The 40-Day Challenge : Day 23
- 20
- Feb
- 2013
“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 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. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!’” (Luke 2:8-14)
Why did God appear to the shepherds living out in the fields? What were they doing that drew God’s attention?
They were alert; they were keeping watch over the flock by night.
They had zeal for their animals because they valued them.
Now, how do we show that I value God, my faith and my salvation? When we are watchful, alert; when we sacrifice to do what God wants from us, not what we want to do.
And how do we know that we are doing what God wants?
When we listen to what He is telling us and immediately put it into practice. Many people think the message is for someone else, and so they do not watch their own lives.
They keep watch over other people’s lives, not their own.
They consider themselves to be perfect, without flaws; this is why they think everyone else needs to change but themselves. And because they can’t see their mistakes, they don’t fight for their salvation! They think, “I am baptised with the Holy Spirit. I don’t have problems. I make mistakes and have flaws, but this is normal…”
They may even hold an important position, but they don’t have life! They do not value their salvation, and this can be seen in the way they speak and behave.
If they do not value their own lives, how can they value their sheep?
“And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them…”
When we are vigilant, when we have a desire to become better for God, not for others, the angel—God’s servant—appears to us.
No one was watching the shepherds, yet they kept watch over the animals. This reveals their care and appreciation.
When we appreciate God, we value our salvation and we take care of the “sheep”, our neighbours. This causes God to become the Shepherd of our souls.
“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”
God’s words bring fear, respect. They make us think.
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God.”
The angels praised God because of His mercy and glory. He gave His life for those who would later on deny Him.
God only saves those who believe, but everyone is given the same opportunity.
Now I ask: What have you done to draw God’s attention? Have been watchful?
If you say “yes”, it’s because you’ve decided to give Him your best; but if you say “no”, this means you don’t see the need to be saved.
Watch it! We all need salvation.
ada
30th January 2018 at 11:08
God only saves those who believe, but everyone is given the same opportunity.
This is very true, if I believe I will do everything in my power to make it happen.
Esther
18th July 2014 at 4:20
Being watchful in myself is a must to know if i am doing what God want me to do. Salvation is indeed important and we are all given that chance to grab it. The choice is ours, if we are going to take it and live by His words. I learned that i must be watchful in everything that i will do.
Thank you for this message Mrs Vivi. God bless you and your family:)
Siphosethu Cpt
25th June 2014 at 8:01
Thank you Mrs Vivi
I am watchful when it comes to my salvation because I have taken note of its important and I know that if I don’t give value to it, God cannot use me as He desires and I cannot be able to sheperd the ‘sheep’ if I have not known the master Sheperd.
Norma
2nd September 2013 at 14:14
Hello Mrs Viviane
Its true that when we are vigilant we the angel God’s servant will appear to us. When we appreciate God we value our salvation more than anything in this world. God’s word make us to think which means we have to use our intelligence in all we do.
Grace
24th June 2013 at 9:41
Hello Mrs Viviane,
Thank you for this message it is very strong. Yes I am watchful of my salvation. I take it very seriously. It is not easy I have to keep watch daily of the things I say the places I go and the things I do. I don’t always get everything right but I do repent and ask God forgiveness and try not to make the same mistakes again. And keep on living my life for him.