Daily Treasure

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

The greatest weapon in your arsenal is the Bible. It is your sword, as today’s verse plainly states. Never underestimate its power. The NIV Study Bible states, “The dynamic word of God, active in accomplishing God’s purposes appears in both the Old and New Testament.  The author of Hebrews describes it as a living power that judges as with an all-seeing eye, penetrating a person’s innermost being.”

I like to envision the imagery our study writer used concerning the “sword of the Spirit.”
She spoke of  “wielding the Word with the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: This week is part of a 10-day preparation for the Global Day of Prayer on Sunday May 19 (Pentecost Sunday). Find information and download a prayer guide at www.globaldayofprayer.com. Today’s prayer is “Open Their Eyes.”

We proclaim that by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and by the blood of the eternal sacrifice, that the power of Satan, sin and death is broken.
We proclaim that in the name of Jesus Christ there is forgiveness, deliverance and healing.
We proclaim that it is God’s love for mankind that caused Him to send his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins.
He loves us with an everlasting love and no weapon that is formed against us will prosper.
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray that the Church, through the power of the Holy Spirit, will demonstrate your manifest wisdom to the principalities and powers through the proclamation of the gospel: that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us in the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, who laid down his life on the cross, who was raised from the dead and is seated at your right hand in heaven.
We believe that He will come again.
Thank you for the outpouring of your Holy Spirit to empower and equip us to take this message of deliverance and forgiveness to every human being alive on this planet today.
May the Gospel open the eyes of unbelievers and cause them to turn from their wicked ways to meet the living God. Amen!

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of  light” (Romans 13:12).

It is time to put on our “helmet of salvation.”  The helmet protects the head.  Our spiritual helmet protects our mind.  We note in this verse that time is running out.  Jesus is coming soon. The devil is working overtime. Let him and the world see you in your “armor of light.” Confidently wear your helmet of salvation. You’ll make the devil mad and he will have to flee.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for graduates in your congregation who are facing monumental life choices.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

The ERV (www.biblegateway.com) offers a rather simplistic stating of today’s verse. “We live by what we believe will happen, not by what we can see.”  There are many things about God and His Word we may not understand, but we accept them as truth, by faith. As we live for Christ, in spite of anything the Enemy throws at us, we keep on walking. And we keep on standing, taking God at His Word.  Though there are many things about Heaven we cannot comprehend, we walk by faith. We believe in the promises of His Word.  We  know, by faith, one day the battles and cares of this life will soon be over.
Always carry the shield of faith.  It will protect you against the “fiery darts” the devil hurls your way.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the Alfredo Botello family, joint project home missionaries, ministering at Comunidad Hispana Bautista Libre Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)
The following statements found in Matthew Henry’s commentary encompass 2 Corinthians 10:1-6:

“While others thought meanly, and spake scornfully of the apostle, he had low thoughts, and spake humbly of himself. We should be aware of our own infirmities, and think humbly of ourselves, even when men reproach us. The work of the ministry is a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, and for spiritual purposes. Outward force is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. Conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force. Thus the weapons of our warfare are very powerful; the evidence of truth is convincing. What opposition is made against the gospel, by the powers of sin and Satan in the hearts of men! But observe the conquest the word of God gains. The appointed means, however feeble they appear to some, will be mighty through God. And the preaching of the cross, by men of faith and prayer, has always been fatal to idolatry, impiety, and wickedness. “
We must use whatever resources God gives us to win spiritual battles. Those are things the world will never be able to supply. As we share about the next three pieces of armor, we will see these are ones we don’t wear, but, must take with us as we go to battle against Satan. Yes, the world will laugh, but it doesn’t understand how strong we are with spiritual weapons.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for May Treasure writer Lynette Morgan, who continues to experience health problems. Ask God to give her daily strength and her doctors wisdom and discernment in determining effective treatment for this chronic weakness.

“You are blessed, because you believed that the Lord would do what he said”  (Luke 1:45).

Ever won the lottery?  A grand prize?  Have you ever opened the door to a pair of business-suited individuals holding a Publisher’s Clearinghouse’ check with your name on it?

I’ve not either—but I believe I know just how that might feel.  As a matter of fact, I believe I’ve hit a jackpot bigger, grander, or more value and that will last much longer than any of those…

Not only do I believe in Jesus Christ as the forgiver of all my sins—I’ve also got the best mother He has created.  That, my friends, makes me doubly blessed.

My mom is super.  My mom is patient.  My mom is wise beyond her years.  My mom is smart.  My mom is beautiful.  My mom is loving, giving, understanding and a wonderful role model.  My mom makes the best Frozen Strawberry Dessert and chicken and dumplings.  My mom is seldom frustrated.  My mom is a godly woman who has raised my three sisters and me to believe in God.  My mom is the best grandmother in the world, too.

Yes, to know because I believe, I am blessed—that’s great. To know I am blessed because of my relationship with God and because I am Nora’s daughter…well, that’s the icing on the cake.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER:  Pray that churches and individuals will give generously to the annual WNAC Mother’s Day Emphasis Offering today.

“I turned away from God, but then I was sorry.  I kicked myself for my stupidity!  I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days” ( Jeremiah 31:19 NLT).

Was it really necessary to publish it, Lord?  True?  Yes, I cannot deny it.  But in print?  Actual lines, spoken verbatim, from the script of my life?

But it does remind me of how gracious You were to take me back. And I am reminded of how cherished I feel because You stooped down to rescue me.  And I am grateful that I use the less than stellar parts of my life as a witnessing tool.  And, well, it’s not like we can undo, erase or delete those days, months or years.

So?  So, I thank You for reminding me from whence I came.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER:  Pray for West Virginia Women Active for Christ as they worship and fellowship together today at their annual state meeting.

“Peace I leave with you,my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John14:27).

Nothing will enhance an outfit more than the right shoes. Our armor is no exception. However, the shoes for our armor must be more about protection than fashion.  When a person in Bible times wore armor, these shoes had to be equipped for walking and climbing. Some shoes had nails in them, which helped soldiers in battle. As Christians, our shoes must be ones of peace, not war; even though the Enemy wants us to fight back on his terms, not God’s. I’m reminded of young David and how the king tried to get him to fight Goliath. He handed him bulky armor and worldly weapons. All David needed was his faith in God and a slingshot.

We have the gospel of peace to share with a sin-darkened world.  Are we trying to deliver it  wearing combat boots? Our verse gives us the assurance we can walk “where angels fear to tread” if our feet are “shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray today for former WNAC leaders: Mary R. Wisehart, Marjorie Workman and Danita High.