Note: After reading “The Happy Man” by Lachlan MacKenzie (1754-1819) I wrote the following –so, any similarity is purely intentional.–HDS   THE BLESSED BELIEVER: The Blessed Believer was born in the city of Regeneration in the state of Repentance. He has a glorious estate in the country of Heaven.   He was educated in the school of Christ, Who is both teacher and subject. He is presently employed by the Lord of the Harvest, doing works of self-denial. He is clothed in the garment of Humility and wrapped in the Robe of Righteousness, provided by Christ.   As a Pilgrim, he travels through the wilderness of this wicked world, enroute to his final destination–his Father’s house, where his glorious inheritance awaits. During his journey, he often descends into the Valley of Pain and he often ascends to the mountain top of Heavenly-mindedness, where he finds inspiration to forge ahead.   He feeds every day on the Word of God, exercises himself unto godliness, labors in the Vineyard of the Lord, takes his burdens to the Throne of Grace, and rests on the exceeding great and precious promises of God. He isn’t perfect, but he is growing in that direction.   The Blessed Believer has- -hope in the gospel -faith in the Word -love in his heart -joy unspeakable -peace that passeth all understanding -humility in his mind -the yoke of Christ upon his neck -the world under his feet, and -a crown of glory over his head.   He is blessed because he- -believes firmly -prays fervently -walks carefully -works patiently -labors abundantly -lives holily -dies daily -serves faithfully -fights intensely -watches constantly -guards his heart -redeems his time -loves his Savior -helps his neighbor -worships sincerely, and -longs for glory!   The Blessed Believer is best described in Psalm 1:1-3, Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”–Luke 19:10   “For the Son of man—” That’s Christ! At first glance this seems to be a title unbecoming of our Lord. After all, could this not be said of every man? We only see the signifiance of this title when we realize that it is the title He chose for Himself. Out of great humility He identifies Himself in terms of His humanity.   Concerning His ancestry He is called the Son of Abraham and David. Concerning His maternity He is called the Son of Mary. Concerning religion He is called the Son over His own house. Concerning His deity He is called the Son of God. But, in regards to His humanity He calls Himself the Son of man.   “—is come—”  That’s Christmas! Throughout the ages, one prophet after another took up the harp of prophecy and assured their generation that the Messiah would come. But,each generation went to their grave without having seen this prophecy fulfilled. “But when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” (Gal. 4:4-5)   At long last it could be said, “the Son of man is come”. He came down from the adoration of angels to the abominations of earth, from the blessedness of heaven to the burdens of life, from the comfort of glory to the condemnation of men. Think about it–He came from delight to decadence, ecstasy to execution, glory to gloom, joy to jeers, majesty to misery, peace to pain, and nobility to nothingness. And He did it all for you!   “—to seek—”  That’s Compassson! Although “there is none that seeketh after God” (Rom. 3:11), Christ came in search of man. Just as God came to Adam while he was hiding in the garden, He took the initiative to search us out and reveal Himself to us in the person of Christ. Just as Jesus came to the place where Zacchaeus was and called him, He is calling for you.   “—and to save that which was lost.” That’s Conversion! Jesus didn’t come to see the seven wonders of the world, or to reform corrupt governments, or to start a welfare program to feed the poor, or to heal man’s physical ailments. He came to meet man’s greatest need–“to save that which was lost.” The Son of God became the Son of man that the sons of men might become the sons of God.   By nature we are all lost. We are sinners seperated from God and dead in our trespasses and sins. Yet Jesus came to save us–to give us life and reconcile us to God. That’s a love story without equal! This is the true Christmas story.  –HDS

—-I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11   Did you hear the tale about the two tiny teardrops? As they were floating down the river, the one said to the other,”Who are you?” It replied,”I’m a teardrop from a girl who loved a man and lost him. Who are you?” The first teardrop responded, “I am a teardrop from the girl who got him!”   Have you ever thanked God for unanswered prayers? You should. The fact is that we’re not always wise enough to know what is best. We often complain about not getting what we want when we really don’t even know what we need. We cry because we feel deprived. If we knew the truth, we would have cried more had we got what we wanted. We would do well to remember that God’s answers are wiser than our prayers! Let us then be content with what He chooses and accept what He allows.—HDS   God wants for you what you would want for yourself if you were as smart as God!