Daily Treasure

But a certain Samaritan as he journeyed, came where he was and when he saw him, he had compassion on him” (Luke 10:33).

Many of us are familiar with the story of The Good Samaritan. I couldn’t help but think of this as I wrote yesterday’s devotion. How could anyone see someone bruised, bleeding, in dire need of help and not have compassion?

A Samaritan, that most people looked on as low life, was the only one to take pity on a helpless soul. He even went beyond just getting him help but was willing to make sure he got the proper care even if it meant he had to spend extra money. The Samaritan didn’t expect a pat on the back or any kind notoriety. He just wanted to help a suffering soul who needed his help.

When was the last time you dared to “give like a Samaritan”?

PRAY TOGETHER: Please pray for our future WNAC Executive Secretary-Treasurer as she awaits final delegate approval at the July convention.

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me” ( Matthew 25:40).

If daily random acts of kindness were done by more people, what a wonderful world this would be. Our world is so much into, “what’s in it for me,” people rarely stop to help those in need. Or people just don’t want to get involved. We live in a needy world but people are almost afraid to trust even those in need. Our verse tells us that anything we do to be kind to others, is like we have done it unto Him. Trust God and take the risk to make someone’s day brighter. Anything done, in Jesus’ name, is never wasted.

Sue Winchester

PRAY TOGETHER: April is World Missions month. What Great Commission work can your WAC do? Start now. Pray, give and consider going. Read Acts 1:8.

“And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury” (Mark 12:43).

In our scripture today, we find there was no fanfare when that poor widow put in her two mites into the treasury. But she gave all she could and she gave it with a cheerful heart. She might have felt bad as she saw others give much more, but God was pleased with her willingness to give what she could for His glory. She didn’t give out of obligation or duty but out of a heart of thanksgiving. She didn’t want anyone to make a big deal of it either way. She just wanted the Lord to be pleased and He commended her faithfulness.

The lesson we can learn from this is, it is not how much we do or do not have to give, it’s the attitude in which we humbly give it.

PRAY TOGETHER:  End this month praying for FWB Executive Office employees.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you…” (John 14:27a).

God gave us a special gift in the Holy Spirit. He is peace and He gives peace. Upon our conversion we are given the Holy Spirit and He starts to work on us helping us to become a paramount Christian. He knows when we have a bad day and gives peace. He knows when we worry and gives peace. He knows when our hearts are heavy that we need the sweet peace He gives. What a beautiful gift we have in the Holy Spirit and what a beautiful gift we are given from the Holy Spirit. Peace.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that many of last Sunday’s visitors will return to your church for worship tomorrow.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Light is so very important. We keep flashlights close by and candles ready in case of an emergency. Lighthouses line our coasts to guide our ships safely to shore. In this dark world of sin we need to let our lights shine before the lost so they can see the Lord. Sometimes our light is the only thing a lost soul might see that would lead him to be saved. We win souls and teach them how to shine. The light gets bigger and brighter. If we are not careful with our light we could lead someone to shipwreck. Let’s let our light so shine for our Lord.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the many persecuted Christians around the world.

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men, they make broad their phylacteries (small leather boxes worn with scriptures in them), and enlarge the borders of their garments” (Matthew 23:5).

There was never a doubt as you walked down the streets who were the Pharisees. They were very pious and drew much attention to themselves. They thought themselves more religious than any other group including followers of Christ. Their hearts were not in what they did. It was not hilarious to see them put on an act before the people. They gave but their motives were all wrong. However, God had other words of woe unto them and called them a generation of vipers. They were hypocrites and tried to lead people away from the truths of God.

Strive to be a true follower of God, not a “hilarious Pharisee.” Let your light shine for Jesus so others won’t be blinded by the forces who try to destroy fundamental doctrines.

PRAY TOGETHER: Intercede for FWB chaplains who act as pastors to military men and women.

“And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and down for today I must abide at thy house” (Luke 19:5).

Many of us, especially children, have heard or read the story of the little man named Zacchaeus. He was a hated tax collector. He cheated people of their tax money and got rich in the process. However, something happened that turned his whole life around. Everywhere Jesus traveled there were great crowds of people. Zacchaeus wanted to see what was going on but being so short in stature made that nearly impossible. He had what we might call a “hilarious” idea. He climbed up on a sycamore tree in hopes of seeing Jesus. Imagine the thrill when right below the tree where he was perched stood Jesus. Jesus looked up, saw Zacchaeus, and told him he was going to go to his house.

Zacchaeus repented of his sins and vowed to repay whatever money he had cheated people out of and then some. As silly as it might have looked, I’m sure he was overjoyed he found, not only that tree, but His Savior as well.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for college student preparing for graduation in May.