Do you know how special you are? Do you realize how God values and treasures you?
On my sacred journey in Exodus for two years writing my quiet time study, One Holy Passion, I discovered much more than I had even expected. I thought I was going to learn how God rescues and redeems us. And yes, I did learn that powerful truth as I watched Him deliver His people out of Egypt and part the Red Sea. But that powerful act on the part of God was not the most outstanding feature for me. What I saw more than anything is how much God loves us.
In Exodus 19:4-6, God expresses His heart for His people —
You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now if you will obey Me and keep my covenant, you will be My own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to Me. And you will be My kingdom of priests, my holy nation.
Exodus 19:4-6 NLT
God not only set His people free – He carried them, protected them, and brought them to Himself.
Oh, how I love this amazing truth! Again and again, throughout Scripture, we see God's one holy passion for His people. His is an extravagant love and it is an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
He so loved us that He "gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). "We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago" (Ephesians 2:10). And here is such a beautiful truth about eternal life — we are going to "sparkle in His land like jewels in a crown" (Zechariah 9:16 NLT).
I was walking out in the desert – a sunrise myPhotoWalk – with my Nikon D810 camera during a beautiful season of wildflowers. And as I was walking among the flowers, I came to a more barren, desolate section of the desert floor. And then, I spotted a special beauty. Just two white flowers reaching up to the sun, glistening in the light. Their beauty stood out because of the desolate place where they were growing.
And so it is for you and for me. We may be in a desolate place right now in life. But it does not diminish our beauty or importance. No, in fact, it enhances it because of who you really are. You are God's special treasure, shining brightly with the light of His love.
So dear friend, if you need some encouragement today about your beauty, your value, and your wonderful relationship with God, just swim in these truths from God's Word. Talk with God about what He says and write a letter of love to Him in The Quiet Time Journal or The Quiet Time Notebook.
And to help you draw near to God to know and love Him more, and to experience His love, I encourage you to go on the adventure of One Holy Passion — A Sacred Journey In Exodus To God's Amazing Love. The book of Exodus is a love story — a drama of epic proportions. If you want to feel good about your Christianity, this book is for you. A sacred journey, unrelenting suspense, unwavering faith, and God's steadfast love. This book has it all. God draws you to Himself beyond the Red Sea to the Promised Land.
Lord, today I want to thank You that I am Your own special treasure and that you love me with one holy passion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessings ♡ Grace
