Daily Treasure

It Sure Is Cold!

Matthew 24:12 “And because iniquity abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

My husband has always said the coldest he had ever been was at a Bengal’s game. The temperature was 12 degrees below zero and the seats were covered in ice.

I thought of my husbands experience and it caused me to wonder. How cold has my heart ever been? I stopped to pray and asked the Lord to keep my heart warm. I know that a cold heart can also be hardened and uncaring. Let’s pray for each other today that God would touch each one of us and torch the flames of love and kindness in our hearts. Then let us purpose to do something for someone—even if it is just a kind word.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Youth directors are a must in our churches. Encourage them through prayer.

Hungry Birds

Psalm 104:12 “By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.”

Lately I have been feeding the birds. I picked out a spot in our front yard and toss a couple scoops of food on the ground. They are gathering in the branches outside the bedroom window and chirp until I appear outside with their food. I have noticed after they eat they sing and play.

The Lord has prepared our spiritual meal in His Holy Word. If we fill our hungry souls it will cause us to sing and have a happy warm feeling through the day. If you have that hungry empty feeling, pull up to God’s table and feast from His Word.

LaCrecia McFaddin

Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER

Retired missionaries are vital to our organization. Let’s keep them in our prayers.

Destination Heaven

Matthew 25:34 “Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of this world.”

How many times have you taken a trip and thought you would never get there? Necessary stops, road blocks, rain and other things can hinder travel and slow you down.

Dear Christian traveler, the trip to heaven is the dearest and sweetest journey we will take. Today, purpose not to let Satan rob you of the joy you can claim through our Lord. He will hinder the trip if we let him.

First, make sure every mile counts. Keep yourself replenished with the bread of life and the springs of living water. Claim the power of the Holy Spirit who will keep you fueled, and obey the road signs of life to keep you out of harms way. Last, read the holy road map and keep in touch with our blessed life guide everyday.
Destination: heaven.
Arrival time: at God’s calling.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER
A neighbor may need some encouragement. Will you be that encourager?

The Broken Dish

Psalm 147:3 “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”

During our pastoral years a lot of my treasured things were broken. I kept hoping for a way to fix one thing—my grandmother’s dish. I talked to glass blowers and searched high and low for a mending agent that would hold the broken pieces together. A couple of years ago we were introduced to a glue with amazing holding power. Finally, after 30 years, my husband fixed grandmother’s dish. Although you can see the seams clearly, the dish could not be more beautiful to me.

Today, there are many souls whose hearts and lives are broken. They feel there is no hope for them and no one understands their broken hearts.

Alas, hope is here. Almighty God of heaven, the Healer, can mend your heart and life. He will bind your wounds and help you through your broken situations. Today, now, The Holy One is at your hearts door ready to mend your broken heart. Please know you are beautiful to Him.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER
Personnel in all branches of our military need continual prayer.

Love Letters

Deuteronomy 6:5
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

Tucked away in an old steam trunk are a handful of love letters from a young man to his sweetheart. The letters are faded and fragile but they contain his heart felt love for her. Each letter closes with these words, “I love you with all my heart, soul and might.” After 39 ½ years he still loves me with all his heart, soul and might.”

We have love letters from our heavenly Father. His love is expressed in Genesis through Revelation. Here are some of the words of love:

“But God who is rich in mercy for his great love wherewith he loved us.” Ephesians 2:4

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love;” Jeremiah 31:3

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Today, find a favorite love letter and reaffirm your love for Him.

LaCrecia McFaddin
Tennessee

PRAYER CORNER
The Lord is good! Two home mission churches (Northwest FWB Church—David Potete, pastor and Desert Springs FWB —Jerry Rayburn, pastor) are now self-supporting works. Many other home mission churches will enter self-supporting status this year. Don’t stop praying; pray harder.

Psalm 115:1
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.

“It was nothing.”
”It’s good, if I do say so myself.”
“How did I do?”

How do you accept compliments or praise? What is the proper way to respond? Knowing God hates “a proud look,” yet desiring acceptance and appreciation for our efforts, most Christians find this a difficult dilemma.
In my college days, I attended a global missions conference. The attendance superceded all expectations. Overflowing meeting rooms and overcrowded accommodations could have thrown the college students steering the event. Instead, they rose to the challenge, and God challenged many young lives that weekend—mine included.
In the final service, the crowd gave the student committee leader a standing ovation. She came to the podium, and I will never forget her words. “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory.”
No other response deemed necessary, she returned to her seat. But the crowd remained standing for another spontaneous ovation to the LORD and for this humble servant.
I’ve never forgotten this. Each time I read through the Psalms, I’m challenged to consider my responses to praise. Do I seize the glory, or do I humbly direct it to the LORD, who equips and enables me? Is it about accomplishment or about mercy and truth?

O LORD, may we honor Your name and give You glory, today. Amen.

PRAYER CORNER

Many adult children who’ve assumed the role of caregiver for aged parents would appreciate your prayers today.

Psalm 104:24
O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

Awed by the vastness and variety of God’s creation, the psalmist exclaimed, “O Lord, how manifold are thy works.”

I’m awed, too, as I consider God’s creative abilities. He established order in the sun, moon and stars, revolution and rotation, day and night. Yet each night, the moon looks different. Clouds transform before our eyes. No two snowflakes are alike. Every human is an individual masterpiece.

Variety. I love unique, creative, one-of-a-kinds. Routine has its place and sameness is good, but thank God for variety. God’s penchant for variety fuels my creative spirit—not only to fashion beauty through paint or pen, but also to recognize the unique and beautiful qualities He places in each person.

Lord, may we remain awed in the variety and fullness of Your riches here on earth and appreciative of Your handiwork in those with whom we interact today.

Prayer Corner

Pray today for Marjorie Workman as she leads WNAC ministries.
(She and eight other Women Active for Christ returned to the USA yesterday after a jam-packed, emotional 10-day trip, delivering Christmas Joy gifts to children in Central Asia. Ask God to give each one strength, rest and deliverance from jet lag and exhaustion.)