Daily Treasure

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Have you ever seen a piece of pottery that holds a votive candle? There are usually shaped holes in it to allow the light of the candle to be seen. Christ is much like that candle, and, we are the vessel.

We often must ask Him to re-light the candle to keep the Light of His love glowing in us. We live in a darkened world that needs to see His Light beaming through our vessel. It may be the only way they will see the True Light.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Make plans to attend WNAC 2008 National Retreat at Ridgecrest in September.

“But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand” (Isaiah 64:8).

Yesterday I wrote about Christ being the Potter. We must go to Him as the “clay.” He alone can use whatever means to make us into a vessel for His glory. Our vessel holds a priceless treasure so we should want it to be beautiful. We should want Him to mold and shape us because He is our Creator. He knows everything about us so He can work everything out for our good as He has promised in Romans 8:28. It doesn’t mean we’re going to like what He has to do but we know He has our best interests at heart.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: WNAC’s new program year launches in September. Preparations are in progress. Pray about involvement.

“O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in my hand, O house of Israel” (Jeremiah 18:6).

We find in Jeremiah 18 that Jeremiah made a visit to a potter’s house. If you have ever seen a demonstration of what a potter does to turn a lump of clay into a beautiful and useful vessel, you can see a picture of how Christ works with us. A potter will work the clay as much as possible. When he has finished and the vessel has a mar or crack in it, he will break it in pieces, often throwing those pieces away. In contrast Christ, our Master Potter, will never, as a song denotes, “throw the clay away.” When we sin and cause a blemish on our vessel, Christ, with love and mercy, starts the potter’s process over again.
He may have to break us in some way but He will never give up on us until He fashions us into a vessel of honor.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Home Missions staff and missionaries are concerned about aging family members. Pray that God will give grace and wisdom to those involved.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

I read in a commentary that today’s verse likens us to earthen vessels. “When we are saved, His light and power are now being kept in a perishable container.” We obtain the understanding that Christ living in us is our greatest treasure. We come to realize that power and strength come from Him and not of ourselves. We have a priceless message of hope to share with others so we must ask Him daily to fill our vessel with His Spirit. We have a God-given responsibility to help others find the treasure we possess.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the Don McDonald family as they occupy the MIR house at FWBBC and as Don shares teaching responsibilities with Ken Eagleton and Sam McVay.

“Thou art my hiding place, thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7).

Not only does God deliver and protect us but He gives us songs of deliverance. What an absolutely beautiful thought of coming out of bondage from everyday things that take us captive with a song in our hearts. We must always give thanks for this deliverance and the songs of deliverance. What lovely gifts He gives to us.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAY TOGETHER: Gear up for next year’s studies, “Taught by the Bible, Led by the Spirit.” Check the WNAC website for book recommendations. Pray, read and study.

“Who gave himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our Father” Galatians 1:4).

When we get a headache or arthritis pain we head to the medicine chest for deliverance. When we get behind with our tasks at home or work we roll up our sleeves and deliver ourselves from the extra work. When we find ourselves in deep spiritual waters we should call upon our heavenly Father to deliver us from Satan’s evil hold. It is His will that we should be delivered. He is there to set us free because He loves us.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAY TOGETHER: Find a picture of a lighthouse. Ask God to show you people who need to see you “little light” shine in witness to the unsaved.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

The Apostle Paul left a legacy for us. His testimony and writings are evident of a successful transformation by the grace and mercy of God. The words he wrote to Timothy had to be such a wonderful inspiration to him in the ministry. Paul spent the time since his conversion tirelessly promoting the cause of Christ. He had a missions lifestyle that he lived until his death as a martyr.

Are we living a life that points others to the True Light like Paul did? We can if we follow his example. When our life is over we, too, can echo the words Paul left for us in today’s Bible verse. Will others be able to remember our testimony of faith?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Three pastors distributing Christian tracts to children in India were beaten by militants. Pray God will give these pastors courage to continue.