Daily Treasure

“That all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and that there is none else” (1 Kings 8:60).

Missions started with Abraham being called out. Today’s Bible verse gives the reason he was the first to be chosen to go and serve the Lord. It is the same reason God still calls people to go and spread the gospel at home and to all the ends of the earth.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul was chosen to do mission work. His name could also appear on the list of those that others would have found unlikely to be found connected with Christ. However, when God took control of Paul’s life, he developed a passion for souls. He labored tirelessly and faced much adversity as he promoted the gospel to the then known world.

Since the inception of FWB missions, there have been many who have been called out to labor at home or abroad. The world is white unto harvest. More are needed to answer the call to go and spread the gospel. There are still many people on the earth who do not know “that the Lord is God and that there is none else.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for past FWBIM directors (or their families, if deceased) Raymond Riggs, Reford Wilson, Rolla Smith, Eugene Waddell and current director, James Forlines.

“And Salmon begat Boaz of Rachab and Boaz begat Obed of Ruth and Obed begat Jesse” (Matthew 1:5).

In the genealogy of Jesus mentioned in Matthew chapter one, we see the names Ruth and Rachab (Rahab). How could this be? They weren’t Jews. Was there some mistake? If you read the accounts of the lives of these women, you would think it would be unlikely their names would appear in the lineage of David which included Christ. However, we must remember God specializes in what others say is unlikely or impossible.
Ruth was an outcast Moabite. The lives of those people were steeped in paganism and idolatry. When Ruth left Moab with her mother-in-law, Naomi, she left that behind and turned to the God of Israel. Ruth became part of the “blood-line” when Boaz became her “kinsman-redeemer” and husband.

Even more unlikely of appearing in the lineage was Rahab. She had been labeled a “harlot.” By faith in the God of Israel, she hid the spies Joshua had sent out before Jericho was destroyed. Her act of faith not only helped the spies be spared but her family was spared as well. When you read Hebrews 11:30, you find mentioned the faith of Rahab. Rahab was the mother of Boaz who “redeemed” and married Ruth and Ruth was the mother of Obed and when the list of “begats” is finished you find the name Jesus. Everyone in the “blood-line” was connected with the house of David and the tribe of Judah. It was kept unbroken because within it there were two women who, by faith turned to God and were related to Boaz.

We may not find our names in the lineage of David but having our names in the Lamb’s Book of Life is just as important. Strive to be like those found in the “Faith Hall of Fame” in Hebrews 11. It is “unlikely” you will find better examples to live by.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Intercede and give thanks today for Pat Franks, retired missionary to Brazil and writer of our Bible study, “This Little Light of Mine.”

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity…” (Titus 2:13-14a).

The most recognized story of a “kinsman-redeemer” appears in the book of Ruth. Some might wonder why God isn’t directly referred to in this four chapter story, but His presence was definitely there. As I did an in-depth study of the book of Ruth, my first thought was how can I condense all I had gleaned? I challenge you to do a personal study on Ruth so you can gather, like barley, every detail that led to Boaz becoming her “kinsman-redeemer.”

Naomi and her husband and sons left their homeland because of famine. They moved to Moab where the sons married Moabite women after the death of Naomi’s husband. Ruth and Orpah were their names. Sadly after several years both of Naomi’s sons died. Naomi wanted both of her daughters-in-law to move on with their lives. Ruth insisted on traveling back to Bethlehem with Naomi. Alas, someone else had Naomi’s land so Ruth went to work in the fields or both women would have starved to death. It was no accident Ruth went to work in the fields of a man named Boaz. It was also not a coincidence that Boaz was kin to Naomi’s late husband. Boaz was already a “kinsman.” As we go further into the book of Ruth, we later see the how and why Boaz “redeemed” or bought back the land that originally belong to Naomi’s husband. Ruth was “redeemed” as well and she and Boaz married. Because they followed the Biblical customs (see Leviticus 25) for this redemption, we see Ruth listed in the lineage of David which included Jesus Christ. I will share a little more about that in tomorrow’s devotion.

One of the many names attributed to Jesus is “Redeemer.” As sinners we needed someone, not to do a land deal but to buy us out of the bondage of sin. In the Old Testament, the “kinsman-redeemer” wasn’t obligated to fulfill any responsibilities set before him regarding land or slavery. Boaz didn’t do what he did for Ruth out of obligation. He loved her. Christ didn’t go to the Cross to “redeem” us because He felt obligated. He loved us even deeper than the love Boaz had for Ruth! Through the blood of Christ we can be bought back into His family. Thus He becomes our “kinsman-redeemer.” We look forward, with hope, for a “family” reunion someday soon.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for safety as missionaries travel many miles each year.

“And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel, for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men and has prevailed” (Genesis 32:28).

Jacob had tricked his brother Esau out of his birthright. His deception led him to stay on the run so Esau would not find and kill him. Along the way, Jacob engaged in an overnight wrestling match with a messenger of God. Isn’t it amazing the lengths God goes to get one’s attention? In spite of needing a thigh replacement, Jacob prevailed. Jacob refused to give up without a fight. Sometimes when God is dealing with us, we give up too easy. Jacob was determined he was going to come out of all this with a blessing. We need that same kind of determination to receive a blessing or answer from God. It is worth the “fight.”

Jacob was told his new name would be “Israel.” He would continue to carry out the covenant first made with Abraham. What a blessed privilege Jacob was given in spite of his past! He was going to be blessed so he could bless others. It works the same way for us today. You may feel there is something in your past that may hinder you from receiving and being a blessing. Cast this burden upon Jesus and, if necessary, pray throughout the night. The next day you may feel you’ve “wrestled for a blessing,” but, like “Israel,” you will prevail.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: On this Memorial Day, pause and pray for our country and remember the families of those who have lost loved ones while fighting for our freedom.

It seems a lifetime has past and many of those missionaries I used to hear at Missionary Conference have gone to be with the Lord.

Pastors, directors, teachers, officers, missionaries, denominational leaders, evangelists, good friends and servants have crossed over for their eternal rest. Their passion was Jesus Christ and the work they were called to do. Let us not forget these special people and their good works, many of whom have touched our lives and made a genuine difference. Let us ordain a memorial in our hearts to all of those who have paved the spiritual road for our denomination.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Marjorie Workman as she fulfills her final months as Executive Secretary-Treasurer.

“Verily I say unto you wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial for her” (Matthew 26:13)

Jesus was at the house of Simon the leper and a woman came who had an alabaster box filled with precious ointment, to anoint the Lord. She poured it on His head and the disciples became angry, because the ointment could be sold and the proceeds given to the poor. But Jesus ordained a memorial of the good works she performed that day. There are many, many women in our denomination who have done good works and have passed on to heaven’s shores.

Let us remember these with a memorial of their service to our Lord and Savior and to those women who have been a major part of WNAC and its work.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAY TOGETHER: Retired WNAC employees would appreciate knowing you pray for them.

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness; and he was called the Friend of God” (James 2:23).

What a wonderful legacy Abraham was going to leave! He was singled out for a purpose, faithful to God’s calling, and given blessings and promises in this life. Most precious of anything that could be said about him was “he was called the Friend of God.”

Little do we realize the influence we have on the lives of others. What will people say about us when we get ready to leave this world? Will they see how faithful we were in doing God’s Will? Will we, too, be known as “the Friend of God”?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for families who have suffered loss from recent weather-related tragedies.