The Child
Now Playing: Has He affected you ?
Topic: Meditations
Over two thousand years ago, the "fullness of time" (Galations 4:4) was come. Our Divine Creator allowed that, "the days were accomplished" (Luke 2:6). Matthew records, "thou shalt call His Name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).

What were the responses? For the shepherds, the "angel of the Lord came upon them, and...said, 'Fear not, for I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people'". (vv. 9-10). "And when they had seen it, they made known abroad..." (v. 17) "And all they that heard it wondered at those things..." (v.18). The mother Mary, "kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart" (v.19). Then the "shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things which they had heard and seen" (v.20). What are we doing with the glorious news of our wonderful Saviour ? Like Simeon (vv. 25-32), may our praise flow to Him!

Gathering
Now Playing: Are we there ?
Topic: Meditations
The disciples were afraid, they didn't understand everything, but they were THERE where HE was (Luke 24:36-45). Because they were there, "He opened their understanding" (v.45) Are we there where the Scriptures are taught and Christ is enjoyed ?

Confession and Prayer
Now Playing: Does God hear from us ?
Topic: Meditations
How do we react when things are broken or taken away ? When we faint or are sick ? How about when we weep and mourn ? Nehemiah and Daniel faced these calamities (Nehemiah 1:3, Daniel 8:27). How did they react? What marvelous prayers we now have recorded in God's Word (Nehemiah 1:4-11, Daniel 9:3-19) because of their earnest reactions to the trials they faced.

James says "count it all joy...when ye fall into diverse temptations (trials)" (James 1:2) Peter wrote "the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire" (1 Peter 1:7) Paul could write "we are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in our body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body". (2 Cor. 4:8-10). He also wrote "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (2 Cor. 6:10) May our difficulties only lead us to repentance, humility, and closeness to our Saviour!

Celebration
Mood:  happy
Now Playing: The source of our happiness
Topic: Meditations
On many occasions, particularly at this time of year, we want to find an opportunity to celebrate or share our joy with others. Yesterday, many found that with the capture of the former Iraqi dictator. In Exodus chapters 15 and 32 the people expressed themselves, but in completely different ways. In chapter 15, they celebrated the lifting of 400 years of bondage to their oppressors, having been delivered by their mighty God. Their shouts of joy were praise to Him. In chapter 32, they "rose up to play", but they were just seeking to gratify their flesh in the absence of their leader, Moses. Aaron and others were there for both events. What a solemn fact, that the ones who "gave glory to God" may have also indulged their basest natures in such an evil way. May the Lord give us to "rejoice in Him" (Philippians 4:4) "Thanks be to God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:14) "My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" (Luke 1:47)

First Day of the Week
Now Playing: Priority
Topic: Meditations
When we read John 20 (about Mary) or Acts 20 (about the disciples) we find that they had a focus. Mary came early to see where the Lord was. The disciples came together "to break bread". In the process, they both found some surprises. Mary found out (first) about the Lord who had risen from the dead. The disciples received wonderful ministry, and saw the restoration of one who had fallen. May we likewise prepare our hearts, because we never know what we might learn of the One whose "delights were with the sons of men" (Proverbs 8:31) Solomon also adds, as divinely inspired, "Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD" (Proverbs 8:34-35)

Valuable Possessions
Now Playing: Our heavenly inheritance
Topic: Meditations
Perhaps some have known one who has gained or stood to gain much when a relative passed away. Many would consider it their "rightful inheritance". Well, every day, if we are a Christian, we can get to know the One Who has promised us "an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:4) How many museums there are to store "valued historical artifacts". Paul wrote to Timothy of the "living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy". (1 Timothy 6:17) Is the glitter and glamour in this world so attractive that we lose perspective sometimes? I'm afraid if we search our own soul, we find the truth to be all too unpleasant. But there is a solution. The Lord Jesus said when He was here on earth, "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:20,21)

Beginnings
Now Playing: First Step
Topic: Meditations
One must take the first step sometime. Hopefully, my time and yours will be well-spent on that which will have eternal value. As the Apostle Paul said, "We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18) Many of the choices we make every day would be different if we gave proper consideration to this wisdom. May the "filter" of our decisions, small and great, be more than our own comfort and satisfaction.