Daily Treasure

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).

This Scripture is a favorite of Sharon Parker, whose husband, Gary, pastors  the Parkview FWB Church in Desloge, MO.  This “soldier of the King’s army” has this to say about WNAC.

“I have loved being part of WNAC from my very first meeting.  I have served on both the local, district, and state level in Missouri. I felt honored being a part of WNAC work with such a loving and dedicated group of Christian ladies.  WNAC is a wonderful way to grow in your service for the Lord and bond with your sisters in Christ. I LOVE the retreats. They are a spiritual blessing and great fun.

I am amazed at the thousands of dollars raised for missions through WNAC. I like the idea of the scholarship fund.  Then there’s the Provision Closet, stocked with items so our missionaries can go “shop” for things they need.  As any missions need arises, WNAC does all it can do to help fill that need.  It’s just amazing!  As an older Christian lady—well, maybe not that old—my prayer is that our younger ladies will keep the banner of Christ waving high.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Today begins WNAC Emphasis Month. Thank God for Women Nationally Active for Christ. Pray for the continuance of its ministries.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

The above Scripture is a favorite of  Camille Thiele, a Christian school teacher for many years, who serves as vice president of her local WAC at Trinity FWB Church (Missouri).

Camille has been active in WNAC for many years.  If Fourth FWB Church in St. Louis hadn’t closed its doors, she would have still been secretary-treasurer of its WAC. She was so faithful to keep that position, although she was qualified to serve in other areas. She once served as president of the St. Louis District WAC. She and her husband have been involved in nursing home ministry for many years.  She has worked at the Missouri Youth Camp for many years. Back in 2011, she participated in the GO-10 Walk for the World that met at Poplar Bluff, MO.   She loves attending the Missouri Retreats, times of inspiration and fun.

Camille is very missions-minded.  She believes every lost soul is a mission field.  In other words, she is an avid soul-winner. She rarely misses an opportunity to share a witness or testimony.  She fully understands the concept, “People need the Lord.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the Greg and Lea Floars family, Joint Project Home Missionaries in Sawyer, Michigan. In the Marquette region near the Canadian border, Sawyer is an isolated area for Free Will Baptists. Sawyer once served as an Air Force base. After its closing a few years ago, the government is now developing it into a new community. With only one Lutheran church, Sawyer presents a tremendous need and opportunity for establishing a Bible-believing church and Christian witness.

“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).

This week we will share some testimonies concerning WNAC and how it has played an important part in women’s lives.  The above Scripture is a favorite of Judy Lytle, who serves with her husband, Steve, in Panama.

“Just how far back can I trace WNAC in my life?  I imagine I was present at an “Auxiliary” meeting before I was a month old. My grandmothers and my mother were all active in the Woman’s Auxiliary, and I remember going with my mother as a young girl every time they had a meeting. I learned a lot just sitting and listening to what they were discussing. I learned how to conduct business. I learned how to plan activities. I learned about the mission fields in our little community.”

“In those meetings as a child, my eyes were opened to missions. Each month, missionaries’ needs were lifted up to the Father. I would sit quietly (I hope) and listen as one of the women would talk about the ministry of Carlisle and Marie Hanna in India or Mom and Pop Willey in Cuba. I would imagine being there with them and wondered what it would be like to share the message of salvation with someone who was hearing it for the first time. God was working on my heart even then.”

“Steve and I have always appreciated the ministry of the WNAC. Women pray for us. They support us financially. They send birthday cards. They write us emails and now message us on Facebook. They have supplied us with dishes, small appliances, linens and much more, time and time again through the ministry of the provision closet. Also, when we have a special need, we just share it with the WNAC. They find a way to help.”

“I believe it is a two way street. The WNAC has been a huge blessing to me and in turn, I trust I’ve been able to give back a little to keep the cause of women and missions active in our local churches.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that results and reports of yesterday’s WMO would spur many more to give in the coming week to this annual offering. Pray also for Judy Lytle, currently stateside, as they prepare to return to Panama and ministry at the Chame seminary.

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth”  (Revelation 3:14-16).

Much could be written about the wealthy city of Laodicea, but when Christ spoke about this church being “lukewarm,” these people surely understood what He meant. I found the following commentary about Laocedia from www.revlu.com quite interesting.

“Laodicea was near hot and healing springs of water.  In the mountains away from Laodicea were cold, refreshing springs of water, which was brought into the city through a long aqueduct. It was tepid by the time it got there, lukewarm, awful.  The hot springs were stimulating, cold springs were refreshing, but the lukewarm city water was something to spit out.  The church was not refreshing or stimulating but just self-satisfied and in God’s eyes very disgusting. They had lost their love of Jesus and their joy of salvation.  They were just another empty religion, lukewarm and undesirable to God for a bride.”

God had wished they were either hot or cold—one or the other.  Lukewarm was disgusting, just the way the Enemy liked it.

This week’s devotions may seem to paint a very bleak picture of these seven churches. If God hadn’t went beyond the criticism, many in those churches would have perished.  However, we find hope for those who repented and dared to stand for the truth of God’s Word.  Revelation 3:5-6 states, “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”  The Enemy will continue to attack churches, but by faith in a Mighty God, they can ultimately win the war.

Next week will include a special WNAC emphasis featuring testimonies from several women about what WNAC means to them.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Today is the WMO (World Missions Offering). Pray that believers will give generously as unto the Lord, and that participation and combined totals would exceed expectation. Pray concerning your own gift and personal involvement in global evangelism.

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and has kept my word, and has not denied my name”  (Revelation 3:7-8).

How encouraging to find a church that has remained faithful!  One might think the remark about their strength was a criticism, but, that little strength was mingled with their faith. God gave them an “open door” that man could not shut.  It was evident to those on the outside that this church obviously had favor with God.  Praise God for churches who do not succumb to the Enemy.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Women Active for Christ in Oklahoma meeting together for retreat this weekend and for North Carolina Women Active for Christ as they conclude their annual state meeting today.

“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God” (Revelation 3:1-2).

The church at Sardis had had a wonderful reputation among men. However, the church was dying.

They needed to return to their beginnings when it was full of vitality.  It wasn’t like they were completely dead, but rather in a coma.  Oh, how they needed to wake up! How sad when the Enemy lulls people and churches to sleep, making them think they can rest on their laurels.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Women Active for Christ in Virginia and Alabama, as they gather today and tomorrow for their annual state meetings.

Read Revelation 2:18-28

Consider these insights about Thyatira from  www.sermoncentral.com.

“Though not easily fortified, Thyatira was on a major trade route and was well known for its trade guilds – there were carpenters, dyers, sellers of goods, tanners, weavers, tent makers, etc all making a living from their trade. You might remember Lydia in Philippi. She was a trader of fine cloth and came from Thyatira. She was in fact one of Paul’s first converts when he visited Thyatira on his second missionary journey (Acts 16).”

“Now these guilds were somewhat similar to our trade unions 15 to 20 years ago. It was very difficult for the blue collar tradesmen and women to make a living unless they were a part of one of these guilds. They differed from trade unions, however, in that they were linked with the worship of other gods. Each guild had its particular guardian god and as a member, you would be expected to attend all its functions and participate in its activities which included offerings, feasts and often immoral behaviour. The members of the church in Thyatira were torn between making a living on the one hand which meant having to be part of the guilds and on the other hand staying faithful to Christ and his standards.”

Christ offered some glowing remarks about the church. They looked like the model church on the outside. But Jezebel was on the church roll.  She called herself a prophetess and people were gullible enough to believe her false teaching.  It only takes one bad apple to spoil the barrel.  The Enemy was using her to “spoil” the church at Thyatira. Sometimes it only takes one person to destroy everything a church is trying to do for the cause of Christ.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for effective evangelism efforts both on individual and church-driven levels. Pray relationships with non-believers will lead to many men and women coming to Christ. Pray those who share the gospel with people who have never heard will be able to clearly communicate the concepts of personal sin, God’s sacrifical provision, and salvation. Pray for clarity of thought and leading from the Holy Spirit in every evangelistic effort. Ask God to help missionaries use culturally-relevant concepts to explain eternal truth.