Daily Treasure

“I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would  know me; no man cared for my soul”  (Psalm 142:4).

Feeling alone is miserable.  In the verse above, David recorded his feelings while hiding in a cave, on the run from evil King Saul. He felt no one on earth cared about him. Even when he wasn’t hiding out, he felt no one even noticed his misery.

The primary focus of this month’s TWG study is a hidden gem the Bible refers to as the widow of Zarephath.  Since God works simultaneously in and through another person, the narrative would not be complete without the mention of Elijah.

This week sets the stage, bringing the widow and the prophet together.  The whole scenario shows the providence of God.  Early in our story, we see the widow like a “diamond in the rough.”  Diamonds become more brilliant when they are put through the fire. Facing poverty and famine, she came forth as a radiant “diamond.”   Her name may not have been known, but her testimony shines on.

Both of these saints (the widow and Elijah) knew what it was like to feel alone. They were facing adversity.  However, God would be there for them, allowing each to help the other.  I recall an old hymn titled, “No Never Alone.”  When you feel alone and in despair, remember God’s promise that He will never leave or forsake you.  When you feel so alone and friends walk away, turn to Jesus. He is ready to hold you in His everlasting arms and wipe away your tears.  You don’t have to face life’s trials alone.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Brother Bert Tippett, longtime godly influence at FWBBC, as he continues to fight the good fight of faith—at home now with cancer.

“But my people would not listen to me.  They kept on doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts.  They went backward instead of forward”  (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

Sad thing is, He’s talking about us.  He’s not referring to the heathen, the unchurched, the unbelieving—He refers to “my people.”  As Christians, that includes you and me.

So?  Which direction are you going in today?  Backward or forward?  Downhill or uphill?  Closer to godliness or farther and farther away from it?

You can’t blame your pastor.  You can’t blame your church.  There’s no blaming your Sunday school teacher, your parents or your unbelieving spouse.  The blame cannot be placed on the shoulders of society, your childhood or even the government.

The direction you are going in your Christian walk can only be determined by you.  Your commitment to time in the Word, time on your knees, time putting yourself aside and putting Christ first is dependent upon your will.

So, I’ll ask again…which direction are you going?  Backward or forward?

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that women would give generously to “Shine 75,” the new WNAC National Project.

“That night the people of Israel left Rameses and started for Succoth.  There were about 600,000 men, plus all the women and children.  And they were all traveling on foot.  Many people who were not Israelites went with them, along with the many flocks and herds”  (Exodus 12:37-38 NLT).

Can you see the crowd of people?  Their extra clothes on packs strapped to their backs?  Their kneading bowls and dough carried on their heads?  Their shoulders carrying the weight of the silver and gold given to them by their Egyptian neighbors?

Do you hear the oxen lowing?  The bleating of the goats and the lambs?

Can you see the children?  Rubbing their eyes, clinging to their mothers, wide-eyed with excitement—because they’ve overheard?

Can you see the many people who were not Israelites?  The coworkers, the shopkeepers, the government officials, the friends?  The ones dressed like Egyptians among the sea of Israelites?

They’re the ones who were influenced by the Hebrew nation.  They’re the ones who have been watching this strange culture, this odd cult—and have been brought into a knowledge of Yahweh.

They’re the ones who have been listening to the slaves talk of a Redeemer.  They’ve overheard conversations about and prayers for this man named Moses.  They’ve watched as the plagues passed over those living in the land of Goshen.

Amazed.  Convinced.  Intrigued.  They followed the strange customs, they copied the unusual rituals, they ate the strange meals.  And when it was time to tell their Israelite friends goodbye—they packed up and followed them.

That brings me to you. What are you doing, what are you saying, who are you influencing while you’re waiting for the Deliverer?  In your pit, enslaved, down and out, who are you reaching for Him?

Who will follow you out of the prison you’re currently in, because of the praise you did not stop lifting? Who will step out of the chains of bondage alongside you, because of your faith in Him?  Who will leave a life of sin, after having watched you trust and obey?

Where you are is very important, but who you influence for Christ while you’re there is even more important.  Watch your words.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Larry Powell, director of Free Will Baptist Home Missions.

“O love the Lord, all ye his saints; for the Lord preserveth the faithful and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer”  (Psalm 31:23).

As I poured over commentaries concerning Jael and Phoebe, I saw two very different women who had one thing in common.  They were placed in unusual settings to fulfill God’s purpose.

What if God should place you in an unusual setting to do His will?  There will be no room for selfish motives or weariness. You may have days when you will face adversity.  You will seldom receive recognition for what you do for Christ in this life.  So are you ready to shine wherever God places you?  As you faithfully serve Him, He will preserve and reward you for your efforts.   To be commended by the Savior will be your greatest reward beyond this life.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the WNAC staff as they seek God’s direction for 2011 TWG Bible study topics and writers.

“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:3-4)

Phoebe is probably not as well known as other women in the Bible. I don’t think she would desire to be.  She quietly loved and served the Lord.  Her motive for ministering unto others was not to receive any accolades.  In this life she received a glowing recommendation from the apostle Paul for her labors of love.  Beyond this life, her reward was to hear her Savior say, “well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Live your life in service to Christ.  You will have days it will seem no one notices or cares, but keep your eyes on the finish line.  Reach your destination by remembering Phoebe.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Find a quiet place and journal your prayers of personal need or commitments.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18).

The rest of the week we will focus on what we as women today should remember about Phoebe.

Our study writer shares some insights of the type of circumstances Phoebe might have endured to arrive in Rome with Paul’s letter to the Romans.  She encountered hardships, but she didn’t give up.

There were no modern modes of transportation. Travel included substandard places to sleep. I’m afraid many of us today would not have survived her ordeal. Phoebe lends a whole new meaning to the phrase, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”  I hazard to think what would have happened to the Book of Romans if Phoebe had not reached her destination.

I like what the study writer shares, “The hours and years spent traveling down dusty roads of service will be over, and you will hear Jesus welcome you in the same manner the church welcomed Phoebe—as a saint.”  Keep pressing on for Christ.  Dare to be a Phoebe.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Make Psalm 139:23-24 your prayer today.

“….and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you…” (Romans 16:2b).

Paul did not accompany Phoebe on her long journey.  She perhaps had some personal business to attend to after she delivered the letter to the saints at Rome.  Paul asked them to help her any way they could.  Here she was, a woman in a strange place.  She would need help.  Paul adds how much help she has been to others.  It was her turn now to receive help. It wasn’t just Paul needing them to do him a favor, but in helping her, they were giving as unto Christ.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for your pastor’s wife today. Encourage her with a phone call or email.