Daily Treasure

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

If ever a verse lends encouragement to parents who have done their best in raising their children, this is it.  When we have trained and disciplined our children well, only to have our hearts broken if they go astray, take heart. Most Bible commentaries suggest the guilt lies with the children, not the parents. That guilt from sin and conviction prodded by the Holy Spirit will bring them back if we have instilled in them Christian values. If you have a prodigal, don’t give up on him or her. Remember the story of the prodigal son, (Luke 15)  Be that parent who is waiting in prayer, clinging to the hope today’s verse offers. That “home stretch” will involve outstretched arms.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Kacy Stone, Brandon LaPere Moody, Steve and Amanda Reeder and Maggie Paxton as they serve as overseas apprentices this summer. Ask God to give them servant hearts and direction as they seek God’s will for future ministries.

“And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?”  (Joshua 4:21).

We find in the preceding verses the story of how God miraculously led the children of Israel across the Jordan River onto dry ground.  A monument was placed with twelve stones, one for each tribe of Israel so no one would forget that miracle.

Have we set up monuments in our own lives as a tribute to God’s care for us?God has shared with us many of the answers to life’s questions. If we have been faithful to God and His Word, it won’t be such a stretch to answer the many questions our kids and grandkids will ask.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that children attending midweek programs in churches tonight would clearly hear and understand the gospel and receive answers to their questions about the Lord and His work.

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

The best way to teach our children about the Lord and His Word is by example.  They need to see Him living in us.  Children tend to imitate what they see and hear.  Be careful.  They are watching us. They want to be just like us.

Today’s verses admonish us to take this responsibility of teaching our children seriously.  We won’t have to stretch to find other resources for materials to use in our teaching. We only need what God has already placed in our hearts to do and share.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for E-TEAMers, asking God to prepare their hearts and minds for service as they share with others and seek to secure funding for their trips.

“Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons” (Deuteronomy 4:9).

The goal for this week of  study is to “utilize God-designed roles in influencing our families, teaching our children by example.”  The Living Bible states “But watch out!  Be very  careful never to forget what you have seen God doing for you.  May His miracles have a deep and permanent effect upon your lives! Tell your children and grandchildren about the glorious miracles he did.”

We have the privilege of sharing our testimony in word and deed to those closest to us. If we are a mother, we have a sphere of influence with our kids and possibly grandkids. It doesn’t take much to stretch out our arms to love them. Take that stretch to heart by keeping in mind the words of today’s verse.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that high school graduates (especially those in your church) would seek God’s guidance in future plans.

“Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation: on thee do I wait all the day” (Psalm 25:5).

We continually need to be led and taught. There is no one better to do this than the God of our salvation.  Our hope is in Him as we anxiously wait for His return.  We know in these last days we may face trials that cause us to veer away from Him. We must trust Him more and  pray our verse daily.  Keep delighting in His Word, dear hearts. Keep your heart in tune with Him Jesus is coming soon.  We are coming down to the “home stretch.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Joy (a creative access worker) who will speak to Illinois Women Active for Christ at their annual meeting tomorrow. Pray also for Elizabeth Hodges as she travels to attend.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Have you ever been camping or hiking and gotten lost? You feel so helpless. This is especially true when you come to a fork in the road and you don’t know which way to turn. You need some way or someone to lead you back on the right path.

As Christians, we never need to feel lost. We have the light of His Word to see the way before us and keep us from veering off the path and into the darkness of this world. Do others see you walking in the light of His Word?

“When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray today for FWBIM Director Clint Morgan.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).

The best weapon we have in our arsenal to defeat the devil is the Word.  In Matthew 4 when Jesus was tempted,  He used the Word to overcome the devil. Of course, if we aren’t spending much time in reading and studying the Bible, we won’t be equipped to handle temptation when it comes our way.  I like what The Living Bible says about today’s verse: “I have thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so they would hold me back from sin.”  Meditate on the Scriptures. Commit some to memory. You never know when you will need to bring them to mind.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for PreConvention meetings today in Memphis and for Elizabeth Hodges and Tennessee WAC leaders as they make final plans for this July’s WNAC Convention..