Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”" (Luke 2:10-11)
 
This was the great declaration concerning the birth of Jesus.  Note some of the features of this announcement.
 
First, they proclaimed “good tidings of great joy”.  They proclaimed Jesus, the one who is the very secret to peace and joy.  It is an inner joy and peace that one can have even when the storm rages.  It is the peace of knowing that I can be forgiven and the conscience freed of the guilt of sin.
 
Second, the declaration was made for the benefit of “all people”. This Savior is for all men, those of every nation.  “"And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”" (Revelation 22:17)  No matter the nationality or social status, Jesus loves them all.  With all the flaws and blemishes, He still cares for them.
 
Third, they told of the humility of the Messiah.  He was born of humble circumstances, born in a manger, to a common peasant woman, a carpenter’s son.  His life even takes on greater meaning when it is given in pain and when God brings Him back to life again!  Paul says, "Christ was “delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification."”  (Romans 4:25)
 
Fourth, they declared that he who was born was the  “Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  An angel declared to Joseph, “"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)  He is the Christ, the anointed one of God.  He is Lord and he wants to be your Lord and your Savior.
 
The magnitude and meaning of this simple story is personalized by Paul’s words, “"O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!"” (Romans 7:24-25)   We must thankful that Christ was born, for through him life has meaning and joy!
 
By George Slover   
 

He that covers a transgression seeks love; but he that repeats a matter separates very friends.”  (Prov. 17:19)

The Scriptures say a lot about loving your brother, about making sure that he comes first in your preferences, that he is accorded the kind of respect and honor he deserves, even when you disagree with him.  It is true that we may need to correct the wrong done by my brother, but such is not a license for me to fuel my ego or bolster my reputation.  Before criticizing carefully examine your motives.  It'’s people who are important, not your own satisfaction.

Allow me to suggest three points to consider before you open your mouth.  First, before you say something about someone, be sure it's true.  It is dangerous to repeat unverified information.  Second, before you say something about someone, examine the reason for saying it.  Abraham Lincoln once said, “Don'’t criticize before you know you can help”.  Third, before you say something about someone, remember how Jesus said, “Do unto to others as you would that they should do unto you.”  If you don'’t want your name slandered, don'’t be guilty of slandering others.

The tongue is hard to control.  It requires tremendous concentration.  However, if we fail to tame the tongue it can kindle all kinds of fires.

George Slover
 

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)  Asa had been one of Judah’s good kings. The early reforms of Asa, had encouraged the nation to enter into a covenant with Jehovah. The historian records:  And all Judah rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and sought Him with all their soul; and He was found by them, and the LORD gave them rest all around.” (2 Chronicles 15:15) However, our last impression of Asa is not good. In the 36th year of the reign of Asa, Baasha, king of Israel, threatened Judah. Instead of trusting in the Lord, Asa entered into a treaty with the king of Syria by giving him treasury from the house of the Lord. Thus, the above verse is part of God‘s unfortunate message to King Asa. Jehovah is pictured as one who is everywhere observing the conduct of men and drawing distinctions. God divides all men into two classes: good and evil. At the first, Asa had been among those who sought God with all of his heart. Sadly, at the end of his reign he became faint hearted and failed. He sought success through compromise rather than implicit trust in God.  Since God knows all that transpires on the earth, he waits for opportunities to interpose in behalf of his people. In times of danger, seasons of affliction, and moments of trial, he shows “Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him”.  God’s omniscience can be of great comfort to those who seek him.  Do we have the perfect heart to whom Divine comfort is promised? This does not mean that we are sinless. But, we must be sincerely willing to acknowledge our transgressions and strive with all of our hearts to walk in God‘s ways. We must refuse to ally ourselves with the world. God is always there to comfort his faithful ones. He will show himself strong and give them great success. By George Slover

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
 
We often read Solomon'’s great conclusion, (vs.13) then teach that the secret to happiness is for man to fulfill his purpose – to fear his Creator and to keep his commandments!  When one refuses to obey God he fails to fulfill the reason for which he was created.  The end result is to fail to find true satisfaction in life.
 
However, we often forget verse 14.  The word “for” connects these thoughts with the previous message.  Why should one “fear God and keep his commandments”?  Because, ultimately judgment is coming!  There is a day of reckoning approaching when every man’'s deeds, good and evil, will be brought before the judge.  Not one deed will go unnoticed,– both those done in the open and those done in secret.  All will be placed before the judge!  Paul says,  “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. “2 Corinthians 5:10)    Thus, one must obey God because of the eternal consequences.
 
What a tragedy!  Most men will miss out on the secret to a satisfying life “under the sun”, then will miss the joy of eternal fellowship with the Father!
 
By George Slover

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
 
In the context of the above passage Paul refers to his thorn in the flesh (vs. 7,8).  Many have speculated as to just what that thorn was.  It is my opinion that “the thorn” is a figurative reference to the various persecutions and distresses referred to in chapter 11 and verses 22-28.
 
Concerning this thorn, Paul had asked God three times for its removal.  God’s answer was "“no"”!  God’s reason:  "“My strength is made perfect in weakness”". (vs.9) God said, “"Paul, I’'ll match your weakness with my strength!  I'’ll be with you in the tough times, and I'’ll help you get up when you are weak.”"
 
One of our greatest fears is insufficiency!  We reason, “how can I possibly get through this difficulty?”  We worry about being deprived of life’s basics such as love and appreciation.  God promises that when all else fails: "My grace is sufficient!  I'’ll be with you”!"
 
So, brother, take it to heart!  Live each day and face each challenge with renewed strength, and trust God to supply the lack.
 
By George Slover