Many of us have a collection of special little trinkets that we've held on to for many years. Notes from a special person, ticket stubs to a favorite place or show, awards or medals, jewelry that has been passed down through generations, are all items we consider to be treasures and we hold them dear to our hearts. We've hand-picked those instances from a life's worth of moments. From time to time, we may take them from their special place and recall the memories that were made by each one; each memory causing warm feelings and sweet nostalgia. Whether or not you have a "treasure box" filled with treasures, you probably do have things, or people, that are "treasures" to you.

A group of children were asked what they considered to be treasure. Different answers began filling the room: money, jewelry, cars, favorite toys and games, notes and cards. The answers ranged from material to sentimental. The group was then asked, "If God had a treasure box, what would be in it?" After a moment of thought, the answers began once again: Rainbows, oceans, mountains, gold! God definitely has treasure, but his "warm feelings" come from those of us that have trusted in Jesus as Savior.

In the first few books of the Old Testament, we read about the Israelites, God's chosen people, and their journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. We see how God personally guided them and cared for them. He listened to their complaints and still provided for them, for they were His treasured people (Deuteronomy 7:6). When we come to God, in all our weakness and with all our complaints and surrender ourselves to His guidance and care, we too become His people, His treasure! Out of the vastness of the universe that God has created and the billions of people that reside on this planet, consider the fact that he hand-picked you to be His child, His treasure!

Perhaps you have not yet opened your heart to Jesus; I invite you to experience the joy, comfort, and peace that comes with belonging to the treasured people of the King of kings!

Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for loving me and for considering me to be a part of your Heavenly treasures. I look forward to the day that I spend eternity in your presence. Use me to spread the joy that comes with being your treasured child. In Jesus' name, Amen.

1.    Deuteronomy 7:6 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Veronica B.