Be a Special Treasure

Be a Special Treasure

Exodus 19: In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai. ² For they had departed from Rephidim, had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Israel camped there before the mountain.

 

³ And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: ⁴ ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. ⁵ Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. ⁶ And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”

 

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Three months into the journey, GOD led the people to Mount Sinai. Moses went up to speak with GOD who told him that if the people would obey HIM and keep HIS covenant, then they shall be a special treasure to HIM.

 

My Observations:

• GOD brought the people out of Egypt without their power being used or their sin being addressed.
• GOD provided a condition that reached beyond sin management.
• GOD said everyone and everything is HIS and the children of Israel would be viewed as special to HIM.

 

Sometimes I forget that everything GOD made is HIS. Every person, every place and every thing is GOD’s. When I limit GOD to how well I can keep the commandments, I begin to think that GOD is a lousy ruler who sets impossible standards and blames me for not being able to keep them.

 

GOD seems to be pointing to JESUS. Keeping HIS covenant was the last thing on the children of Israel’s mind throughout the Bible. GOD had to intervene to make sure JESUS came as a human to save mankind. The children of Israel did in fact become a special treasure because JESUS was born and did complete HIS purpose of dying for our sins.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about whet HE said on the first trip up Mount Sinai?
• Have you fallen into the trap of trying to manage sin, thinking you can manipulate GOD into getting your way?
• Can you look beyond sin management for a minute to praise GOD for HIS leadership, despite your sins?

Valued Relationship

Valued Relationship

Genesis 5: ²¹ Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot Methuselah. ²² After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. ²³ So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. ²⁴ And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.

 

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Six generations lived before Enoch was born. Adam, Seth, Enosh, Cainan, Mahalalel, and Jared. Hundreds of years passed. The garden was still there in plain sight with the angel guarding the entrance. Death was the sentence for all humans because Adam disobeyed GD’s instructions by eating from HIS tree instead of the millions of trees GOD had given humans. But humans began to pray by “calling on the name of the LORD.”

 

My Observations:

• Human mistakes can be overcome by calling on the name of the LORD.
• Walking with the LORD is special to HIM.
• GOD got so excited about Enoch, that HE spared him from death.

 

Okay, I am incredibly curious about what Enoch said and did. His conversations with JESUS must have been so exciting that HE took Enoch to heaven. Enoch would no longer have to walk on the cursed earth. He lived the shortest in this lineage so far, but actually lived the longest, because he never died.

 

I believe it was JESUS who walked with Enoch for three hundred years. They probably had exciting conversations that had nothing to do with punishment, good or bad offerings or needs. It was a valued relationship between Enoch and GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention that he took Enoch to Moses?
• Have you ever seen special treatment?
• Do you have a special relationship with GOD that excites HIM?

A Special Place

A Special Place

Genesis 2: ⁸ The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. ⁹ And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

 

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GOD continues giving Moses a recap of creation. HE explained that after HE created the container that would hold the universe, stars, sun, moon, sky, water and earth. HE created birds, fish, animals, insects and good bacteria. HE then created man and breathed a special breath in HIM which gave him a soul. Everything was very good! BUT GOD did something special. HE planted a garden that was more beautiful that other places.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made a special place even more special.
• GOD planted two extremely special trees, one giving life and one providing the knowledge of good and evil.
• GOD seemed excited about “being” with HIS creation, so HE made things that would be “pleasant.”

 

It seemed like GOD wanted a special relationship with humans. HE made so much for us and was very pleased with HIS creation. When HE placed the trees in the garden, it seemed like it was HIS way of showing the HE would be there with us. I can see the extreme lengths GOD went through to have harmony with us.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD made a special garden for humans?
• Have you ever wondered if you were special to GOD?
• Can you start with a thought that you are special to GOD so you can see more in yourself and others today?

Cultivating the Special Gift

Cultivating the Special Gift

1 Corinthians 7: ⁶ I tell you this not as an order, but simply as a permission. ⁷ Actually I would prefer that all of you were as I am; but each one has a special gift from God, one person this gift, another one that gift.

 

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“Your sash has a lot of badges. You are special” the stranger from another country said to me regarding my scout uniform. I could not remember a time when a stranger recognized me as special. This felt great. It may have put me on a path I never knew I could be on.

 

• There have been times when I have been praised and I did not know the effect.
• There have been times when I have been recognized as special and I did not know what I did.
• There have been times when I was noticed but I was not looking to be noticed.

 

Paul says something unique regarding people. He would rather everyone be like him, but sees the importance that everyone use their “special gift” for GOD.

 

• GOD made me special and unique for HIS purpose.
• GOD gave me a special gift that no one else has.
• GOD wants me to use my special gift as often as I can.

 

Recognizing another person’s special gift is important. I mean, it is easy to recognize flaws in other people, BUT GOD wants me to recognize and cultivate another person’s special gift so they can be excited about serving GOD.

 

The enemy wants self-promotion, loneliness and doubt. GOD wants JESUS to be promoted, togetherness and courage in HIS power. HE wants us to work together to help one another use our “special gift” for HIM. I am glad GOD cares enough about me to give me a special gift.

 

• Are you trying to be like someone else?
• Do you not like who you are?
• Will you recognize your special gift that has been given to you by GOD and use it for HIS purpose today?

Wanting to Feel Special

Wanting to Feel Special

1 Corinthians 4: ⁶ For your sake, my friends, I have applied all this to Apollos and me, using the two of us as an example, so that you may learn what the saying means, “Observe the proper rules.” None of you should be proud of one person and despise another. ⁷ Who made you superior to others? Didn't God give you everything you have? Well, then, how can you boast, as if what you have were not a gift?

 

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Stereotypical nerd scenes in movies remind me of my tryout for the little league baseball team. Yes, I was the nerd and I missed catching the ball by a mile. My reflexes were slow and batting prowess slower. I tried out for other groups and was not the star in any of them. “Why can’t I be special?” I thought to myself.

 

• There have been many times when I wanted to fit in.
• There have been many times when I wanted to have a special skill or talent.
• There have been many times when I followed a person who was talented and ridiculed another for their lack of talent.

 

Paul asks a poignant question “Who made you superior to others?” He then asks “Didn’t GOD give you everything you have?” as if to say all gifts come from GOD. “How can you boast, as if what you have were not a gift?”

 

• GOD wants me to recognize my gifts and talents come from HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE raises up other people for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to be excited about the way HE made me and the way HE made other people.

 

Looking down on one person and speaking highly of another is something GOD despises. HE made all people and was excited about each individual when HE did it. HE loves when I recognize where my gifts and talents come from. HE also loves when I praise HIM for the gifts and talents HE gave to others. No one can boast when the origin of all talent comes from GOD. I am grateful HE did make me special.

• Do you want to feel special?
• Are you busy trying to be liked by many people?
• Will you stop chasing the spotlight and thank GOD for the talent you and others have today?

Make Time

Make Time

Acts 20: ¹³ We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot. ¹⁴ When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. ¹⁵ The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Chios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus. ¹⁶ Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.

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Clearing my schedule, I started doing lots of work. Three was a huge event at work that I had to prepare for. I spent a couple of days preparing. I then went to several people to see if I got all the information right. This one day was going to be special because I made time to prepare.

• I have made time for special events.
• I have made time for special occasions.
• I have made time for special celebrations.

Paul was on a mission to make it back to Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost. Perhaps he wanted to be in the place where Peter spoke so powerfully that tongues of fire appeared. Paul reserved time to remember what JESUS did when HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT.

• GOD wants me to make time for HIM.
• GOD wants me to remember HIM often.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face daily.

Making time for GOD is highly important. Unfortunately, there have been many times when HE has come second or third or tenth in my life. I mean, when it came to listening to someone preach or to set up a convention where tens of thousands would attend, I chose the convention.

People would say, “It’s only that one time” but the next and the next times came quickly. Soon, speaking about GOD was only a distant memory which eventually turned into a “fear of offending someone.” GOD wants me to worship HIM in spirit and truth. I am glad HE is always available to me in prayer.

• Are you too busy to spend time with GOD?
• Has GOD called you to do something but you are too busy?
• Will you make time for GOD today?

Someone Special

Someone Special

Acts 7: Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?”

² And he said, “Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, ³ and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ ⁴ Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. ⁵ And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him. ⁶ But God spoke in this way: that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them four hundred years. ⁷ ‘And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’ ⁸ Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.

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Finally invited to a party and allowed to go, I went with excitement. I played, ate and really enjoyed myself. But suddenly I felt I had to go to the bathroom. I did not know what to do.

I mean I was at someone else’s house and did not know who to ask. I decided I could make it back to my house a couple of blocks away. I shuffle ran but I did not make it without the dreaded accident. When I got home, I removed the wet pants and hid them at the bottom of the dirty clothes.

• Many times I have felt embarrassed.
• Many times I have felt incompetent.
• Many times I have felt less than everyone.

Stephen was singled out because of his love for the LORD. Instead of addressing the lies told about him, he talked about history. He spoke of ordinary people who seemed to do extraordinary things. But they did daily things and GOD was the one who made the daily special.

• GOD wants me to have simple faith.
• GOD wants me to just be who I am, knowing HE made me.
• GOD wants me to simply speak about HIM and HE will make the words special.

Being special is easy because GOD sees everyone HE created as special. HE cares on an individual level that no one else can do. HE knows my downfalls and the things that makes HIM swell up with joy. I am grateful JESUS died specifically for me and is alive saving all who believe in HIS power.

• Do you think you are not special?
• Are you trying to be special on social media or in crowds because you are, in reality, insecure?
• Will you accept GOD’s love by believing in JESUS who cares deeply specifically for you?
• Will you also know you are special and only you can reach “that” person for JESUS?

Special Treatment

Matthew 9: ¹⁴ Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”

¹⁵ Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

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Hungry and tired I sat at the reception. Finally the wedding party showed up and I got excited because I would finally eat. They put on some long program and I began to pout. Finally they started serving food. The servers passed by my table and went directly to the wedding party. “Hey! What about us over here?”

• Sometimes I ask “Why them and not me GOD?”
• Sometimes I ask “Why are they so special?”
• Sometimes I ask “Why do I have to do all this stuff and they don’t?”

Jealous of being last, I questioned why I wasn’t served first. I mean they were the ones who made “me” wait. “Shouldn’t they wait for their food?” was my flawed line of thinking.

• GOD says to me “The last shall be first and the first will be last.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be jealous of the BRIDEGROOM for HE has a special purpose.”
• GOD says to me “There is a time to make others special, have patience.”

This was my first wedding and a memorable one. That day makes me relate to this passage. “Why are ‘they’ so special that they don’t have to follow the rules” is the question at hand. JESUS said ‘They will follow the rules and do much more.’ JESUS knew the disciples had to go through a very difficult time.

What is amazing is JESUS took time to explain what was going on too those who sought HIM. John’s disciples were asking a question, not trying to trip JESUS up, but simply to understand “Doesn’t everyone have to follow the rules?” JESUS points out that HE is the most important rule. Celebrate HIM and you will have special treatment.

• Are you jealous of someone?
• Do you think it is not fair that you have to follow the rules and someone else doesn’t?
• Can you stop looking at other people and simply follow GOD where HE has you?

Setting Aside Something Special

Ezekiel 48: ⁸ “Bordering the territory of Judah from east to west will be the portion you are to present as a special gift. It will be 25,000 cubits wide, and its length from east to west will equal one of the tribal portions; the sanctuary will be in the center of it.

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³⁵ “The distance all around will be 18,000 cubits.

“And the name of the city from that time on will be:

the Lord is there.”

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When I stopped by my friend’s house late, there was a plate of food wrapped in foil. It had all of my favorites on it. “I wondered when you would come by” said my other mother.

• There have been people who have set aside something special for me.
• There have been people who put some time into me.
• There have been people who watched out for me.

It truly is a great feeling to have someone do something special for me. I mean the thought and the effort behind the act is what makes me feel special, I wonder if GOD feels the same way? HE does.

• GOD wants me to set aside a special gift for HIM.
• GOD wants me to set aside a special place for HIM.
• GOD wants me to set aside a special time for HIM.

Just like I love feeling special, GOD wants and deserves the same, actually better. HE wants some time spent with just HIM and I where we can discuss the day and move on with HIS plan. When I do set aside a special thing, time and place GOD names it “THE LORD IS THERE.”

• Are you setting aside something special for GOD besides money?
• Have you set aside any time with HIM lately?
• Will you set aside a part of your living space to GOD where only you and HE can go?