Mon., 12/30/19 Devotion (Mal. 3:17a)

Today's encouragement comes from Malachi 3:17a, where we read these words:

" 'They shall be Mine,' says the LORD of hosts, 'On the day that I make them My jewels.' "

Do you think of yourself as one of Almighty God's "jewels"? If you are a faith-filled and faithful Christian churchman, who trusts in Jesus alone for your sal-vation, and who loves the Lord because of what He has done for you—then indeed you *are* a precious "jewel" in God's treasure chest.

Compared to one sincere member of Christ's church, the entire far-flung and vast universe (which God created) is of minimal value and interest to the Lord. *People* are God's "jewels"; and not just *any* people: only those who are IN Jesus Christ (and His church) by grace through faith in Him alone (are). Let *us* be numbered among these Divine and priceless gems.

[Puritan quote of the day: "[God's] riches make a man wise. Wisdom is the best possession; other riches cannot make one wise. A man may have a full wallet and an empty brain.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "The Beauty of Grace"]