Daily Treasure

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…” (Luke 23:34a).

Picture Jesus bleeding and suffering such agony, but in the midst of all that, He looked into the face of His loving mother and made provision for her care. As a mother, I can only imagine the heart break she was feeling as she watched the son she had raised die such a cruel death.

I have been told I have a fairly vivid imagination, but I can’t begin to fathom the depth of compassion Jesus had as He found it in His heart to forgive those who placed Him on the cross. He willingly died for the sins of the whole world. If you really feel you need an answer to the controversy of who killed Jesus, look in the mirror. His compassion went beyond those at the foot of the Cross. His mercy and grace have been extended to us.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray more young people will welcome God’s call to serve as short-term, conversational English teachers in Japan.

“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done” (Luke 22:42).

God was all God, but we must remember, at this time, He was God in the flesh. That part of Him had to feel like we would have, “Lord, is there another way this can be done?” Instead of giving in to the flesh, He emptied Himself of it and gave His Will over to His Father. He prayed alone while His weary disciples slept outside the garden. Imagine all the emotions He had to have felt, but He didn’t let them control Him. Everything was now in His Father’s hands. He was not just praying for the upcoming event but He looked ahead in time. His time of agonizing in prayer was going to impact you and me as well.

When we are struggling with life’s decisions, are we quick to want things done our way, or, are we willing to turn our circumstances over to God and ask that His will be done?

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Tim and Di Keener and Matt and Cristina Price as they and French Christians begin a new church in St. Herblain. Ask for God’s guidance.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

With this being pre-Easter week, I thought I would focus on the ultimate giving of Jesus. I can’t begin to fathom the greatness of God’s love, not only to me, but for the whole world. To be willing to give one’s beloved Son to take our place on the cross gives us the deepest form of love one could ever give. I have two grown children I love with all my heart. In my human form, if I were asked to sacrifice either one of them, I doubt I could do it. I praise God it was not my decision to make. However, we were the ones who deserved to die. There is a beautiful song that within its words state, “the cross in the middle should have been mine.” He was our substitute and He, with love and mercy gave us the “ultimate gift of the greatest love.”

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Rosanna Miller, preparing to leave for Svishtov, Bulgaria. Ask God to prepare the hearts of people she will encounter.

“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together…” (Acts 4:31a).

Tomorrow is an important day, a day we can shake the world. We can shake our missionaries, our pastors, the lost and each other. All we do is pray; with a humble heart, with a faithful heart and with all our heart.

Ladies let us be faithful women and pray each day this week. Each one should realize how important their prayers are this week.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that your congregation will gain a greater vision for global evangelism.

“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice” (Psalm 55:17).

It is a good thing to have a set time to pray. Our Heavenly Father hears us whenever we pray. Some of my best times are alone, quiet times but I love to meet at the altar with others too. Once, with a house full of family, I went to our truck to pray. Haven’t we all prayed on our way to the hospital?

Ladies let’s set aside a time for our prayers. Anytime we choose, any place we choose just choose everyday and as often as we can within the day.

PRAY TOGETHER: Be much in prayer as we begin the annual WNAC Pre-Easter Week of Prayer.

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).

It’s often difficult to apply this verse when you are going through sickness, suffering, or grief. On any given day it seems easier to say, “Woe is me.” If we can find the strength to get through the day, we have reason to praise God. If we start counting our blessings and being thankful that He is with us, it will help us to focus more on Him than our problems. I would rather face life with my hand in His than to add to my misery by thinking I could ever make it without Him. In spite of our circumstances, remember God is right beside us. Praise His Matchless Name!

PRAY TOGETHER: Missionary Kristi Johnson is speaking at the SC WAC state meeting today. She needs our prayers.

“If any man serve me, let him follow me, and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour” (John 12:26).

We are not saved to sit back and wait for Jesus to return. We should have the desire to serve Him. Just because you don’t feel a special calling, don’t make excuses. There are things that anyone can do for the glory of God. Whether it’s greeting someone with a handshake and a smile, being a prayer warrior, or giving encouragement to someone going through a rough time, there is something you can do for Jesus. In the process of just being faithful to attend church services, you are being a witness. Speaking of witnessing, we can all do that as well. Even if we don’t know much about how to lead a soul to Christ, you have your personal testimony of what God has done for you. Put your love for God in action. See a need and try to fill it.

PRAY TOGETHER: March’s study “Giving It Away” is something each Woman Active for Christ should consider. Pray about personal giving to WNAC and missions.