Daily Treasure

“The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house” (1 Corinthians 16:19).

Priscilla and Aquila were committed in their missionary endeavors. They even opened their house for church services. Earlier this year before the church I attended disbanded, I witnessed this kind of commitment from two different couples. It takes really devoted people to open their homes for church. This was not uncommon in the early church. Would you be willing to have services in your home today? We seldom have people over for dinner after church on Sunday? Years ago that was very common. If visitors came into our church, we extended hospitality when we could. Times have definitely changed.

How admirable it was, with all her responsibilities, Priscilla made time to keep her home and offer hospitality. Oftentimes Paul and his men would stay with Priscilla and Aquila during his travels. There wasn’t anything this couple wouldn’t do to further the gospel in their world.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

Pray Together: Pray for the WNAC Office team as they complete the year-end accounting.

“And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26).

In God’s calling in our world, there is the need to be a soul winner. There is also the need to make disciples of those you win. You may need to do as Priscilla and Aquila found themselves doing in today’s verse.  I picture Apollos as a zealous new convert. You probably could see yourself in this scenario at one time. Apollos needed caring and patient people to take him aside and teach him “the way of God more perfectly.” Enter Priscilla and Aquila who were well-versed in the Word. Daily prayer and Bible study equipped them to bloom wherever God planted them. Never underestimate how these can help you win and teach others in your world.

Priscilla and Aquila really had a lot in common. Obviously they were made for each other.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

Pray Together: Pray God will show you ways to minister encouragement to those affected by the current economy.

“And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought; for by their occupation they were tentmakers” (Acts 18:3).

Priscilla and Aquila got acquainted with Paul at Corinth. They all had a passion for souls and they had their profession in common. Though God was there to supply for their needs, I’m sure there were times they had to work to make a living. God gave them a talent and sometimes they had to use it to make ends meet. It was providential they made tents because this was Paul’s line of work, too. I imagine they were an encouragement to each other. Priscilla proved her intentions as a missionary by her submission, not only to God, but by being a helpmeet to her husband. They were not only equals in the ministry, but they made tents together! Tomorrow we will learn about another phase of Priscilla and Aquila’s missionary effort.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

Pray Together: SPAIN: Alpedrete Outreach Center will celebrate its fourth anniversary with a special open house for the community. Pray for this event.

“And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy with his wife Priscilla” (Acts 18:2a).

For the second week of our Bible study our focus will be on Priscilla. I really admire her. She was very fortunate that her husband, Aquila, shared her passion for winning souls and church planting. They worked as a team with the desire to go with the gospel and make disciples. First we see Esther who hadn’t aspired to be a missionary but was used to leave a positive impact on the people in her world. Now we learn about Priscilla who was more than willing to be used as a missionary. Priscilla and her husband were equal in the ministry. They helped build God’s kingdom in their world with their combined talents and efforts.

As we go through this week we will share more about Priscilla. However, we must include Aquila for the two of them worked tirelessly for the cause of Christ. Would you be as willing to make sacrifices to promote the gospel? As you ponder that question, pause to remember all our missionary wives who are laboring alongside their husbands to win souls and make disciples in their world.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

Pray Together: Seek God’s leading concerning ways your WAC can bless your pastor and his family this Christmas season.

“To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fasting and their cry” (Esther 9:31).

Perhaps you might need to go back and read the entire book of Esther. I challenge you to do so. God used Esther to be instrumental in saving her people from destruction. She loved God and believed so much could be accomplished through prayer and fasting. She asked her people to fast for her for three whole days before she went with her requests before the king (Esther 4:16). She was going to put her life on the line but bravely she stated, “…if I perish, I perish.”

As a memorial to Esther’s faith and courage, the feast of Purim was celebrated. It is still observed by the Jewish people. What kind of legacy will you leave as you labor for God in your world?

Sue Winchester

Missouri

Pray Together: Pray for the committee appointed at the 2009 Convention as they review the current constitution and bylaws and seek ways to enhance WNAC ministry.

“….and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b).

The story of Esther is not one of “rags to riches.” There is much more substance to it. Esther’s love for God and her willingness to serve Him put her in the right place at the right time. It took courage to accept that given her circumstances. The evil Haman was plotting to have her people killed. She could not ignore this. She was going to have to spring into action to help them. I’m sure she sought God’s direction. Esther was going to have to go before the king and pray he would hold out his royal scepter and listen to what she had to say. She had to be brave since the king had not summoned her to appear before him. This could have meant certain death for her. God makes sure the king reaches out his scepter! God is going to work through her to save the people in her world. We, like Esther, have a mission field. People in our world need the Lord. Are we willing to be as brave and determined as Esther to further the cause of Christ?

Sue Winchester

Missouri

Pray Together: FRANCE: Pray for the effectiveness of the live nativity at the St. Nazaire Church.

“And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti” (Esther 2:17).

There was a year of preparation before appearing before the king. Throughout that time Esther found favor with those around her. She had a sparkling personality and showed respect to those in authority. None of this was done just to impress people. Her light was shining brightly for God. Esther winning the favor of the king may not have come as a surprise to those around her. However, think of Esther, a lowly, orphaned girl with a secret. Isn’t it amazing how God intervenes when He has a job for us to do? Against what might have seemed insurmountable odds, God’s hand was over the night of the crowning. We all have a place in God’s service in our world. We should allow Him to help us beat the odds.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

Pray Together: Pray that our national, state and local leaders would seek Divine guidance in leading our country.