Daily Treasure

“For the love of Christ constraineth us…And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:14a-15).

Our scripture today tells what should motivate us to give, pray, and go for the cause of Christ. The love of God should compel and propel us into action. When we die to ourselves and become alive in Christ, we should have a desire to please the One Who died and rose again for us. The best way we can please Him is put our love for Him into motion. We will want to serve Him with a grateful heart. He gave His all that we might have the free gift of eternal life. Are we doing our very best for Him?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Jerry and Carol Pinkerton as they adjust to life in the States after many years in Africa. The couple retires at the end of 2008.

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

Jesus had just finished agonizing in prayer in the garden of Gethsemane. He came out and found His disciples had fallen asleep. I wonder if they even heard what Christ had to say in today’s scripture verse.

Due to the fact we are in the flesh, there will be times we will let our guard down much like the disciples did. Jesus admonishes us all to be careful and pray lest we fall into temptation. We may think it would never happen to us but when we let down in our service to Him, it can easily happen. I have found the more you attempt to do for God the more you need prayer in your arsenal of weapons against Satan. Pray God will empower you so you won’t fall asleep on your watch.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for vacation Bible schools both stateside and abroad during summer holidays. Molly Barker (Uruguay) annually conducts many VBS programs.

“…that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9b).

We once walked around in darkness. Through God’s mercy and grace we are transformed into a beacon of light. We are not only asked to be a “light-keeper” but also a “light-bearer.” We are to go with our light to those who still walk in darkness so they can find the True Light. Prayer generates extra power for us when we become tired in bearing the good news of the gospel. Stay “plugged in” to the power source of God Who gives us strength to keep going when it seems our light may be starting to flicker.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray today for MKs (missionary kids) – a vital part of the mission family.

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Our verse today should be an affirmation for us when we feel like sitting down and quitting. Our times of affliction will seem but a moment compared to eternity. Prayer will always help in times of despair. Stay in the Word, to make our communion with Christ a dialogue. You will receive comfort and assurance that bad times won’t last. Better days are indeed coming. Paul wrote much about prayer. He knew how vital it was if he was to survive all the adversity he faced. When times are good, we may not feel as much need to depend on God. When my children were younger they used to sing a chorus that contained these words: “with Christ in the vessel we can smile at the storm.” Sail on with a smile in spite of your storms of affliction. Soon we will reach that heavenly shore.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the family of Lucille Steward, Provision Closet enthusiast, who lost her battle with cancer in April.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for smooth training and transition for WNAC’s new executive secretary-treasurer. Pray for sufficient finances in the WNAC office.

PRAY TOGETHER: Spring tornadoes rampaged a section of Suffolk, Virginia, close to home missionaries David Sexton and Marc Neppl. Pray for these families as they lend a helping hand to those who suffered loss.

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).

There will be times when we are like weak vessels because of the trials we face. We feel like we are being placed in the fire of a pottery kiln. However, those times of firing will only make our vessel stronger. We need to hold tighter to God’s hand and draw from His strength. There will always be a purpose for the trials we encounter. They should make us better and not bitter. We start our journey with God like a lump of coal but when we survive fiery trials we will shine like a sparkling diamond!

We may have to be tried as by fire, but, the end result, our vessel will be stronger than ever. What joy that awaits those who endure until the end!

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for FWBIM missionaries traveling stateside and raising support.