Daily Treasure

What an exciting thought it is to be welcomed by God! Psalm 5:4, 7 is a contrast in how God greets people. Yes, God is love and He loves us all. He has already shown that in the gift of His precious Son. However, we can read in Psalm 5:4 “For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You.” Plainly speaking, unrighteous people are not welcome in His dwelling place. The writer of the Psalm boldly goes further in verse 7, as he encourages us toward God’s hospitality to the righteous. “But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; in fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.” This hospitality extended toward us is too great for my mind to comprehend. That God would welcome me into His dwelling place is a privilege I could never have obtained on my own. I have been invited by His Son, and I have accepted the invitation. Now, I am told to come boldly into His presence. Thank you, God for this welcome and invitation.

Tracy Payne

Oklahoma

Pray Together: Ask God to guide writers in their choices of study materials for WAC.

Read 1 Corinthians 12 again. Prayerfully make a list of how God reveals you should mesh better with your fellow church members, friends, and family members to form a close-knit team for His glory. Get some note cards and write short letters to these people encouraging them in their uniqueness and inviting them to join you in a more concerted effort of service to the Lord. Covenant to pray with and for these people every day to find God’s guidance in your service. Consider forming a “small group” to discuss scripture like 1 Corinthians 12 that embraces diversity and come up with plans to encompass people in your community or workplace because of their diversity to form the kind of body God intends us to be.

Mona Dukes

South Carolina

Pray Together: Thank God today for the unspeakable peace He places within our hearts when we lean fully on Him.

Read Ephesians 5:18-19. Think of your favorite hymn or praise chorus. It can even be something as simple as “Jesus Loves Me.” Hum through the song concentrating on the words. Then sing the song as a prayer of praise to the Trinity. Imagine God tapping His foot and clapping His hands in time with your singing. Pray in song as much as you can and see how much more joyful and thankful your prayers become. Try to sing a praise song the next time you’re discouraged or depressed. Record your feelings after singing.

Mona Dukes

South Carolina

Pray Together: Pray for the many families who have been uprooted from their homes as a result of tornadoes.

Read Ephesians 4:1-6 and consider that we as believers are called to be unified as a body while living worthily. Unity requires work: humility, gentleness, patience, allowing for faults, loving, binding together in peace. Write each of these words in your notebook and beside each one write the name or names of friends or fellow church members who embody these qualities. Pray for these people, thanking God for their example, and ask God to increase your adherence to these qualities.

Mona Dukes

South Carolina

Pray Together: God is worthy of our praise. Read Psalm 100 and thank God for what He has done for you and your family.

Ephesians 4:25-31 admonishes us to put away lying, stealing, corrupt communication, grieving the Holy Spirit, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice. Read verse 32 and see what you should be: kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. Ephesians 4:14-16 says don’t be like children vacillating over various doctrines or falling for false teachings. Pray and strive to fit together in spite of differences of personality or opinion.

Mona Dukes

South Carolina

Pray Together: Pray about becoming a mentor to a new Christian.

Read Ephesians 4:11-15 again. Pray for God to reveal to you possible areas of service both in the church and in the world. Look for the obvious answers, as God doesn’t “sneak” things in on you. Those things that are enticing, exciting, and exalting to your spirit…those things that give you an “inner grin”…those things that make you sigh with disbelief when they work; that is what God is calling you to do.

Mona Dukes

South Carolina

Pray Together: Pray as we enter into a new year of TWG studies.

This time of year brings a lot of opportunities for change. Some are sending their young ones off to school for the first time. For some it is the first time in many years that they do not have a little one to send off to school. There are those who will experience new beginnings, as their older children head off to begin their college career or enter the full time workforce. We tend to worry about the future of our children, the friends they are making, and the choices they will face. As women under the watchful eye of our Heavenly Father, we can be assured of rest in our Father. Psalm 4: 8 testifies to the rest and peace we have through trust in our Savior as we read, “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” We can lie down, having given our cares totally over to Him, and rest in peace and safety. Thank you, God for your care and concern, even over our physical and emotional well-being.

Pray Together: Pray for the many medical personnel who give of their time and expertise to minister in restrictive access area.