Daily Treasure

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges.  I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and has not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, Satan dwelleth.  But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Baalam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.  So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate”  (Revelation 2:12-15).

To say the church in Pergamos was a compromising church is an understatement. From our verses we glean much criticism.  The NIV Study Bible offers this concerning today’s verses. “The phrase ‘where Satan has his throne’is taken to mean “Satan ruled from Pergamum in that it was the official center of emperor worship in Asia. It is believed Antipas suffered a slow, excruciating death as a martyr during the reign of Domitian.”  Later in that commentary regarding the teaching of Balaam we find these words: “Balaam advised the Midianite women how to lead the Israelite men astray.  He is a fitting protype of corrupt teachers who deceive believers into compromise with worldliness.” Lastly here is something about the “doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which I hate.” “The Nicolaitans were a heretical sect within the church that had worked out a compromise with the pagan society.  They apparently taught that spiritual liberty gave them sufficient leeway to practice idolatry and immorality.” One of many weapons in our Enemy’s arsenal is found in the word, “compromise.” It’s like it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere.  However, you can be sincerely wrong.  When so many false teachings are overshadowing the truth, one seems to be swayed to any “wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). It is so important to be rooted in the truths of God’s Word . . . unless you belong to the compromising church of Pergamos.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for those working in creative access areas, whether working with Muslims in open countries or among multiple religious ethnicities in restricted countries. Pray God will use activity centers, English lessons, cooking lessons, music lessons, or other creative means to allow Christians to interact with non-Christians. Pray in all these interactions the light of Christ will shine through and people will desire to know the God that lives in Christ-followers. Pray workers will be “wise as serpents” and “wise as doves” in their interactions.

“And unto the church of Smyrna write:  These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty. (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan”  (Revelation 2:8-9).

The church at Smyrna was one of two churches absent of Christ’s criticism. However, as I read about this church, I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for their plight. I thought of the persecuted church today that labors under much adversity, but whose faith is strong.  That doesn’t mean the Enemy retreats. It could mean the persecution becomes worse. Pray for churches today like Smyrna, asking God to help them continue to stay strong in spite of the “fiery darts of the wicked one.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that the Danny Elliott family will find just the right house to rent in Quebec City. This house will serve as their home base for evangelistic outreach through neighborhood Bible studies beginning this fall. Pray God would direct them and assure them in this decision.

“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.  I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:  And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my names sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.  Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:1-4).

The last of the Enemy’s targets we will view is our churches. We will share thoughts about the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation. Through the study of them, we may see what is lacking in churches today.  Maybe we can better understand that some churches do not always survive the attacks of the Enemy.  If in this week’s study, you see your own church, it may not be a coincidence. Many churches today need revival, the kind mentioned in 2 Chronicles 7:14.  Sadly, many churches might as well put up a sign with “Ichabod” written on it because the glory of God has departed..

The website www.tellingthetruth.org,  points out that the letters to the seven churches had seven parts. They are as follows: a descriptive title for Jesus; who is dictating the letters; insights into the life of the seven churches; criticisms as necessary for individual churches; warnings and instructions to each of the seven churches; final exhortations; and promises and assurances. Just another note: All these churches existed during the same era.  All once-thriving churches, they serve as models of what can go wrong when the Enemy slips into a congregation.

Our focus this week will concentrate on the verses about each of the churches that show the necessity of heeding the criticism Christ gave to each.  The first we see is the church at Ephesus. Nothing makes the Enemy happier than finding a church that has left its first love. This was a church that once burned with love for Christ and one another. How sad when we see the fire go out and the excitement gone among those who gather together in the Lord’s name.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for The Hanna Project and Free Will Baptists’ efforts to bring help, hope, and healing through Jesus’ name. Ask God to give wisdom to leaders, provide opportunities to validate the ministry of overseas workers, and truly make a difference in the lives of those with whom they come in contact. Pray especially for Darren Portell as he handles administrative responsibilities, coordinates trips, selects team leaders and team members, and promotes THP in churches.

 “Jesus replied, You don’t understand now why I am doing it, someday you will”  (John 13:15 NLT).

If we were to live according to the red words of our Bibles, worries would be pushed aside, fear would be assuaded, doubts would never go past our thoughts and settle in our stomachs and hearts and we would live fully, vividly and passionately.

If we believed the words in red.

How can I say that?  Well, today I’m not understanding a few things—and that’s just what Jesus spoke to in our meeting this morning.  My vision is clouded in a few areas with a foggy haze.  My fears for tomorrow are casting an ominous shadow on today.

But I have His words.  I have His promise.  I have His message, spoken thousands of years ago, touching my heart this morning.

Have you read any red lately? Will you take the challenge to believe and live it?

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER:  Pray for Georgia Women Active for Christ gathering for retreat this weekend and for Michigan Women Active for Christ assembled today at their annual state meeting.

“But refuse profane and old wives fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7).

Our bodies? Somehow you knew we would mention exercise. Thirty minutes a day in increments of  three 10-minute sessions is not unreasonable.  We’re not talking about anything strenuous. Just get moving.

Today’s verse talks about staying spiritually fit. I like to use the example of faith as a muscle.  The more we exercise it, the stronger it grows.  Just like we can develop neuropathy through lack of physical exercise, think about what can happen if we aren’t fit spiritually.  The latter will cause us to listen to things that would steer us away from godliness.  One sports warning: Just don’t play archery with one who is using you as a target.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the Cuban singles retreat scheduled to begin today and end Sunday, April 21. In Cuba, everyone between the ages of 16 and 35 is considered “youth” and fit within the parameters of youth ministry whether single or married. However, this retreat targets single adults ages 20 and up. The retreat’s theme, “Deciding Tomorrow Today,” focuses attention on Ecclesiastes 3:1. Pray for speakers and attendees as they focus on the will of God for living a holy and pure life as single young people. Attendance is expected to top 150.

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

In the Old Testament we find stringent dietary laws.  For us, we must remember the words of today’s verse.

I attend meetings each Thursday morning to encourage me to eat sensibly and keep my weight down. My health issues make it necessary.  I haven’t always been that careful about what I was doing to my body. Piling up my plate at buffet tables wasn’t healthy for me, and God surely wasn’t glorified in that.

We may have food habits we need to break. Our Enemy wants us to keep them and not be convicted and change.  Let’s show him what we can do through the power of God.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray CHE (Community Health and Evangelism) efforts in Côte d’Ivoire will result in many lives saved—physically and spiritually. As Christian Ivoirians are trained in the techniques and principles of CHE, pray they will share God’s gift to mankind as they teach villages how to protect their water supply, garden effectively and so on. Pray many villages previously closed to the gospel will open their doors to CHE and the Living Word.

“Flee fornication.  Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18).

You’ve probably heard this old phrase, “cleanliness is next to godliness.”  We previously shared about taking care of our bodies. Committing anything immoral is forgetting to keep our “temple” clean. Paul is speaking of sexual sin in today’s verse.  There is no other sin that affects the body like this one. This affects not only the soul, but our bodies are well.  Basically, I believe our verse tells us to flee anything that will disgrace our bodies. If we don’t flee, it will fill the Enemy with glee.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: How wonderful and encouraging that God is leading qualified, enthusiastic young men and women to apply as missionaries through IM. But we must have adequate financial support to send them. Pray for God to move on Free Will Baptists to rally in support of missionary appointees. Ask God to give the IM leadership and board wisdom and faith as they interview and approve candidates.