Daily Treasure

“Now I beseech you, brethren, for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me” (Romans 15:30).

The last week of our Bible study concerns being a missionary’s helper. Not every child of God will feel the call of going to a specific field in full-time Christian service. However, this doesn’t mean your being a missionary where you are is less important. In a sense, when we support those who are on home or foreign fields, it’s like a part of us goes with them. If you were to ask any of our missionaries what is their greatest need, they would tell you it is prayer. Whether you know their needs or not, pray for them. Keep missionary prayer cards handy as a reminder to pray daily for their needs and their ministry. On Wednesday home and international mission prayer requests go out over the internet. Carol Reid lists various ways you can be a missionary helper in the TWG magazine December study. Choose to do some or all them especially the ones regarding prayer.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

Pray Together: Ask God to show you how best to study His Word in 2010.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

When you think of yourself as a missionary, remember to go with God’s power. Without it you will fail. I personally know I would be nothing without Christ and the touch of the Holy Spirit on my life. My endeavors would be in vain.

Put on the whole armor of God and prepare, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to be women on a mission. Yes, you have one and it is mission possible. Your field is the world! Christ will walk beside you every step of the way as you answer His call to labor within it.

Allow me to close out this week of study with these thoughts. Spend time today with Christ and thank Him for being willing to be born to die. Thank Him always for the resurrection and leaving us with a message of hope to share with the world.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sue Winchester

Missouri

Pray Together: Pray the Christ of Christmas will warm your heart today and you will be a blessing to others on the day set aside to celebrate His birth.

“…. as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21b).

We have seen in all four gospels the command of God is for every child of God to obey. Sure, we are going to have times of fears and concerns as we go, teach, and preach the message mentioned in yesterday’s devotion. What an honor that, in spite of them, God counts us worthy to commission us for His service! He is always with us to give comfort and peace. We must remember how Christ was sent by His Father and He completed His earthly mission. We are an extension of that mission, but, we aren’t finished yet. Have faith in the One who has always led by example.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

Pray Together: Intercede for Christmas Eve services around the globe. Ask God to speak to those who may only enter a church on this night once a year.

“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).

This is a continuation of yesterday’s devotion. Our personal testimony coupled with the need to tell others how to be saved is our message. With prayer, Bible study, and practice the message becomes easier to present. It takes discipline to be prepared to share the gospel and help new converts grow in the Lord. God will give you the strength and boldness as you take the message first at home, then out to your community, and finally to the regions beyond.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

Pray Together: Pray for the many who don’t know the true meaning of Christmas. Share the Good News.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

The book of Mark closes similar to that of Matthew. Both give commands by Jesus to go and preach/teach. We have been gloriously saved by God’s grace and rejoice in the hope of meeting Him in Heaven someday soon. Basically God is telling us to go and share our good news. You don’t need a pulpit to preach your message. Simply put, just live it and give it.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

Pray Together: CREATIVE ACCESS: Pray for the effectiveness of various classes and programs that provide points of contact with unreached peoples.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20).

We have thus far learned about missionaries Esther and Priscilla. Now it is time to turn the focus to ourselves. What a better time than the Christmas season to ask ourselves the following question: “What in the world are we doing to promote the gospel?”

Amidst the hectic pace of the holidays and all its commercialization, we need to take the opportunities afforded us to share the true meaning of the season. Beyond the holidays we need to be seeking ways to fulfill what is called “The Great Commission.” There is no maybe or perhaps about this command of God. God leaves no doubt about what we need to do to further His kingdom. We should count it a privilege to share our testimony and His Word with the lost. Someone shared them with you. Use whatever resources possible to help you be more effective in your witness. These include our WNAC, which has always existed to help women, just like you and me, fulfill our God-designed role in the family, in the church, in the community and around the world. Our duty, as a child of God, is to reach lost souls and make disciples. His command – we should be willing to go and teach all nations with the promise that He is always with us.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

Pray Together: Pray that WAC groups will know God’s calling as women in our world.

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles” (Romans 16:3-4).

Whatever capacity God calls you to do to further the gospel, it may mean, coming out of your “comfort zone.” It may also mean taking risks. Esther and Priscilla are prime examples of the latter statement. Think about some of our missionaries especially on foreign fields. In times past at state retreats I have heard the testimonies of those who had to adapt to the ways of primitive people. Some have shared about being in harm’s way at times. If you are willing to win the lost at whatever cost, God will protect you when you take risks. Your faith and willingness to answer His call will bring about victory.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

Pray Together: Pray for churches around the world as they share the gospel through Christmas plays, nativities, and song.