Daily Treasure

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the land of the enemy” (Psalm 107:2).

Have you ever conducted a search for the meaning of your given name?   I did and found mine is a short form of the name Susan or Susanna. In Hebrew, it means “lily.” The name Susanna is mentioned in Luke 8:3.

Back in Bible times a child’s name was often connected with some historic or miraculous event. Those of us part of the “baby boomer” generation often chose names for our children in honor or memory of another family member.  Some parents of the current generation continue this honorable tradition, while  others give their children names that are, at the very least, unique and, often times, almost bizarre.

As important as it is to not bring shame to our family or married name,  there is one name we should be proud to proclaim.  It denotes our relationship with Christ. We definitely should not bring any reproach to our Heavenly Father.  One line of a current song on Christian radio says, “If anybody asks you just who I am, tell them, I am redeemed.”   Whether we claim “redeemed,” “forgiven,” or “Christian,” we must never be ashamed to declare a name that defines the amazing grace of our Savior.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Bring a new friend to your women’s meeting, meet a new neighbor and pray for new church members.

“Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations I made thee” (Genesis 17:5).

“And God said unto Abraham, As far as Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be”  (Genesis 17:15).

God changed Abraham’s and Sarah’s names, and, with the promise of a son, He changed their lives forever. The name Abram meant “high father”  while Abraham means, “father of a multitude.” Abram’s new name personified God’s promise to him as today’s verse proclaims. Sarai meant “contentious or quarrelsome.” This stands as quite a contrast to her new name, Sarah,  which means “princess.”  God sealed His covenant with Abraham by blessing him and Sarah with a son in their old age.

Have you ever wondered what your new name might have been if you had lived during Bible times?  What  new name do you claim in relation to the change Christ has made in your life?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Ken and Judy Bailey as they hold English Bible studies. Ask God to help each person understand His Word.

“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends. . .” (John 15:15a).

In our May study, we learned about the “something old” of a wedding tradition.  As we drew  similarities, we found the “old” had more to do with putting it off than wearing it.  This month we will draw comparisons as we look at “Something New.”

Do you remember the first time you signed any kind of document with your married name?  Your new name, as our study writer stated “signified your willingness to accept a blended identity as a couple.”  Accepting your new name marked a new beginning.

When we accept Christ as Savior we begin to relate to today’s verse. He called His disciples “friends.”   This denoted a deeper relationship.  The “old” is gone and, like the disciples, we are ready for a new beginning.  How exciting!  We have “a new name written down in glory.”  The Lover of our Soul wants us to be mutual “friends.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Praise and pray for the new things we see—new missionaries, new MKs, new purposes, new life in Christ; the list could go on and on.

“Then, just as the Lord had said he would…”  (Jeremiah 32:8 NLT)

Nothing is more exciting than seeing God’s fingerprints all over a circumstance or a situation.  From out of the blue, when all hope has been lost, at the last moment—He’s there, and you have no doubt it’s Him.

The doctors can write off someone as beyond their abilities to help.  Then, God steps in.

The family can be too dysfunctional to ever survive. Then, God steps in.

The situation can be too far gone, too close to impossible, too insurmountable. Then, God steps in.

The frustration can be too overwhelming. The wait can be intolerable.  The odds can be completely in the enemy’s favor. Then, God steps in.

And what do we say? What can we mutter? What is our response?

Oh, yes—just as He said He would.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Please continue praying for FWBIM. Let’s back this department with our finances and our prayers and see what new victories can be won.

Can you see the mighty buck running through the woods? Can you hear the sounds of the dogs barking at its heels, the hunters urging them on with their shouts? Over this log, around this thicket, across this little creek—oh, the water is so inviting.

For miles he runs for his life. For what seems like days he sprints across fields and meadows, searching for a refuge, a safe spot—and a drink.

His lungs fill and empty, his heart pumps quickly, his strong legs continue to carry him on. The inborn trait to flee from harm has driven him. The fear for his life has pushed him. The need for nourishment is beginning to overtake him. Just a drink of water. Just one drink.

Ever felt like the deer?  Ever been pushed, hounded, forced to run for your life?  Has the enemy backed you into a wall or chased you from your safe, comfortable sanctuary?  Have you been shot at?  Have arrows pierced your heart?  Ever been so thirsty for a drink that your entire system begs you to find a source, a stream–and find it quickly?

And you found Him. You made the time to open your Bible. You cleared your calendar and sat in His presence. You paused long enough to hear the lyrics to the song playing on the Christian radio station you had on. Your friend was home when you called needing prayer.  A verse came to mind. The skies opened up and a beam of light from Heaven shone all around you. And your thirst was quenched, for a time.

Just as the deer cannot survive in a dehydrated state, we cannot either.  We must drink, and drink fully of Him at every opportunity.  We have to fill our bottles (hearts) with Him each day and rely on that source to sustain us over the next twenty-four hours.  We must keep in mind the Source.  We must clear any paths of obstruction so we can get to Him at all times.

He is our Water. He is our Stream.

Drink fully of Him; the hunter is looking for you.  At any given moment, the hunt will be on.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Tim and Lydia Awtrey as they work to build a church in Svishtov, Bulgaria.

“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready” (Revelation 19:7).

After months of preparation, the big day you’ve planned and prayed for has arrived.  You feel almost every emotion as you take your walk down the aisle.  You are about to embark on another leg  of  life’s journey.

Words alone cannot begin to describe another marriage that will take place soon. As with your earthly wedding, you will want to wear a beautiful white garment.  You will be so emotional you will break out in song.  Put off the “old” and make plans to meet the Bridegroom.  Make yourself ready for the most glorious wedding you will ever attend.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the many church camps this month and throughout the summer. Pray especially for WAC leader Amy Johnson, working at Camp Hope. Pray also for the Kids 2 Camp program in the former Soviet Union. Pray for adequate funding for this effort. Consider sending a child ($35) yourself.

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good’ (Romans 12:10-21).

As we near the end of our study, let’s look at the characteristics of those who make up the “Bride” of Christ.  I not only remember what I looked like as a bride, but, last November I was thrilled to view my daughter in her bridal attire. You probably can envision yourself how special you looked and felt on your wedding day.  The event is one of your cherished memories.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for veteran missionary Molly Barker as she works in VBS in Uruguay.