Across the Pastor’s Desk by George Marin

“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, to be his people, his treasured possession,” Deuteronomy 7:6.

The Bible declares that we as his people are God’s treasured possessions. God looks at those who walk with him, those who follow his precepts, as his special treasures on the earth. How encouraging to think of the way that God sees his people. He does not look at his people as lowly, common or ordinary, but absolutely extraordinary. Many of the people we will encounter in life will not give many of us a second thought. They are caught up in the whirlwind of their own schedules, interests, needs, etc., but not God. He looks upon his people with great value and adoration.

Many times in life we might feel badly about ourselves because of life’s circumstances. Many times we might feel unworthy of love, respect and happiness. Many times we let mistakes from our past weigh us down. Many times we might feel like we don’t have the right pedigree or a high enough status in life. So many things can bring us down to a pit of discouragement and despair. Sometimes we encounter people that may look down upon us or who may try to put us down with their words or actions. That can bring very negative emotions into our lives. There are some people who feel so badly about themselves that they don’t really want to see anyone else happy. We live in a broken, fallen world that, quite frankly, could use more joy and encouragement. I want to bring you that encouragement from God’s word today. God sees you as his special treasure. He values your life according to the standard that he himself set, and that was the price of the life of his own son, Jesus Christ. The Bible declares, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whosoever would believe in him, should not perish but have everlasting life,” John 3:16.

My friends, I want to encourage you today to look to God and to his word. Give God another chance to breathe life and health into your circumstances. I encourage you to open yourself to him. He knows you better than you know yourself. You have been created in his likeness and image, and he created you with great purpose in mind. I share these words with you from the ancient prophet Jeremiah, “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future,” Jeremiah 29:11. God is good, and God is faithful. And, he will be good and faithful to you. You have every right to hold on to God’s unchanging hand. It’s extended in your direction today. May he provide you peace and joy as you take your confidence in him. You are God’s special treasure

God bless you!

 

George Marin is a pastor at Grace Christian Church in Albert Lea.