Daily Treasure

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light”  (1 Peter 2:9).

Praise God both Jews and Gentiles are chosen to shine for Him. All His children are to be His “peculiar” people. We are going to be different because we now belong to God. We were once nothing, walking aimlessly in darkness until God called us out of that darkness.  We are called to take His light to those who still walk in darkness. With a humble and thankful heart we should count it a privilege to shine for Him.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Contentment should be based on our relationship with Christ—not on circumstances. Pray for quietness and contentment today.

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

The greatest tool of ministry we possess is our testimony. We were once in darkness until God shed His redemptive light upon us. We were set free from the bondage of sin. We have a story of hope to share with the world. Are we willing to reflect His Light?  Are we willing to share our testimony?  We can pierce the darkness in  this  world   as we let His love radiate through us.  Remember we were once in darkness ourselves.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Do you like short lists for rules?  Make Ecclesiastes 12:13 your goal and pray to accomplish.

“You must worship no other gods, but only the Lord, for he is a God who is passionate about his relationship with you”  (Exodus 34:14 NLT).

Really, Lord?  You, amidst all You are, orchestrate and all you are in charge of, are passionate about our relationship?

You’re jealous when things of life take time away from us?

You’re saddened when I come to You as a last resort, instead of my first reaction?

You’re thoughts are on my all day long?

You’re greatest desire is that we commune as the closest of friends, the dearest of companions, the most intimate of partners?

You never sleep because I’m always on your mind?

You have set into motion the best for my life, the most abundant of living, the largest pile of blessings I could imagine–just for me?  Because You love me?

I consume your thoughts?

You, the Creator of the Universe, are passionate about a relationship with me?

Astounding.  Amazing.  Unbelievable.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: God uses the most ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary plan. Praise Him.

“Am I dying or is this my birthday”-Lady Nancy Astor

“I’m bored with it all.”-Winston Churchill

“All my possessions for a moment of time!”-Queen Elizabeth I

Famous last words.  Final utterances before eternity begins and judgment is doled out.  In some cases, the spoken words some have been remembered for after a lifetime of achievements and honor.

Another quote from a death bed…

“As the time of King David’s death approached he gave this charge to his son Solomon, ‘I am going where everyone on earth must someday go.  Take courage and be a man.  Observe the requirements of the Lord your God and follow all his ways.  Keep each of the laws, commands, regulations and stipulations written in the law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and whereever you go”  (1 Kings 2:1-3 NLT).

In his dying breath, with the last of energy he could muster, as he lingered on the edge of here and there, David placed before Solomon a charge, a challenge, a plea–to seek God first.  David experienced what it had done in his own life and wanted to make sure he passed on the knowledge to his son.  Of all life’s lessons learned, David felt this was the most important thing he could say.

And when Solomon followed that advice?  Wisdom, riches, honor, you name it—Solomon received it.  To this day, there’s never been a king so successful, so revered, so referred to.  His words are still quoted, his riches are still spoken of.  His decision to follow God’s decrees have placed him as an example of what happens when good advice is followed…even advice given on death beds.

What will you say when your last breaths come?  What will you urge loved ones to seek/do/throw their lives into?  What are you saying with your life today?

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: God’s armor is available. Are you wearing it? Pray and dress.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”  (Matthew 5:16).

There is one main reason for us to be children of His Light. It is found in today’s verse.  All we are and do should be for God’s glory.  As children of light our walk and talk must match.  Our study writer states “if we shine, He will shine.”   Shine on for His glory.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Everyone is tempted; keeping Jesus between you and the temptation works. Make Charles Tindley’s hymn, ” Nothing Between,” your prayer today.

“Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house” (Matthew 5:15).

It would be foolish for us, as reflectors of God’s light, to try to hide it.  We must display His light so others can see it.  Our writer states, “we ought to shine brightest at home. These people know best whether we truly reflect the Light of Christ.  It’s not about how bright we are, but about how much we reflect the Savior.”

If our family and friends can’t see how we reflect Christ, will other people with whom we come in contact be able to see the difference only He can make in people’s lives?  If sin is keeping you from being a reflector, how will others see the True Light?  Come to Jesus, ask Him to forgive you, and light your candlestick. Keep it lit for all the world to see.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Read Psalm 139:23-24. Include the words, “Search me, Oh God, and know my heart today…” in your time with the Lord.

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14).

The past two days’ devotionals gave us assurance that He is the Light—He can dispel the darkness in the world and in our lives. Starting today our next three devotionals deal with us, His children, as reflectors of Him. With His Light shining on and through us, others can’t help but notice.  Collectively, as His reflectors, we become the world’s light as in a city whose lights shine brightest at night.  It would be hard to hide all that light.  We must be prepared with our testimony to point others to the True Light. He stands ready to shine His redemptive light upon them.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Do we use our truthful, never-changing Bible as much as ourcell phones? Pray about reading more “text-messages” from God’s Word.