Daily Treasure

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ who is the image of God, should shine unto them”  (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Satan will try anything to keep the sinner’s eyes off the light of the gospel.  If he can, more or less, keep a veil over their eyes, then they will be blinded to the love and truth of God.  They will continue to walk  in darkness. Armed with the power and strength of our omnipotent God, we should use every opportunity to penetrate that darkness. We can be a beacon to the lost.  Shine on!

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for wisdom as the Brazil field council meets January 11-16.

^“God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength….Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north” (Job 37:5-6, 9).

For many of us, this past week has delivered snow, ice and frigid temperatures—just as the weathercasters predicted. How often does that happen?

Since the beginning, weather has been both man’s concern and his fascination. Reading through Job, (one of the earliest written books of the Bible), we find a variety of weather conditions—from frost and snow to hail. How comforting to know that all of these are commandeered by the voice of God. He, who “saith to the snow, be thou on the earth,” also told winds and waves to be still. And whether He sends a whirlwind from the south or more cold from the north, we can rest assured He is in control.

Sarah Fletcher
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: January is a good time to evaluate your women’s monthly ministry program. Ask God to give new ideas and direction for your Women Active for Christ group in 2010.

You’re never truly thankful until you know how you’ve been blessed.
With warmth, and food, and comfort, and a place that you can rest.
For fun, and joy, and laughter, and friendships that have grown.
With the safety, peace, and love of a family of your own.
For the smiles, hugs, and kisses of our little ones so dear.
With the provisions we’ve received, again, this passing year.
For the fond, yet tender, memories of those who now are gone.
And the hope that we will see them when our time, like theirs, has come.
Our thankfulness, it does not come from the things this life can give.
But in knowing Jesus Christ who died that all of us might live.
So, I’m thankful for my husband, children, friends, and family.
But most of all I’m thankful to my God who set me free.

Paula Riordan
Arkansas

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for those attending the Panamanian FWB convention January 9-10 at the seminary in Chame.

“But the fearful and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8)

We see in today’s verse a list of hideous sins.  For the most part we think this doesn’t include us.  Take a closer look. We see the words, “all liars.”  God doesn’t categorize lies.  He will punish those who tell them.  As God pronounces judgment on all those who commit the above, Satan, the father of all liars will be joining them in eternal torment (Revelation 20:10).

Thank God He loved us enough to warn us that being a liar is committing something as destructive as all other sins.  He loves us and doesn’t want our final destination to be hell.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the shut-ins of your church during this cold season. Why not take your WAC or monthly women’s meeting to them, sharing the warmth and encouragement of Christ?

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap” (Galations 6:7).

Don’t be misled.  Today’s verse can be viewed from a negative or positive prospective. If you think you are going to mock God and sow to the flesh with your seeds of corruption, you will only reap death. (Romans 6:23a)  In a positive light, if you sow good things of the Spirit, you will reap eternal life (Romans 6:23b)  Choose wisely what you will sow.  As a gospel song has expressed, “There’ll be a payday at the end of the road.”  Don’t listen to the devil’s lie that it doesn’t really matter what you sow.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray as you read “Traffic Guard,” current TWG article about human trafficking. Ask God what you can do to slow down this evil.

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today: lest any of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13).

There is an urgency to urge others to take advantage of the day of God’s divine grace and the opportunities we still have to trust God.  This won’t last forever as we draw closer to His coming again. I recently found this statement in a book I read.  “The more one sins, the easier it becomes, thus causing the heart and conscience to become numb to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.” It is very dangerous to be in that position. The devil would love it if you believed this could never happen to you.  Don’t buy into any of his lies because he will use your sin to deceive you.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Praise God that a stimulator implant has given Rachel Fannin, daughter of home missionaries Chris and Carla Fannin, some much needed relief from pain.

“And the serpent said unto the woman, ye shall not surely die” (Genesis 3:5).

Satan’s lies began in the Garden of Eden when he spoke to Eve in the form of a serpent. Obviously she didn’t seem to be as afraid of him as I would have been.  Their conversation would have an impact on all mankind.  If Satan can entice us to disobey God, he has us right where he wants us. It becomes a progressive thing.  The more we listen to Satan’s lies, the further we will turn away from God.  Beware of the lies of a deadly “serpent.” Trust and obey God.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for children from the Alpedrete Outreach Center (Spain) as they play Christmas carols with handbells before the annual parade passes through town today.