Daily Treasure

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.  For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God”  (Hebrews 11:8, 10).

Abraham is another shining example of obedience.  Called to go to a strange land, not knowing where he was going, Abraham obeyed God’s command. We may wonder what would possess a person to go to a land where he lived in tents like any other pilgrim. The answer is obvious. This man of great faith was looking beyond this life.  Abraham was looking for a city “whose builder and maker is God.”

I can’t help but think of missionaries and others who have obediently answered God’s call at home and abroad.  The sacrifices made to do the will of God will be worth it all when they stand before God in the holy city, “whose builder and maker is God.”

Are you looking for a city beyond any beauty we will leave behind in this world?  Be willing to shine in obedience, knowing the city for which you’ve been looking will be there at the end of your journey.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Consider the ratio of time spent before the mirror versus time spent in the Word. Pray for balance in us and in others.

“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house;  by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith”  (Hebrews 11:7).

Noah truly earned his right for inclusion in the faith chapter of Hebrews. At a time when there had been no rain on the earth, he trusted God that a flood was coming.  He faithfully built an ark and preached over a hundred years to warn people of impending doom. Simply put, Noah obeyed God. He let his light shine in spite of wickedness all around him. He and his family were spared because of Noah’s faith and obedience.  He “became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”

With evil all around us, will we be obedient in warning others of the impending doom they will face without God?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Determine that all choices made today will be pleasing to our Father. Pray for courage and discernment.

“Don’t be afraid!  Elisha told him.  For there are more on our side than on theirs!”  (2 Kings 6:16 NLT).

You feel as if you’re alone—you’re not.  Prayer of brothers and sisters in Christ are going up for you all the time.  Church family are asking that His hand guide you.

You feel is if you’re the only one taking a stand—you’re not.  Across the nation action is being taken to take back our country from satan and his forces.  People, not only you, have taken it long enough.

You feel as if your efforts are the only efforts being made—they’re not.  We’re a body.  Bodies function when each and every part do their specific job.  If you’re the ear, don’t worry about whether or not the eye is doing their part—worry about ear issues.

You feel as if your strength is all you can depend upon—it’s not.  Power and strength are available to you through Christ.

As a Christian, a child of the Living God, as an heir to Heaven and a blood-bought redeemed one, there are more on our side than on theirs.  How you feel is not as important as what you know…God is on your side.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Attempt to count your blessings through the eyes of a believer in a third world country.

“It would be better to be thrown in the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck than to face the punishment in store for harming one of these little ones”  (Luke 17:2 NLT).

Been fitted for your millstone?

No, I’m completely serious.  Have you been in the fitting room to see which millstone will be tied around your neck?

You’d never hurt a child?  Oh, I doubt you’d do it intentionally.

You’d never raise a hand to a child in anger?  No, probably not.

You’d never allow a child in your care to come to harm?  I’ll agree, to the best of your abilities you probably wouldn’t.

But what about your words?  What about your commitment to the Lord?  Your critiques of another?  Your dedication and fascination to the outward person and carelessness to the inner person?  What about your dedication to the local church, church attendance and godly living in your home?  Are you harming the little ones in your life by how you’re failing to live?

Lots to think about this morning?  The ideas weigh heavy on your heart?  Well, are they as heavy as a millstone would be?

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Be refreshed in His Word today. Spend extra time in Bible reading and prayer.

“ And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened , which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works” (Revelation 20:12).

When you stand before Christ and the books are opened, what will you find God has written about you?  Will you leap for joy?  Or will you face Him in shame?

When you leave this world, what will people remember about you? Will they say you kept the faith and had a marvelous testimony?  From a personal standpoint, I pray that my health needs did not define who I was in Christ.  I know I’m not alone when I say I’m looking forward to Heaven and my ultimate makeover.  I desire to take others with me for the unveiling.  For that to happen I must continue to be an obedient servant for the Lord. Where do you stand?

For our last week of study we will meet some saints whose lives lit up their world. Four of them are found in what has been called “Heaven’s Hall of Faith.”  We can also be inducted if we’re willing to walk by faith and shine in obedience.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Do our lives testify of our love for Him each day? Make this a matter of prayer.

“ He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father and his angels” (Revelation 3:5).

As we shine in obedience in our churches, at times we’ll get frustrated or discouraged.  We may even have days when we want to give up.  However, we can overcome.

Today’s verse should encourage your heart.  One day soon, we will be clothed in white raiment.

Because we have overcome, our name will appear in the Book of Life. Last, but certainly least, Jesus will announce to His Father that we belong to Him.  Doesn’t that give you great hope?  Press on weary pilgrims.  For those shining in obedience, the best is yet to come.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Offer mainly praise today—limit requests.

“For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:47).

Our verse today features a command of God.  The gospel was first given to the Jews. They rejected it and God offered it to the Gentiles. The Gentiles rejoiced in Paul’s message and soon the gospel spread far and wide.  Paul had Barnabas with him when he proclaimed today’s verse. These men, as well as those of the Gentiles they led to the Lord, were examples of shining in obedience.  They were bold in their witness, going from town to town with the gospel.

As a result of their obedience they were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.  They rejoiced they could be used for the cause of Christ.

Do we feel the same fulfillment as we serve the Lord in our church, neighborhood, and community? Do we count it a privilege, as Gentiles, to let our light shine?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Cover WNAC Executive Director Elizabeth Hodges in prayer today as she reports to the National Association.