Daily Treasure

“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

When reflecting on the season, we should keep in mind the reason Jesus came to earth. He came to save each person. Let us seek to shine His light this season not just let the lights shine.

PRAY TOGETHER:  Many people around the world are homeless as a result of natural disasters. Let’s pray.

“And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt”: (Matthew 2:13-14).

Joseph did well to listen to the word of the Lord, when spoken to him by the angel. If he had not fled into Egypt as he was told, think of what the end result could have been. Joseph may have not understood why he would have to go into Egypt. When he heard of the destruction of the children by Herod, I feel confident he then understood that God was protecting the blessed baby boy that had been entrusted to Mary and him.

God knows what is best for us. We do well to heed His word. We can not see what lies ahead of us. By obeying God’s word, we can save ourselves much sorrow. He is not trying to be cruel to us. He loves us and is taking care of His children. Thanks be to God for His precious word that protects us.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for WNAC’s finances as 2007 comes to a close. Pray the office will end the year in the black.

“And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:36-38).

Anna was known by the fruit she bore. She was a true servant of God. In this day and time, we tend to look down on the elderly. Many times they do not get the respect that they deserve. I knew a wonderful, Christian lady, who has since gone to be with the Lord. Like Anna, she bore good fruit. Many times I have gone to her for comfort or help in time of need. She had been through similar life experiences and was a minister’s wife, also. She was able to council me in a godly way. What a blessing and inspiration she was to me. She taught me how to bake the bread for our Communion and Feet Washing service, laughed with me and comforted me in trying times. I look back on those times with fond memories. We are blessed by God to have good, elderly Christian women among us. He placed them in our paths for a purpose. What a blessing to see them pressing on for the Lord and to know by their example, that we can make it, also.

PRAY TOGETHER: Christmas in Brazil means many church Christmas programs. Pray for the children as they participate in these programs.

“And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord”; (Luke 2: 22).

I was expecting my first child. I had an errand to run with my father when I knew something was terribly wrong. My dad drove me to the doctor’s office as quickly as he could, trying to help my unborn child. I remember while lying there, that I had prayed to God for my baby to be okay. I told Him that I would raise this baby for Him. I tried to keep that promise and do the best I knew how. My son is now 31 years old and is serving the Lord to this day. He gave his heart to God as a child and although he has had some ups and downs, he still clings to Him. How important it is for us to present our children to the Lord and allow Him to guide us in the upbringing of these precious gifts He has given us.

PRAY TOGETHER: Please pray for newly elected leaders of local and state WAC groups.

“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:16-17).

What a glorious sight that the shepherds had seen! The angels told them of the dear Savior’s birth. They went to where they were told and there they found the newborn King. After seeing this beautiful sight they made known their experience. We can do likewise. We were told by the word of God; we believed and found Christ as our personal savior. We can now make known abroad that we have met the Lord and what He has done for us. Praise His blessed name for allowing us to see Christ for ourselves!

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Thomas Marberry and his ministry at the Bible Institute in Mexico.

“And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child” (Luke 2:3-5).

Mary may have been physically and emotionally drained on her trip to Bethlehem. We too, may find ourselves in the same condition on our journey to the Promised Land. She may have found it hard to understand why she would have to be traveling in the condition she was in and why things had to be so hard. Do you ever find yourself entertaining those kinds of thoughts? You know that God sees what’s going on and it just doesn’t seem to be in His plan to change the situation. We have to be like Mary, not understanding though still believing; we just have to keep traveling until we reach our destination.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for David Crowe as he prepares to assume the responsibilities of Richard Adams upon retirement.

For the next three weeks, there will be productions of the Christmas story in churches all across our nation. Pray for these productions that anyone in the audience who does not know Jesus, will receive a very clear presentation of the Gospel of Christ.

PRAY TOGETHER:  Pray as the Tokyo Good News FWB Church joins other gospel choirs in the area for a huge Christmas presentation.