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The Bible Says
“. . . chosen by God and precious” (I Peter 2:4). We are all chosen by God to fulfill a given purpose in life. The farmer produces essential food to sustain all the people in the world. The manufacturer produces the things we wear, the houses we live in and the means by which we travel. Somebody invented the formula for producing plastic and now we live in a plastic world---I have not decided whether to praise him, or blame him. All those used of God to accomplish the things He wanted done were chosen and divinely called for a specific purpose. Men are not always aware of that fact, and we sometimes ask, “Why must I face some of the things that are happening in my life?” But God in turn answers: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NKJB).
“Now when they (the shepherds) had seen Him (Baby Jesus), they made widely known the saying which was told them (by the angels) concerning this child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds” (Luke 2:17, 18 NKJB -- explanatory inserts ours).
Why did the angels bring this exciting news to these shepherds? Why didn’t they tell the King? Or the High Priest? Or one of the prophets? Or even some of the other shepherds ?
”The Israelites were a “chosen” people, god having set them apart to receive his word and maintain his worship (Psalms 105:43); Jerusalem was chosen as the seat of the temple (I Kings 11:13); Christ was chosen (“elect,” Isa. 42:1) of God to be the Savior of men. The apostles were chosen before of God to be witnesses of the resurrection (Acts 10:41). The declaration, “Many are called, but few chosen,” means that the invitation is extended to many but that only a few profit thereby so as to be finally accepted (Matt. 20:16; 22:14).”
Unger’s Bible Dictionary It is 2:25 a.m. I am unable to sleep so I decided to finish this message. Things are not going too well at the moment. Ken has been in the Vet’s Hospital several days now. He is in Intensive Care and Marvine and Kenny are by his side. He needs them and I’m glad they are there. Sheri stayed here to care for me and she has come down with an apparent case of the Flu and has lost her voice. To top it all out my replacement girl didn’t come to work as scheduled and we were unable to call her. She is extremely faithful. I only hope and pray she has not met with a severe problem. I personally was fine when they left but yesterday my left leg went out completely and I can’t walk without help. I slept in my reclining chair, because I could not get in and out of my bed. One of my problems is that I recently celebrated my 99th Birthday and all my friends joined to make it my best Birthday ever. Now, no doubt, Satan is accusing me before the Throne of God, as he did Job, “Does Charlie Grier serve God for naught? Take away your constant love and care and he won’t be ‘Rejoicing in the Lord!’ “
I am neither discouraged nor depressed. I am still counting my blessings and rejoicing in the Lord. My first pastor used to say, “These things all come to pass -- they don’t come to stay.” Praise the Lord! Every chapter, every verse, every line. All are blessings of His love divine. Every promise in the Book is mine! Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through? God specializes in things thought impossible And He will do what no other power can do! We Americans are the most favored people on earth. We get a lot of Missionary letters from around the world and people everywhere are suffering. Some are starving. Some are tortured. They live in constant fear. But despite the persecution, Revival Fires are burning in many parts of the world and some proclaim faith in Christ, even though they know their witness may cost them suffering and possible death!
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