Monday, August 31, 2015

Malachi: You are My Jewel


Malachi 3:17
Amplified Bible (AMP)

17 And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure). And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.


Often this world attempts to strip us of our uniqueness. "Being the only one of its kind" is an honored position (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/unique).  Often, the nature of society attempts to marginalize our worth.  The message we receive is you aren't pretty enough, you're too thin, you're too fat, make more money, give your money away, etc.  Yet, we don't need to allow society's voice affect our heart (self worth).  

Our focus, needs to be on what God says about us.  He calls us His jewels, "a valuable stone (such as a ruby or diamond) that has been cut and polished" (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jewel).

Our heavenly Father, sees us as His own treasure!  WOW!

The next time you think of yourself as less than or not good enough, remember that you are the treasure of the King of the Universe.  

Now, how's that for a self-esteem booster?

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Psalm 126: Statistical Grace

Psalm 126:3
Amplified Bible (AMP)

The Lord has done great things for us! We are glad!
 
 
I'm thankful, extremely thankful!!!  Today, I finished a course in statistics by taking a proctored final examination at the Penn State Harrisburg.  You see, I'm not naturally gifted in the mathematical sciences.  I tend to excel in creative writing.
 
Give me symbolism or give me...symbolism.
 
Yet, I finished well today, and I can only attribute it to God pouring out His grace.  From the beginning of the course in May, I know that in order to be successful in statistics, grace would be absolutely imperative. 
 
Statistics was one of those subjects that required a great amount of studying, but God empowered me to understand the foreign topics of discreet random variables, chi-square analysis, and regression.  In my natural weakness, His grace prevailed allowing me to finish well.
 
Applying this concept to my path here on earth, walking out my faith as I live this life, my confidence is bolstered that His grace empowers me in areas much more vital than a four-credit college course.  His grace empowers me to walk out holiness and live righteously.  His grace gives me the strength to say, "no" to temptation.  These qualities are vital, eternal qualities. 
 
Yet, God has a plan, even in statistics.  He is building a future in which I will influence many for Him and finishing statistics brings me a little closer to that future.
 
The Lord has done great things for me, and I am glad!