Daily Treasure

“I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted” (Revelation 2:2-3).

The church mentioned in the above verses is the one at Ephesus.  When God deals with a church or an individual, He does it differently than you or I would.  We’re so quick to judge and finding flaws in others.  Yet, people tend to take criticism better if we preface it with some good traits first. God knows everything, but He is merciful. If we are ever going to shine in love, we must show mercy as well.

The church at Ephesus had some very redeeming qualities. God was quick to point them out.  However, He had more to say to the people.  We will focus on that tomorrow. In the meantime, what about your traits?  Are they commendable?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Many helps are available for sharing a biblical witness..memorize verses—use those you feel most comfortable sharing.

Special request: Pray for physical and emotional healing in lives of those involved in recent storms.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin”  (1 John 1:7).

Our May study encourages us to “Shine in Love.”   As bearers of the True Light, we must walk and shine in that love.  Last week we learned many attributes of love.  I hope you saw it was the better gift for which we should desire.

If we have a right relationship with God, we will also have one with others.  The light of His love will show a world in darkness that  we are walking in His presence.  As we walk close to Him, isn’t it wonderful to know that when we do slip, He is there to catch and cleanse us?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: You are chosen, royal, peculiar; so shine forth praises of Him who called you (1 Peter 2:9).

Special request: Pray for continued clean up and unique ministry efforts resulting from recent storms.

“Thank God for his Son—a gift too wonderful for words!”  (2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT).

They remembered!

Last Mother’s Day, my guys gave me one of the nicest gifts I’ve ever received. Not chocolate for the hips. Not a flower arrangement that might last a week, then wilt. Not a t-shirt that says, “World’s Greatest Mom.” Not a large bottle of perfume from the Dollar Tree that folks smell before they see me. No, my fellas gave me two huge red peony bushes—just what I’ve always wanted.

Thank you seemed so inadequate.  Hugs couldn’t convey my excitement.  Kisses, at my son’s age, are offensive.  Squeals of delight would have been wasted on the more manly among us.

I’ve looked at my planted beauties countless times since then.  I’ve picked up the tags from the bushes on several occasions and thought longingly of today, this Mother’s Day, when I can pick my first bouquet.

Words cannot express how much I appreciate these red peonies, and my guys know the reason for my fondness. They remind me of my grandma.  If I can have red peonies like she did, then, well, at least I’m a little like her.  If not by my actions, kindness, patience, faith or love people associate us or claim me as one of hers, then at least they can say, “Mary’s granddaughter has red peonies just like Mary did.”

Another gift I’ve received that I cannot express enough gratitude for…”Thank God for his Son—a gift too wonderful for words!” Do I hear an amen?

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Was your mother a believer? How did her life impact yours? What legacy will you leave? Consider these things and pray.

Special request: Pray for those who have tragically lost mothers or grandmothers in recent days.

“If you live a life guided by wisdom, you won’t limp or stumble as you run”  (Proverbs 4:12 NLT).

I’m not a runner.   Thing is, if you ever see me running, you can assume I have seen a snake and am high-tailing it out of the vicinity.

I will tell you that I thought about taking up running for exercise—for about 5 seconds.  I’d love the health that comes with a regimen of training for 5K runs and marathons.  I’d truly enjoy having the legs that runners have.  I’d even like to add runner to the list of hats I wear…but not enough to train or discipline myself for the task.  I’m sure I’d like to experience the thrill of victory as I cross the finish line.  But, as I said, I’m not a runner.

Fear also keeps me from running.  I’m afraid I won’t finish another thing I start.  I’m afraid I won’t make it to the end of the race.  I’m afraid I’ll fall and get hurt.  I’m afraid I’ll pass from this life to the next because I’m in such poor physical condition.  So I don’t run and I don’t sign up for the races.

Life’s race on the other hand?  Yep, I’m signed up.  Got my t-shirt.  Have been given a number.  Am currently on the track.  Am running with the best of them.

Somedays it’s a simple power walk.  Other times I struggle to stay in God’s shadow and ahead of my enemy.  I retire some evenings with blisters, hurting knees and scrapes where I’ve fallen.  Sweat.  Weariness.  A promise.

A promise?  You bet…

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Remember a true witness can be silent—actions speak louder than words (1 Peter 3:1).

Special request: Pray that many believers would volunteer in cleanup efforts this weekend throughout storm-ravaged areas. Ask God how you can be involved.

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:  now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.  And now abideth faith, hope, and charity; but the greatest of these is charity” (1 Corinthians 13:11-14).

Of the various commentaries I study to write these devotions, Matthew Henry is one of my favorites. I could not choose better words to comment on today’s verses.

“The present state is a state of childhood, the future that of manhood.  Such is the difference between earth and heaven.  What narrow views, what confused notions of things, have children when compared to grown men!  Thus shall we think of our most valued gifts of this world, when we come to heaven.  All things are dark and confused now, compared with what they will be hereafter.  They can only be seen as by the reflection in a mirror, or in the description of a riddle; but hereafter our knowledge will be free from all obscurity and error. It is the light of heaven only, that will remove all clouds and darkness that hide the face of God from us.”

In Heaven we shall see Christ face to face and perfectly love Him. We will see clearly how love surpasses faith and hope. As we anxiously  await that glorious day, may we take what we have gleaned from 1 Corinthians 13 about pure love and apply it as we shine for Him until His return.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Perhaps you could care for young children while younger Moms in your church go out witnessing. Pray for guidance.

Special request: Pray that believers would serve unitedly together as the hands and feet of Jesus during the aftermath of recent storms. Pray that communities as well as individuals would “know we are Christians by our love.”

“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away”  (1 Corinthians 13:9-10).

We strive toward knowledge and perfection, but these won’t be complete until Christ’s return.  Even with special gifts and gifted preaching, we will only “know in part” as we await His coming.  What we do know seems shrouded in a cloud of confusion.  Daily communion with Christ offers us enlightenment and strength to press on in spite of our questions. We must look to Him for answers in knowing how to live and love.

One day all will be revealed and the part we know now  “shall be done away.”  The multitude of questions of life will vanish.   Until that glorious day, as an old song states, “I don’t need to understand, I just need to hold His hand.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Join others today in this National Day of Prayer.

Special request: Pray for those all across our nation who are still reeling from recent natural disasters.

“Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away” (1 Corinthians 13:7-8).

Let’s go to the Living Bible for some insights on today’s verses. “If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always stand your ground in defending him.”

When we truly love someone, we don’t give up on them. Are our relationships with others based on that kind of love?  Sadly, we often fail to meet these standards.  Think about the love God has for you. John 15:13 states, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Everything in this life is temporal and will one day be over. Love is eternal.  When gifts and powers cease, we can still believe in love, for it will remain.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Desire more wisdom? He that winneth souls is wise.

Special request: Pray for comfort and God’s peace upon those who have suffered great losses in recent storms. Pray specifically for WAC sisters affected by these disasters.