Daily Treasure

Those were days of darkness and despair.
God’s chosen people seemed not to care.
A form of religion was carried on,
But the spirit of worship was almost gone.

Few even looked back on Isaiah’s claim:
The Messiah would come; here are His names:
Wonderful, Counselor and Prince of Peace
Whose rule will continue and never cease.

And when the fullness of God’s time had come,
He sent the Messiah: His only Son!
Not to a palace, as everyone planned,
But to a crude stable, owned by a man.

No trumpet sounded to herald His birth,
But heavenly angels came down to earth.
Their glorious presence brought a great light
To shepherds attending their flock that night.

The shepherds were told: a Savior is Born!
They hastened to see Him that early morn.
The baby was there on the pungent hay.
The Lord Jesus Christ was born on that day.

The shepherds received the small baby boy
With heartfelt praise and abundant joy.
They told everyone what the angel said:
They had seen Jesus; asleep in His bed.

Look back on the scene of that long ago night.
Feel the warmth of that glorious light.
Then hasten to seek the Savior today
Praise Him; adore Him this Christmas day.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the Nantes, France, FWB Church choir who will be singing in local malls during the Christmas season.

“…but he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22b).

We have become weary along our journey. We want to stop. We haven’t reached our destination and we begin to doubt ever getting there. We’ve been ready for Christ’s return for a long time. The battle with the forces of evil has weakened us and we feel unable to press on. Don’t despair. We should take a little inventory of the necessities we have packed. Perhaps we dropped something along the way. Was it prayer, Bible study, witnessing, or have we stopped holding on to God’s hand? We need to repent and ask God to quicken us with His Spirit and get us back on the road. Hold on tight to what you have packed and maybe put in a little extra endurance.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for safe travel as WNAC executive committee members attend the annual FWB Leadership Conference.

“. . . he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).

It would be very lonely if we traveled this life without family and friends. We look to them for love and encouragement. Have you made sure they have made their “reservation” for Heaven? What about your neighbors or co-workers? Will all these people be joining you at your final destination? In Revelation 2:10 we are promised a crown of life. Will there be stars in your crown? If you are a faithful witness, you will have some traveling companions as you journey toward Heaven.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for healthy marriages and strong families in our churches.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalms 119:105).

On your journey to Heaven you may encounter some dark days and roads. You may even feel you have lost your way or God is not near by. Along with prayer, you will need your Bible. The latter will light your way as God speaks to you through His precious Word. As He speaks to you, you will feel peace and comfort. You will not need to be afraid for He is your light and your salvation (Psalms 27:1). Follow close to Him as He gently assures you as in John 8:12, “. . . I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Tim and Kristi Johnson as they come stateside from Spain in December for six months.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

You probably wouldn’t want to take a road trip with me. I am one of the worst at giving or using directions. However, I can give you advice as you are on your heavenly journey. Go to God and seek His direction. You have probably encountered detours as you travel the roads of life because you didn’t ask God to keep you on the straight and narrow.

Spend time in prayer to receive the guidance only He can give. You will discover “he shall direct thy paths.” He will never steer you wrong so allow Him to be the “compass” you will need on your journey.

PRAY TOGETHER: Nursing homes can be lonely places. Pray about taking your WAC group to visit one.

“To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).

Whenever you take a long road trip, you may have to stop along the way and stay overnight at a hotel. If you know this ahead of time, you should make a reservation so you will have a room waiting for you.

We are on a journey to Heaven. We will make various stops along the way. We only need to make one “reservation” and that will assure us of a place to stay when we finally get there. In Luke 10:20b we read, “…but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” This book is often referred to the “Lamb’s Book of Life.” When we accept Christ as Savior our names are recorded. Our “reservation” is made.

John 14:1-3 gives us the promise that God is building us a place for those ready to meet Him. Its beauty is beyond compare. The day our journey ends we can move right in because we made our “reservation.” We’re not going to have to pack up all our earthly possessions to take with us. Our mansion will be completely furnished. However, until you arrive at this destination, you will need to pack a few necessities that you will find useful along the way. As we look at them this week, let us be thankful we can travel light.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray and prepare to give to the Paul Ketteman Student Scholarship Drive for FWBBC in December.

“But I will sing of Thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of Thy mercy in the morning: for Thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.”  Psalm 59:16

Our office went to a chinese restaurant to eat recently and my ‘fortune cookie’ said that I had an appreciation for music. That silly ‘fortune’ is correct. My husband will tell you I am not a morning person, so I don’t do a lot of singing in the morning. But, I most definitely do sing.

I enjoy singing praises to God. It is one of my favorite ways to worship Him. When I am going through a difficult time, music praising God can lift me up. Why don’t you try listening to and singing His praises, maybe it will help you too.

PRAY TOGETHER:  Sunday schools are vital for a thriving church. Let’s get burdened, visit and pray.