Jewel of God

As we approach the final days of preparation for our mission trip, I have found it even more important to set aside more time than I typically have for quiet time with God and in His Word.  This past week, I have found two books of my Grammie's that I have had for quite some time.  First, I did not realize I had "The Book of Revelation" by William R Newell.  It is a treasure for sure and I am looking forward to diving into it upon our return.  The second book, "Heaven's Jewelry" by James McGinlay, is as precious to me as the title.  I am on my third reading of this precious book and the first chapter is where my focus is today.

Malachi 3:16-18
"Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them;  so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name.  "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "on the day that I make them My jewels.  And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him."  Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and one who does not serve Him."

As I think and meditate on this passage and the first chapter of Mr. McGinlay's book, I wonder how many, like myself sometimes read the words, "Mine" and "My" and think collectively as the body of Christ not possessively "me," "myself," and "I."  I am a jewel of God's!  I am precious in His sight and I am a child of God.   

Jeremiah 31:17-20
""There is hope in your future," says the LORD, "that your children shall come back to their own border.  I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself: 'You have chastised me, and I was chastised, like an untrained bull; restore me and I will return, for You are the LORD my God.  Surely, after my turning, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck myself on the thigh; I was ashamed, yes, even humiliated, because I bore the reproach of my youth.'  Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a pleasant child? For though I spoke against him, I earnestly remember him still; therefore My heart yearns for his; I will surely have mercy on him," says the LORD.""

As I walk through life, I have sometimes gone astray and sinned yet I am still His jewel and He longs for me when I stumble away and restores me when I cling to Him and His will.  As I hold onto the promise that our (my) salvation is secure thus indestructible and precious, I pray that am clearly teaching this same promise with clarity so that those I teach can cling to this promise as well.