Daily Treasure

“But Jesus said, Suffer little children and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).

Happy New Year, everyone! May this year be one of many blessings for you and your loved ones. Speaking of loved ones, today we will be sharing about children. There’s nothing more precious than to see a smiling child. Their eyes tend to sparkle and your heart melts. I remember when my children were small and the happy memories we shared. Now I am making memories with a sweet granddaughter.

How sad it is when there are children all over the world that don’t have much to smile about. My heart goes out to them.

Jesus had a special place in His heart for children. He even issues a warning about those who prevent children from coming to Him. I love to look at pictures of Him holding children. I think He understands how we feel about our children and grandchildren. He wants us to share our love and Christian influence with them. May we be willing to help put a smile on the faces of children everywhere.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for each other as we begin this New Year. Pray God will help us fill the pages of our lives with those things that are pleasing to Him.

“But God commendeth his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Have you noticed the outpouring of love at Christmas time? People tend to be more generous with love during the holidays. It’s sad that with many it is a seasonal thing.

Thank God His love is for all seasons and has no limits. He gave His love even when we didn’t want it. We don’t deserve that boundless love but it is there for us to treasure all year long.

As we close out this year, let us be willing to share the love of God with those we come in contact with in the New Year.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Earnestly pray as we end this year and begin a new year; be open to God’s leading.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

I love giving and receiving gifts. I enjoy making a list and shopping for the special people in my life. Though I don’t expect anything in return, I’m pleased with what I receive from others.

When it comes to gifts, I’m glad God didn’t make a list of only certain people to give His gift of eternal life. He included everyone. We don’t have to earn the wages of sin. We don’t have to pay the penalty of death for sin. God sent His Son so whosoever would accept Him could receive the free gift of His salvation. We should be willing to point others to the giver of the gift of eternal life.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray God will give you a thirst for His Word–our best tool for combating Satan.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:2).

I hope you took the time out of your hectic holiday schedule to go over the “No Excuses Christmas Reminders.” This was a good focus for us for the holidays. I selected five of them for devotions for this week.

Today I chose the one of Hope. We have hope for all seasons. Without the birth of Christ, we would be struggling without hope. I thank God for being willing to send His Son to be born. Through His birth, life on earth, death, and resurrection, we all can have the hope of a brighter tomorrow. Knowing we will someday rise to meet Him face to face keeps our hope alive.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the many children undergoing treatment for cancer. Let parents know you are praying God will give them strength during this time.

PRAY TOGETHER: Find a missionary who shares your birthdate or whose birthday falls near yours; pray for this person, then send them a card this week.

PRAY TOGETHER: We have many caregivers in our ranks who need daily prayer.

“Let everything that hath breath, praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord” (Psalm 150:6).

If you have prayerfully completed the past couple of months’ Bible studies, I pray you have developed a more intimate relationship with God. You were given the opportunity to learn more about Him and the Creation. Through the study of His Word and the account of Creation, I hope you have a more vivid picture of our Creator. You are now without excuse. Nature declares the glory of God by its existence. Let us all unite with nature in eternal praise to our Creator with a resounding, “Praise ye the Lord”!

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Steve and Judy Lytle as they transition into new ministry and life in Panama this January.