaliated with an Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The A-bomb took out a quarter million who perished in that attack. America became a new player in World War II where more than 500,000 lost their lives. Then came the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War. Millions of lives have been lost, the cost of damages in the zillions! All of this just in my life time. As we speak, there is an on going war on terror. Does this sound like peace on earth?

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:9-14

Peace is the gift of God wrapped up in swaddling clothes and was found lying in a manger. It was personified in due time when God’s only Son was born of a virgin. For he (JESUS) is our peace. Peace was made available to all the world, the good news of glad tidings and great joy. By way of his incarnation peace was born, he now can be the Savior to all people. My peace I give unto you. This is Peace on Earth!

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This peace was made peace through the blood of his cross. He said: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. This is the peace that passes all understanding. It will bring an abrupt end of fear to anyone. Because of this peace one can enjoy the peace of God and peace with God. Peace on earth came by the way of the lamb of God slain before the foundations of the world.

Since Cain slew Able there has been blood in waters between brothers. The Savior is now our mediator between men. As Christ has forgiven you, so you forgive others. Forgive us our debts as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. If your brother has sinned against you…go to him and give him the gift of forgiveness. They will cherish this gift for the rest of their lives. Settle the differences here and now with peace on earth before heaven becomes your home.

It seems to me there are many people and nations who want peace on earth. They spell it differently: A piece of this and piece of that! While many have shed blood and lost their lives to bring peace to the world, there is only one whose blood was shed and whose life was given that can bring peace on earth…which is Christ the Lord. Merry Christmas to all!

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The End: Regarded as the man who got away with murder. Mr. O.J. Simpson’s run having set and broken records namely in the NFL came to an end on December 5, 2008 when he was found guilty on 12 charges, including felony kidnapping, armed robbery and conspiracy at the Clark County Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas. He stood stone-faced in shackles and chains as his record was read on high by District Court Judge Jackie Glass. He will serve prison time from 9 to 33 years. She said he found him to both arrogant and ignorant for a reckless crime. He will be forever remembered by saying, “I’m sorry, sorry”.

Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high. Job 16:19

Is there any evidence that you can produce to defend yourself as Christian before…God? You and I may look pretty good before men, but in the presence God, we stand crystal and transparently clear.  He alone knows the intent that lies in the heart. He knows the motive for why we carry on our work for him. There is coming a higher court, the one before whom you and I will stand will be judged righteously and fairly from our record.

Is there a record on high of our second birth? It is called our spiritual birth certificate. Is there a time and place of record when you were born from above, empowered to be called the son of God, and placed in the family of God? If all you have is a list of good works that you have preformed, you are in trouble for time and eternity.

Is there a record on high of your prayers? Prayers that reach heaven and are answered. The Bible says the prayers of a righteous man (one person) availeth much. Will there be any witnesses in heaven that was saved because you prayed for them? Can you argue that point in self-defense?

Is there a record on high of your evangelism in your Father’s business? Are you locally involved in your church in winning of lost? God sent his only begotten Son to suffer and die on the cross and save all that would come unto him. In all that you do, have you helped any to come to the cross of Christ for salvation?

Is there a record on high of your tithes and offerings? Do you (every one of you) on the first day of the week (Sunday); lay by him in store as God has prospered you?

Is there a record on high for any crowns that will be given to you as rewards for victories in the Lord’s work? Crowns have already been reserved for you, but neglecting the gift that is in you has let others take your crown.

It seems to me people are getting away everyday with murder. Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer (I John 3:15). Some day, it will not be the convicted who says, I’m sorry. It will be the judge who will say, Sorry, I never knew you, I find no record of your birth. Go and serve the one you served on earth. The Beginning…