PECULIAR? - Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Chron 26-29
PECULIAR? Thursday, July 22, 2010
MEMORIZE: “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a  peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine” (Exodus 19:5) READ: 1 Samuel 8:19-22 “Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us” (1 Sam. 8:19). Self-government is a most destructive path. It robbed our first parents - Adam and Eve of everything they had yet, more human beings across the globe continue as its victims. When the Israelites were told the consequences of having a king instead of God, they insisted on having their way.  How they paid dearly for it! When God shows some people the consequences of insisting on their personal choice say in marriage, they remain adamant. Are you still in charge of your life?  Whenever you tow the path of self-government, you show that you have rejected God (1 Sam. 8:7). The Israelites wanted to be like other nations. That was a big mistake. They had forgotten that they were special to God.  Are you comparing yourself with others? Are you doing what you are doing just because others are doing so? Romans 12:2 says you must not conform to this world or its ungodly system. You are different. You may not have money, cars or houses, yet, you are special to God if you have been born again. I am glad I am a peculiar treasure to God. Exodus 19:5 says, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine”. There are things that come upon common people. Exodus 15:26 says because you are special to God, you will not be affected by the afflictions that commonly come on people. If you are peculiar to God, sicknesses, diseases or demons cannot come on you. Their paths will not cross yours. Are you peculiar? Peculiar people do not eat what others eat. Their drink is different.  They fast when others feast, and stay awake while others are asleep. They are smiling while others are weeping and in prosperity when others are in famine. Total submission to God’s will is a mark of being peculiar.  How submissive are you to His divine Majesty? Or are you still comparing yourself with others or using those in the world as your yardstick? Repent and make right your ways today. ACTION POINT: You are not like anyone else: you are of a special mould.  Only God can give you your true picture so go to Him for it.