“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

I like how our study writer wrote “Grace requires love. “Love one another fervently,” Peter said. When we truly love, we can overlook the quirks and petty differences of others.  Yes, love does cover a multitude of sins.”  The Living Bible states “love overlooks each other’s many faults.”

As members of God’s family, we should find it easy to love other believers. Patience and forgiveness will go a long way to keeping unity in the Body of Christ.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for gracious love and unity among missionary partners/coworkers and between the missionaries on the field and the FWBIM office.

“Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a place of refuge for their children”  (Proverbs 14:26 NLT).

Before we go any farther, I will make this disclaimer:  The proverbs are not promises from God, they are probabilities of life.  That being said, the verse this morning reminds me that my walk with God, my commitment to and attendance at a God-preaching church and my personal attempt at being in the Word of God and on my knees on a regular basis are good insurance policies that one day could direct my child to the same life.

There will come a time when my relationship with Christ will determine what my little one decides to do with Jesus.  There will be a point in his life that he will come to a realization that a personal walk, not his mother’s, is what He needs.

So, am I paying the premiums?  Is he seeing me serve God with gladness?  Does he see me thrilled to worship—personally and corporately?  Am I modeling habits of prayer and Bible study in a manner than make them attractive to him?  Will he want to seek out the God I love and serve?

This verse convicts me. And now I’m passing it on to you.  What of you and those in your realm of influence?

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Diana Bryant as she directs Florida Women Active for Christ in final convention details, and prepares to lead “My Name is Accountable,” the early morning business session at the WNAC Convention.

“You stand up to judge those who do evil, O God, and to rescue the oppressed of the earth.  Human opposition only enhances your glory…”  (Psalm 76:9-10 NLT).

Ever had one of those days when God’s glory was manifested in every moment of your waking hours?  From the sunrise you witness upon rising from bed to the stars you stare in awe of as you click off the backporch light.

It’s true, God is glorified in the strangest of ways, the most unexpected places, at the most interesting of occasions…

In the smile we’re able to muster when that trying customer steps up to the counter.

In the way the prodigal just happens to be at church on a more and more regular basis.

In the way the neighbor happens to notice you’re a Christian and lets you know of an upcoming surgery they’re scheduled to have.

In the patience exhibited in a very hurried checkout lane.

In the doctor amazement at the results, the outcome, the healing.

Human opposition—when people attempt to get in the way of God—only makes Him shine more brightly and His mercy glow with intensity.

I’m pretty sure you’ll have an opportunity to witness it today.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Elizabeth Hodges as she adds finishing touches to her PowerPoint presentation and annual report to the WNAC Convention and as she travels to Tampa early next week.

“Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days” (Galatians 1:18).

Our study writer mentions that Peter was married. She states “the Bible depicts Peter’s home as a place of welcoming hospitality during the ministry days of Jesus.  Later the Apostle Paul spent 15 days in Peter’s house.”  I picture that to mean his home was a place of grace and not a war zone. It won’t become the latter if there is respect one for another within the home.

Your grace really shows when family or friends come for a visit.  Do we take the opportunity to show gracious hospitality?  Or do we come off as being annoyed they are there?  If your home is a place of grace, people need to feel they aren’t imposing on you.  Friends and family need to feel comfortable in your home.

Next week we will learn how to show grace to other believers. The introduction states, “The principles Peter outlined for gracious living can help avert conflicts in our own congregations.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for international teacher Sarah Malone as she travels and prepares to share at the WNAC Convention Breakout Session, “My Name is Solo.”

“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered” (1 Peter 3:7).

Today’s verse states the duty of a husband. According to William Barclay a husband “must be understanding. He must be considerate and sensitive to the feelings of his wife. He must be chivalrous.  He must remember that women are the weaker sex and treat them with courtesy.  He must remember that the woman has equal spiritual rights. She is a fellow-heir of the grace of life. Unless a man fulfills these obligations , there is a barrier between his prayers and God.”  The latter tells us our relationship with God can’t be right, if our relationship with others isn’t right. This is particularly true with marriage because God has given the man the responsibility to be the head of the home.

If we would show of grace to our families, husbands and wives must work together to live out and live by the Word of God.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Florida State Women Active for Christ leaders as they make final preparations for the WNAC Convention, July 23 in Tampa.

“Likewise ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear”  (1 Peter 3:1-2).

Consider these words about today’s verses from The Living Bible: “Wives fit in with your husband’s plans; for then if they refuse to listen when you talk about the Lord, they will be won by your respectful, pure behavior. Your godly lives will speak to them better than any words.”

A consistent godly lifestyle can’t help but be noticed. I have known of women who prayed for years for their unsaved husbands. Today these same men testify they never would have tasted the grace of God without their wives showing it to them.  The saying, “actions speak louder than words” is certainly true when wives must do some silent preaching.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Arizona missionaries Heather Goodman and Ashley Bennett as they prepare to share during the WNAC Convention Breakout Session, “My Name is More.”

“Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well,  and are not afraid with any amazement” (1 Peter 3:6).

Using Sarah as a biblical example of submissiveness, we see a woman of faith who had a godly respect for her husband.  Peter is saying it’s important to just be a good wife.  You will show your grace to your husband and children if you are a woman of virtue. Sarah could have questioned Abraham about his calling but instead she supported him.  Because of her submissiveness, she didn’t have to fear how Abraham would treat her.  She never had to worry or panic because she trusted God.  She understood the concept that if you submit yourself to God, you can submit yourself to your husband.   Dare to be a Sarah!

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Today begins the month of Ramadan, when Muslims worldwide recommit themselves to the principles and tenets of Islam. Today also begins 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World. Find daily prayer requests and helpful prayer information at http://www.30-days.net (or on Facebook) http://facebook.com/30daysprayer.