Daily Treasure

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and Saviour Jesus Christ;  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a  peculiar people, zealous of good works”  (Titus 2:13-14).

For the last week of our study let’s draw some comparisons between Anna and us today.  It’s a way of allowing this “hidden jewel” to continue to shine.

Anna had such a longing for the first coming of Christ. She served Christ until the day she saw Him face to face.  Jesus will come a second time to bring His children home.  Do you anticipate His return as much or more than Anna did when He first came to earth? How eager are you to see Him face to face? Are you willing to serve Him until He comes? If you answered “yes” to the above questions, then you can relate to Anna.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that God would give Shannon Little opportunities to effectively share God’s work in Japan during her stateside assignment.

“Afterward go and celebrate because of all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.  Remember to include the Levites and the foreigners living among you in the celebration.”  (Deuteronomy 26:11 NLT).

Go ahead, plan a party!

Purchase the decorations.  Print off some great invitations.  Blow up the balloons.  Bake up some of your favorite party foods.

Do whatever it takes to get a real shindig in order.  A grand ball.  A huge celebration.  A real wing-ding.

The guest list?  Family.  Church friends.  Prayer partners.  Your unsaved friends, especially those you’ve been witnessing to.

When will you have this party of all parties?

When you arrive in the Promised Land.  When God answers your prayers, of course.  On the other side of the valley.  When you reach the mountaintop.  When the rainbow shines in the sky.  When the prodigal returns.  When the habit no longer has a hold on you.  When the unsaved are marked off your prayer list.  When the answer comes.  When His promise is fulfilled.

Go ahead and start planning your party.  Let your friends know they’ll need to keep their calendars open.  Buy a package of balloons.  Do whatever it takes to remind yourself that He is going to answer; He is going to provide; He is going to give you plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for WNAC ministries in the coming year.

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32).

In a recent issue, TIME magazine named Mark Zuckerberg, creator of Facebook, as its Person of the Year. Lauded as the ultimate “connector,” Zuckerberg is credited with “changing how we all live our lives in ways that are innovative and even optimistic.” His social network now connects more than half a billion people from all around the world–a world he sees “filled with potential friends.”

Today we celebrate the birth of another Connector—One who bridged the gap between Heaven and earth, between God and man. He, too, called His followers friends. His death and resurrection changed the world and brought hope for all its inhabitants.  Yet, unlike Mark Zuckerberg, Jesus Christ, the God-man, is eternal.  His status never changes: “Jesus Christ the same—yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Rejoice in His power to shape and influence the world and redeem the souls of men as you honor His birth today.

Sarah Fletcher
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Thank God for His good and perfect gift.

“ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people”  (Luke 2:10).

Either tonight or tomorrow, chances are, you will soon be opening gifts from loved ones.

You will feel the love and joy of the season. Take time to reflect on the real Reason for the season.  Praise God for the gift of His Son.  Be willing to reach out to others and share your joy just like Anna did.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for new Christians who will be celebrating the true meaning of Christmas for the first time tomorrow.

“…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23b).

Anna received Jesus as her Savior and Redeemer. She inspires us to do the same. She was overwhelmed with joy at His birth. Christ was born to die, so we could be given the gift of eternal life with Him. That should overwhelm us with joy.

His gift is wrapped with love, waiting for “whosoever will” to reach out and receive it.  Once you unwrap this gift, you will want to pass it around. You might say it’s  a gift that keeps on giving.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for first-year missionaries away from family at Christmas.

“…and [Anna] spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38b).

Anna couldn’t contain her joy.  She shared her good news with anyone who would listen. Our TWG study writer states “Salvation through Jesus Christ is too great a gift to keep to ourselves.”  Is there any wonder why Anna chose to share her joy?

We will soon celebrate the birth of Christ. Through eyes of faith, we can understand Anna’s joy when she beheld her Savior.  Beyond Luke 2:36-38, Anna drifts into obscurity.

Starting with the next two devotionals and all those of the last week of our study, we will see how Anna’s light still shines for us today. She passionately served God, anticipating the birth of her Savior.  Anna’s life shows us how we should live as we await our Savior’s second coming.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Take some extra time to warm up with God’s Word today. Pray that He will illumine your mind and refresh your spirit.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17a).

Anna received a great Christmas gift. God sent the very best when He sent His Son.  Not everyone has received Him like Anna did.  Sadly, some are still waiting for Him to come. They  are looking for an earthly king.  Will they still be searching when He returns as King of Kings?  This should impel us to go and share the gospel.

God bestows blessings on His children, good gifts from above. The gift of His only begotten Son was the greatest.  It is there for those who will reach out to Him and receive it.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Seasons change but God remains the same. Praise Him for His constancy.