Daily Treasure

“Say I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee” (Genesis 12:13).

Abram (later Abraham) asked his wife Sarai (later Sarah), to tell a lie for him.  Some probably  would have called it a little “white lie.” Abraham was in a predicament.  If  Pharaoh were to gaze upon his wife’s beauty and learn she was his wife, he was afraid Pharaoh would kill him and take his wife into his harem. Fear will often lead us to do things we might not otherwise do.  Thinking Sarah was Abraham’s “sister,” Pharaoh took her into his house.  The truth is revealed and plagues were placed upon Pharaoh’s house.  You can’t fool God. Your sin will find you out and there will be consequences.  I feel Abraham and Sarah repented of their sin and God blessed them. When Pharaoh released them to go on their way,  I think that was God’s intervention. God kept His promise to both of them, and the last time we see them mentioned in God’s Word is in Hebrews 11. Be careful about twisting the truth. You or someone else involved in your lie will be affected by it.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Deception reigns in many areas of the globe where believers face intense persecution. Pray for the persecuted church around the world.

“Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many towers. Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations. For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die” (Psalm 48:12-14 NLT).

One of the most amazing things about God is His steadiness. His nature is unchanging and we can always trust that He is who He is yesterday, today, and forever.  Jerusalem has seen many changes on her face throughout history.  Even today, wars continue to tear her apart over something that began as sibling rivalry.  But even though she has been torn down, destroyed, rebuilt and scarred, God is still her Sovereign.   Psalm 48 is a beautiful comparison of God’s strength and might to the fortification of Jerusalem’s walls.  God is named as defender, Great King and Guide—all the way to the end.

Karyn Pugh
Tennessee

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the many associational meetings scheduled this month throughout the United States.

Everyone knows the story of Noah.  In the chapter preceding this verse the Bible tells us about God’s instructions to Noah about the legendary ark. It is amazing how many times I skim right over the obvious when I am reading my Bible.  I have read the story of Noah in Genesis at least one hundred times and I have heard the story in Sunday school since I was a toddler. How could I have missed something so important about this story?  Noah “found grace in the eyes of the Lord” not just because he was a good, honest, pure, and upright man.  He was also obedient. Every day when I go to work I wonder about what I am doing, why I am doing it, if I am doing it right; not just in general, but also specific tasks I am assigned. However, I do not question those who are telling me what to do and when to do it—it simply is not my place.  This same obedience is important for believers and their relationship with God.  Like Nike™ says, “Just do it!”

Karyn Pugh
Tennessee

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for special leadership classes taking place in the Belo Horizonte Church in Brazil.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

If you were to accidentally swallow something poisonous, you would need to go the emergency room. You would be given an antidote to keep this from being fatal.  When you are being deceived by the devil, it is like he is giving you poison. Today’s verse offers two antidotes for Satan’s poison.  Surrender all to God and run to Him so you can resist the poison Satan desires to give you. You have a refuge where you can find safety and strength.  Run away from Satan and into the arms of the Savior.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for home missionaries as they endeavor to win, teach and train many from different ethnic backgrounds, customs and languages.

“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat” (Genesis 3:6).

As a woman, it is difficult to write about this verse. However, I must admit, I’ve been gullible at times. We, as women, may have the best of intentions, but we must be forewarned the devil can use that against us.

The day of Eve’s disobedience, she not only swallowed the fruit of that forbidden tree, but the lies of the devil.  When you are drawn into the devil’s web of lies, never think it just affects you.  The devil thinks of women as weak and vulnerable.  Through the power of God, let’s show that “serpent” just how wrong he is.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: A delegation of Ivorians plan to attend the National Association and the FWB International Fellowship in July. Pray their paperwork will be processed quickly and received in a timely manner and that necessary funds for their travel expenses will be given through FWBIM.

“And she caught him by the garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out” (Genesis 39:12).

Potiphar’s wife had a roving eye. She wanted a handsome Joseph for her pleasure. However, Joseph was a godly man and wanted nothing to do with a married women.  He would not only be betraying God, but Potiphar as well. Potiphar trusted him. Potiphar’s wife didn’t seem like one to take no for an answer. One day Joseph was in Potiphar’s house doing the duties Potiphar had entrusted to him, but no one else was around except for Potiphar’s wife.

You got it. He was being set up.  Much to that evil woman’s surprise, Joseph remained true to God, and fled. Unfortunately, Joseph dropped his jacket in the process.  Potiphar’s wife used that proof against him.  He was thrown in prison, but God was with him.  God wasn’t finished with him.  He blessed Joseph in a mighty way because of his faithfulness.

Have you ever found yourself at the wrong place at the wrong time? You will only make things worse if you fail to flee the temptation.  Keep your focus on Him— especially in the heat of temptation. He will give you the strength so you won’t yield to it.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Oklahoma WAC president Tracy Payne as she meets with the 2010 steering committee.

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (I John 2:16).

Today’s verse contains the three components of temptation.  When these are present, they will lead to committing sin. Be on guard for these are not of God, but of an evil world.  They were present in the original sin, and, that event impacted all mankind.  Recognizing their danger, you won’t be so easily enticed of the devil. If you don’t, the devil will attack, and you won’t know what hit you.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: 2010 marks 50 years of missionary service in Brazil for Bobby and Geneva Poole. Pray for health and strength for the work the Lord has yet for them to do.