Pastor Jack's Thoughts October 20, 2009

PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS     OCTOBER 20, 2009

God's character and qualities of His being have remained the same from the beginning of creation even until today and they will remain the same into eternity.  It is so encouraging to look for the character traits of God in His Word.  There is a wonderful picture about who He is in the book of Malachi 3:16-17.  The verses in the beginning of this chapter tells of God's warning to His people about 'robbing Him' and not offering of their wealth to be used for His work.

Then in the next verses (16-17) the Bible reads, "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 mediate 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.'"

In common everyday language we can say that God heard what the people were saying and He wrote it down in His journal (a book of remembrance)!! God hears and remembers our praise and talk about Him. He records it in His book of remembrance. He makes a note of it!  His response was that, "I make them My jewels (or My treasured possession)."  How amazing!! Have you ever thought that God makes us His jewels?  What compassion and love. He is so filled with love for us that He treasures us.

Then in the last two verses of that chapter God says that God's children are different from the wicked.  God's children are precious to Him and they speak praise to Him. Have you ever heard the conversation of those who do not trust in God.  They take His Name in vain, they criticize Him for all the world's disasters, they say He doesn't exist!!  The world knows who God's precious treasures are because of our speech and our praise of Him.  What does your speech say this week?  Does it scare you to think that God is recording your words in His book?  Praise of God is lovely!  Season your day with it!  You will be glad you did.

God is compassionate, praise Him!
Pastor Jack