Daily Treasure

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold or hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16).

What the Lord said about the church at Laodicea is becoming the sad epitaph for today’s churches.  If He came to observe your church, what would He have to say?  He’d probably start with “I know thy works.”  He would first focus on the positive traits. But then what? Would He find your church to be like the one at Laodicea?  Our verses tell us what God thinks of a lukewarm church.  It’s not on fire for the Lord, but its members are not called “the frozen chosen” just yet.  God would prefer it be either cold or hot, but, it’s neither.  It makes God sick that its lukewarm. In fact, so much so He wants to figuratively, throw up.

Our churches and nation are in dire need of revival.  Let us pray for revival and as the song says, “let it begin in me.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: The 2011 WNAC Convention meets today. Pray for WNAC speakers Steve and Judy Lytle and Carolyn Dwyer, session coordinator Debe Taylor and acting president Shirley Jackson, as she moderates the business session 

“And in the midst of the seven  candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle” (Revelation 1:13).

This week our study centers around “The Light of the Church.”  I love what our study writer wrote concerning today’s verse.  “Revelation 1:13 records John’s vision of Jesus standing in the midst of the seven lampstands or candlesticks.  Each lampstand represented a church that John was to write concerning what he saw.  These seven churches (probably not the largest in their day) may have been selected because of their varying strengths and weakness—qualities we draw lessons even today. (Don’t you love the symbolism of churches as candlesticks—not light itself, but a place where light can shine—mere tools?)

Are you shining in obedience in your church?  Are you glad it is a place where the light of God’s love, flowing through you, can shine?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that WNAC Convention schedule changes will encourage and allow more women to attend.

” But my But my God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Think the Lord’s not on your side?  Think again!

Just when you need it, He supplies something that boosts your morale, pats you on the back and lets you know that your small steps in the right direction are noticed.

Like this morning…

I didn’t really want to pick up the Bible this morning.  (I thought this sounded bad in my head, but it looks even worse in type.) But, that being said, I’ll explain why.  I didn’t want to see another commandment I’m falling short of keeping, another nudging to do something for someone else when I’m exhausted or a point to ponder all day regarding an area of my life that’s in serious need of an overhaul.

I believe He knew.  I’m pretty sure He was still allowing me time to chew on Sunday’s sermon.  I’m positive there are the issues from last week, and the week before, that He’s waiting for me to take care of.  Matter of fact, I’m sure He knew, because just take a look at what He’s shown me…

“You are to consider detestable all swarming insects that walk along the ground.”  Leviticus 11:20 NLT

Finally, a verse I’ve got down pat!

I don’t like bugs.  I don’t have to re-train myself to detest them.  I don’t have to pray that God gives me a dislike for them.  I don’t have to ask the gals in my Sunday School to help me pray for this—I’ve got this commandment settled into my very being.

It’s just like God to send a little encouragement my way when it’s most needed.  He does the same for you—have you noticed?

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Fret not over schedules, travel delays or personal challenges. Rest in the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6.

“So she did what she was told.  Her sons brought her many jars, and she filled one after another.  Soon every container was full to the brim!”  (2 Kings 4:5-6 NLT).

Not, “she did what she could.”

Not, “she did what she thought was right.”

Not, “she did what others were doing.”

Not, “she did what she considered the right thing to do.”

This woman’s blessing came only after she did what she was told to do.

The same is true for the blessings He has in store for me.  When I take my eyes off others, their instructions, their orders, their ministries, I can get down to the brass tacks and accomplish what He’s asking me to do.

Then?

Then I can reap the rewards of obedience—and, oh does our Father know how to give rewards.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that early convention attendees will Impact Charlotte for Christ through their efforts today.

“But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him”  (1 John 2:5).

The NIV Study Bible states “our love for God becomes complete when it expresses itself in acts of obedience.”  The more we love Him and do His will provides proof that we indeed love and want to please Christ.  We will want to honor and glorify Him.  There will be evidence as we shine in obedience.  It will be obvious “we are in him.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Before packing convention bags, ask God to check your heart motives and desires. (It’s a good thing to do, even if you don’t go.)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”  (1 John 1:9).

As we strive to stay connected to Him and obediently shine for Him, at some point, we will still veer off the path He has for us. We may stumble and fall. With the wooing of the Holy Spirit, we will be reminded of our verse.  He is a God of second chances and stands ready to forgive when He hears the cries of a repentant heart.  The Source of our joy and strength  not only forgives but He forgets.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for safe travels of those attending the WNAC Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, July 17-20

“I am the vine, ye are the branches:  He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing”  (John 5:15).

I like the analogy of today’s verse. To shine in obedience we must realize that we need to stay plugged into the Source.  He is the vine, and we, as branches, are extensions of Him.  We are powerless without Him. He is the Source of any ability or gift we possess.  However, unless we tap into His power, we will never know how bright we can shine for His glory.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Thank God for our right to assemble as a godly group. Not all countries enjoy this freedom.