Daily Treasure

Romans 4:18 “Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping…”

Chonda Pierce, a Christian comedienne, sings a song titled “God Loves You.” The first verse goes, “Hope—like a flower, will push through the smallest crack…”  Abraham was a mighty man who had the courage to go against the grain and do the ‘abnormal.’  Hebrews 11:8 “…And he went out, not knowing where he was going.”

Can you imagine what you would think if one of your loved ones just decided to pick up and leave—headed to an unknown destination? What if the 90-year-old childless couple in your church announced God was going to give them a baby—all nat-u-ral? Or what if someone you know decided that God had sent a message commanding the literal sacrifice of their child? These are impossible to think of.  But Abraham had so much hope in the Almighty God he believed that even though he did not know where he was going—God did. In the face of questions, doubts, threats—at the expense of reputation, job-security, home-stability, and normal life, Abraham kept hoping. Even when there was no reason to hope.

Hebrews 4:20-25 “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.”

Karyn Pugh

Drummond, TN

PRAY TOGETHER:  Spring is in the air; let’s ask God for new growth in our prayer life.

“Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die” (2 Samuel 12:14).

In our little fantasy world we want stories with happy endings and sin to be forgiven with no consequences. There was an illustration I read about breaking someone’s window. Even if we receive forgiveness for breaking it, the glass still has to be swept up and the window repaired.

The sin of David and Bathsheba had a ripple effect that couldn’t be ignored. What they had done caused the enemies of God to blaspheme Him. There would have to be consequences faced for their actions.

If we could see the far-reaching effect even a moment of sinful pleasure can bring, maybe we would think twice before yielding to temptation. Next week we will learn the painful consequence David and Bathsheba had to face together. David would face others later on but what happens next in our story will especially affect the lives of David and Bathsheba. This is, most likely, a turning point in Bathsheba’s life.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER:  South Carolina Women Active for Christ meet together today. Visit them in your prayers.

“And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die” (2 Samuel 12:13b).

This affirmation was given to let David know God had forgiven him. What a blessed peace one has to know all is well now between him and God. Spiritual healing is going to take place. It may not happen overnight but thank God it is happening! There is no better feeling than the one that comes in knowing God has forgiven you! There is just one more issue David is going to have to deal with before he goes to Bathsheba and his child. We will learn about this tomorrow.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER:  Pray today for attendees at the Indiana State WAC Retreat. Pray the ladies will come away refreshed in both body and spirit.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit” (Psalm 51:10-13).

Psalm 51 displays a picture of true repentance. It is more than just telling God you sinned. It is truly being sorry for what you’ve done against God and turning from your sinful ways. If you study this Psalm you see the anguish and loneliness in David’s prayer of repentance. He was miserable outside of fellowship with God. He wanted it restored to feel the joy he once had.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray as Georgia Women Active for Christ conduct their annual meeting today.

“And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13a).

When a person comes to the point they stop blaming others and making excuses for their sin, he or she will find God’s grace. David had sinned against God and abused his power as king. David felt if God would have struck him dead, He would have been justified. According to the law at that time, adulterers and murderers were put to death. However, God doesn’t give sinners what they deserve. He extends His loving hand of mercy to bring the wayward soul back to Him. God’s grace is there for anyone willing to come to Him and admit they have sinned.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for denominational leaders as they navigate us through trying times.

“And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die” (2 Samuel 12:5).

This week we are going to see how God helps David by making him confront his sin. It leads to repentance that will bring about his restoration. We don’t see any record of what was going on with Bathsheba during this time, but before the month is over I think we will see she will also be restored.

God begins His plan by sending the prophet Nathan to David. It was creative of him to share the parable he did with David before confronting David about being “the man.” It’s never easy to come out of denial. Nathan, at great personal risk, revealed the knowledge he had of David’s sin. David was backed into a corner. He had to face the awful truth about himself.

Sue Winchester

Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray today for Sam and June McVay as they depart for Spain to begin their fourth term of service.

PRAY TOGETHER: Ask God to bless our Bible Colleges with students who truly seek God. Pray that God will give them open minds to His leading and clear thoughts for His will.