Daily Treasure

“But Jesus said unto them, they need not depart; give ye them to eat” (Matthew 14:16).

Our scripture is part of the story of two fishes and five loaves of bread that ending up feeding 5,000 people. Today words like impossible, unbelievable, and yes, “hilarious” would likely be used with disbelief. Even the disciples were amazed when Jesus told them to organize the people so they could get ready to be fed. The most amazing part of this story is when Jesus blessed and broke what little He had, there was enough to go around and some left over.

If you are a child of God cling to the words of David, “I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken or His seed begging bread” (Psalm 37:25). The same God who fed the multitude will not let you go hungry.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray especially for missionaries Jerry and Carol Pinkerton who will say final farewells and leave Cote d’Ivoire. The Pinkertons will retire at the end of this year.

“And Noah did according unto all that the Lord commanded him” (Genesis 7:5).

Considering there had been no rain on the earth and God asked Noah to build an ark, some probably thought him to be “hilarious.” For all the years he gave of his time and energy to do as God commanded, he suffered mockery and people scorned him with laughter. Yet as our scripture states, Noah obeyed God. And, in spite, of all the ridicule, Noah and his family were spared when the great flood washed away everything including all the scoffers who made Noah’s task almost unbearable.

As you live your life for the Lord, you may face ridicule. There will be those who will think you are “hilarious” for living for Jesus. Sadly, they are making more fun of Jesus than you. Let your light shine and continue to be a witness for Jesus. If you have done your best for Jesus, in the end, God will take care of your scoffers.

PRAY TOGETHER: Today is a good day to pray for retired missionaries. Do we encourage them?

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

You might chuckle when I share this but I learned the original Greek word for “cheerful” is our word “hilarious.” Paul was trying to convey God loves it when we love to give. It gives our Lord great joy when we feel good about giving to Him. It’s the same feeling when we have a good laugh that makes us feel good all over. God is not pleased if we give grudgingly or out of a sense of pride. He doesn’t want us to concentrate on how difficult it was to give or how much of a sacrifice it was to give. If that’s all we feel when we give, we are not giving with a cheerful heart. We might as well keep it in our pocket. However, if we purpose in our heart we are joyfully going to give no matter what our circumstances are, then we just need to give for His use. We will feel good all over like we have had a hilarious laugh. God would never use a word like “hilarious” but it sure makes Him smile when we give to further His kingdom with a joyful heart.

PRAY TOGETHER: Are we still using our closets as prayer closets? Let’s pray about our special time in our personal devotions.

Luke 24:10
“It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women that were with them which told these things unto the apostles.”

When the Sabbath was past, this group of faithful women, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome brought sweet spices to anoint the body of Jesus. (Mark 16:1) On their way to the tomb they discussed who would remove the stone for them. As they approached the tomb, they saw the stone rolled away and two men dressed in shining white garments. One of the men (angels) said to them, “He is not here but risen: remember how he spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee.” The women were fearful but amazed. (Mark 16) These women set the precedent for all women to share the story of Christ’s resurrection. He arose and is alive back home in Heaven with His Father. Praise the Lord!

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAY TOGETHER: As we celebrate Easter Sunday, pray for those who have not acccepted the risen Christ.

Matthew 27:55
“And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him.”

During the ministry of Jesus, some of His most faithful followers were women. These women followed Jesus all the way to the cross. Those at the cross witnessed a brutal, agonizing death. Their hearts were torn out of their chests for the heartbreak they suffered that day. Those who were there included Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus, the mother of James and Jo’ses, the mother of Zebedee’s sons, and others whose lives were touched and changed by Jesus. It was a brave thing to be present at the cross that day. The women watched as Jesus died on the cross. As He was taken to the sepulcher, they were there ready to anoint Him with precious oils. “And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jo’ses beheld where he was laid” (Mark 15:47) . “And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested on the Sabbath day according to the commandment” (Luke 23:56). These women were faithful in their duties at His death. Down through the years, some of His most faithful followers are still women.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAY TOGETHER:     Today marks 50 years of FWB ministry in both Brazil and Cote d’Ivoire. Praise God for His faithfulness.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3).

Christ has given and done so much for us. You may wonder what more could He do for us. Jesus is coming back for us. This promise gives us hope for a brighter tomorrow. The excitement of getting to meet Him face to face to personally thank Him for all He has ever done and given for us should motivate us to “redeem the time” we have to faithfully serve our risen Savior. Ultimately, we, with our finite minds cannot begin to comprehend the glory that awaits us. Remain faithful in service to Him because you do not want to lose His “ultimate promise.”

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for safety as Ivorian believers (and past/present missionaries) travel to Bondoukou for tomorrow’s 50 year celebration of FWB work in Cote d’Ivoire.

“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Jesus was crucified in between two thieves like a common criminal. The one thief mocked Him, obviously not realizing He was the sinless Son of God. However, the other thief’s attitude was different. He knew he had done wrong and deserved to die. He understood that Jesus had not committed any crime and what was happening to Him was very unfair. He only asked that Jesus remember him when He came into His kingdom. Shortly before Jesus commended His spirit to His Father, Jesus breathed the “ultimate pardon” which changed that dying thief’s life for eternity.

The Lord is, “…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9b). Many reject His mercy, grace, and pardon until it’s too late. They will have no one but themselves to blame that they missed paradise.

2 Corinthians 6:2b states, “…behold, now is the accepted time: behold now is the day of salvation.” Don’t put off God’s plan of salvation until the eleventh hour. Jesus could come at 10:59.

PRAY TOGETHER: Celebration of the 50th anniversary of FWB in Brazil begins tomorrow in Campinas. Pray that Brazilians will look to the future of the Church there.