What do you consider precious? As I draw near to another year's end, I must take stock of those things that are highly esteemed or cherished. Here are, I believe, my five most precious possessions.
1. PRECIOUS SAVIOUR: "Unto you therefore which believe He is precious" (I Peter 2:7). Never before has He been so highly esteemed or cherished as He is in my 67 years on this earth. There is none other to my soul.
2. PRECIOUS BLOOD: "Ye were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ" (I Peter 1:18-19). It is His blood, the God-man. Our Saviour's blood was not an afterthought, but God foreordained the shedding of His precious blood (I Peter 1:20). The blood of the Holy One secures my justification and eternal glory. Yes, His precious blood will never lose its power.
3. PRECIOUS PROMISES: "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises" (II Peter 1:4). The promises of God are sure promises. They speak of EXCEEDING great and precious things--pardon, peace, protection, provisions, preservation, providence, and perfection. His promises are His purpose. "As I have purposed, so shall it stand" (Isa. 14:24).
4. PRECIOUS FAITH: "Them that have obtained like precious faith through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (II Peter 1:1). What is this precious faith? It is BELIEVING God. Most people believe IN God but few BELIEVE God. Could I be one of those? Yes, it is so! GRACE hath made it so.
5. PRECIOUS TRIALS: "That the TRIAL of your faith, being much more precious than of Gold" (I Peter 1:7). Many trials have come and, thank God, I find greater praise in my heart to the precious Saviour. Trials hurt and I don't enjoy hurting; but oh, the good of hurt as He comes to comfort. Thank you, blessed Lord, for every trial, and give grace for those ahead. May they always be PRECIOUS trials to us.