Daily Treasure

“Likewise ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elders. Yea all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility” (1 Peter 5:5a).

As we develop relationships, let’s not forget those older than us. Sometimes we don’t want to make time to hear what they have to say.  They have lived through things we may or may not have faced yet.  We can borrow from their wisdom   Don’t be too  proud to go to them for advice.  In doing so, we will gain their respect as well. God has much to say about pride.  The last part of our verse states…”God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble.”   Whatever the relationship, don’t allow pride to ruin it.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Tracy Payne, Oklahoma WAC president, and all OWAC involved in planning and final preparations for the National Convention.

“And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him” (Ruth 4:15).

Through the years, mothers-in-laws have been the center of many stories and jokes. Not all of these women warrant the tales.  For example, Naomi and Ruth had a beautiful relationship of mutual love and respect. I don’t see Naomi being a meddler into Ruth’s life.

She gave sage advice and appreciated anything she, and later, Boaz did for her.  Because Naomi was a good mother-in-law, she was well taken care of in her old age. Can’t you imagine the look on that grandma’s face when she held Ruth’s son close to her breast?

As you develop a deeper relationship with God, you will learn to love as He loves. Whether you are a daughter-in-law or the mother-in-law, mutual love can make this a win-win situation.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Over 50 international workers will be arriving for the FWB Convention. Pray for safety of travel and good health during their time in the States.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God; and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (I John 4:7-8).

I could have easily entitled this devotion “Love Your In-laws.”  There’s at least one in every family—that person who is difficult to get along with.  You must be willing to be kind and patient in spite of this.  As you build your relationship as a couple, it will become easier to forbear with an unruly member of your extended family.

As a child of God, we are also part of an extended family. There may be those we won’t always agree with, but we must still show Christian love.  It is that love that separates us from the world.  Pray we can look at others through His eyes.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Carlisle Hanna, arriving stateside today along with two Indian pastors. Pray for walkers in the final days of the Go 10 Walk for the World.

“First of all, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it. But of course, there must be divisions among you so that those of you who are right will be recognized” (1 Corinthians 11:18-19).

So many outside the church believe that the purpose of organized religion is to fill God’s house with cloned Bible-toters. They expect to see congregants who stand and sit, sing and pray, kneel and testify in unison. Those trying to keep God at arm’s reach, envision suited men, dress-wearing women, clean, well-behaved children and senior saints resembling a cross between Betty Crocker and Mother Teresa.

Truth be told, the grandest, most alive churches are filled with a bunch of misfits. Wouldn’t you agree? People whose pasts are more colored than a rainbow. People who have personal relationships with a Creator who is very creative. People who think, speak and act based upon biblical truths, but even more so, through  the leading of the Holy Spirit.

The divisions Paul spoke of were the birthmarks visible in the church family. Differences that evoke amazing testimonies. Differences that shout with individuality and oneness in Christ. Differences that allow today’s church to welcome so many people from so many walks of life.

This personalization of the Holy Spirit and the creativity of God will bring to the surface many differences among us. What do we do with those differences? Do we argue? Do we complain? Do we murmur, gripe or complain? Do we stand in awe? Do we learn a new way to worship, a new song to sing?

In thinking about the birthmarks of the church—what makes you stand out in the crowd? What makes you different? What makes you unique to the family of God?

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Shirley Jackson, WNAC Convention function coordinator.

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.  He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.  He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise.  Many will see what he has done and be astounded.  They will put their trust in the Lord”  (Psalm 40:1-3).

I call this collection of verses my “Past, Present & Future Promise.'”  It’s probably one of the most worn pages in favorite Bible. It provides me hope, causes me to look for His hand in my day and gives me a short report of His faithfulness.

Waited—past tense.  Lifted—past tense.  Steadied—past tense.  The past is past; what we do with the experiences from it mold today.  Will I remember He has heard my prayers in the past and answered in miraculous ways?  Will I recall the journeys I have taken from the pits to the palaces?  Will I allow my time in the mud and mire to make me appreciate green pastures and mountaintops?

Has given—present perfect tense.  This He’s all around me, if I choose to look for Him.  He’s in the everyday stuff, the silver lining on my cloudy days.  His fingerprints are clearly evident in my waking hours and His presence is ever near me as I sleep.

Will see—future tense.  Will put—future tense.  My unsaved loved ones will be affected by my current trials.  Those I’ve prayed for will be touched by my commitment to my Savior and His commitment to me.

I’m so encouraged by these verses.  Whatever I’m currently enduring, I have the testimony of my past to push me forward.  I have the promise of His working in my life to search out.  The verses tell me that others will see my life (if I continue living for Him) and be drawn to my Savior.

Past, present and future—He’s all I need.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: The WNAC Executive Committee definitely needs prayer as they face decisions, not only in change of leadership, but also concerning finances.

“But thou, O man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (1 Timothy 6:11).

Whether you borrow a recipe from family or a cookbook, if you fail to carefully follow directions, the end results will be proof you didn’t.

Today’s verse contains a formula or recipe for victory.  Borrow it anytime, but don’t forget to follow it carefully and prayerfully.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the Edgmon family, now stateside from Spain, here until December.

“In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths”  (Proverbs 3:6).

With every recipe comes a list of ingredients and directions.  The latter mainly tells you what you must do with the ingredients. I could never borrow a recipe that lacked directions.  How many of us have relatives who have fixed a dish or dessert so often they can just throw it together? They can even add in some of their own variations. I could never duplicate what they found so easy to make.  I lean on  cookbooks that contain ingredients, directions and even pictures of what the dish is supposed to look like. Sometimes I still fail to make it right.

As a new bride or child of God, we have one Book with lots of directions within it.  “He desires that we, as His bride, possess the ingredients for holy living, and following His biblical formula, make ready His coming.”  Follow His directions and you will not fail.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for former WNAC president Clara Picirilli and her husband concerning the sale of their family home and relocation to a condominium.