Daily Treasure

“And it came to pass, that as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” (Luke 11:1).

Before we launch into our September study, let’s celebrate “back to school” with a lesson on prayer.  There are many ways to present a lesson.  Some teach by giving a lesson in lecture form.  Others use objects or pictures in their teaching.  It depends on the age of the students and the subject matter.

From a spiritual standpoint, simple presentation is best.  Jesus often used parables to teach a lesson. In other words, He taught them using things they were most familiar with to help them understand heavenly things.  As I share with you this week about prayer, I promise it won’t be complicated. Sometimes reviewing what we’ve already learned can be helpful.

Today’s verse reveals even the disciples needed a lesson in prayer. They might have known the basics, but, like us, they needed a refresher course.  Their asking for help was a very good first step.  Jesus gladly taught them.  He stands ready to help you, too.  This week, through an acrostic for prayer, I hope you will glean something to use during your prayer time.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for WNAC leaders involved in planning next year’s convention in Charlotte, NC.

“Goliath stood and shouted across to the Israelites, Do you need a whole army to settle this?  Choose someone to fight for you…”  (1 Samuel 17:8).

And God did. God chose one to settle the battle with the giant that day, one small boy.

Then He did it again. He sent One to the cross.

One Spotless Lamb.

One High Priest.

One Morning Star.

One Good Shepherd.

One Holy Child.

That One?  That One has defeated our giants.  That One has delivered us from the pits of hell.  That One has redeemed, forgiven, washed clean and purchased our salvation.  That One presented Himself, took the sins upon His shoulders, died and arose.

One is all we need.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: TWG billings go out in September. Pray that these (as well as changes in the magazine) will generate necessary support.

“Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive a reward that lasts forever.  They will survive through hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough”  (Psalm 37:18-19 NLT ).

You’re not questioning the Lord’s plan, are you?

In the midst of your storm?  In the dark of your longest night?  With the diagnosis still ringing in your ears?  Having held so much, and now grasping for anything?  Your faith wavering?  Your hopes dashed?  Your joy having left you?  Enemies surrounding you?  Spiritually thirsting and hungering? Doubt?

And what does He provide?  Care.  A reward that lasts forever.  Survival. Provision.

Look outside your circumstance.  Look beyond what today holds.  Look past what you can accomplish.  Look deeply into His promises to care for His own—He does not change.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for your local church as well as churches worldwide.

“In my father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).

Our August study revealed what I would like to call “blues busters.”  Wearing something blue is okay as a bridal accent, but not okay as a life feeling. We need to shed this garment.  By being faithful in all relationships, especially with God, we have the hope and promise of a mansion in Heaven.  That hope should  banish any gloom. Don’t be blue; God has promised a mansion for you.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: How can we emphasize enough that WNAC leaders need your prayers and support? Don’t let them down.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness…””(2 Corinthians 12:9a).

Whatever the covenant you have made, God’s grace is available for the asking.  His grace will help you keep your promises.  When better turns to worse, richer turns to poorer, and healthy turns to sickness, God promises to be there to give you grace.  We never have to worry about tomorrow, for He’s already there.  He stands ready to reward your faith with mercy and grace.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Sunday school teachers and youth workers.

“And he that reapeth  receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal” (John 4:36a).

To “be fruitful and multiply” doesn’t just pertain to having children.  We must bear fruit as a child of God.  We must plant the seeds or help reap the harvest as we share the gospel.  This can be done as a couple or as an individual.  We may even have opportunities to plant and reap.

The end result is one of great joy for all involved, because the rewards are eternal.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Grandparents, pray for your grandchildren today. Let them see Christ in you. Not a grandparent? Pray for a child God places on your heart.

“Lo children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psalm 127:3).

God blesses couple in many ways. One of those ways is in bringing children into the home.  Children are “a direct expression of the love a couple shares.”  Couples have the awesome responsibility of raising these children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.”  The reward is the joy children bring into their lives.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray especially for deacons; they have sobering responsibilities.