Prized and Dearly Loved

And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

James 1:18 NLT 

Do you want some encouragement today?

Hang in there… through any testing or temptation happening.

Look at this promise…

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 NLT).

Patiently endure… Afterward… you will receive the crown of life.

This is a promise… to those who love God.

For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (James 1:3 NLT).

As God’s child, be prepared… testing and temptation are part of the journey…

And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. (James 1:13-16 NLT).

So when you come to the moment of the test… what are you going to do?

If you stop the wrong desire here… it will stop.

If you fail here… call out to Jesus. Repent. Jesus will help you resist.

Hold this truth tightly…

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. (James 1:17-18 NLT).

God wants you to know… You are His prized possession and dearly loved by Him.

This is why He sent the Word of God to you… Jesus to you… to give birth to spiritual life in you… life WITH the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus keeps you to the end by His Spirit… so you will be His prized possession.

Father, in the quiet of my heart, You speak to me calling me your most prized possession and that you dearly love me. Warning me that testing and temptation are part of the journey, and through the strength of Jesus, I am to patiently endure it. I ask for help from Your Spirit so that I will love You alone to the end, so I will receive the blessing of the crown of life. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Stacy A. Davis