Daily Treasure

“WALK WORTHY OF THE LORD”

Colossians 1:10 is part of Paul’s prayer for the Colossian believers.
When we walk worthy of the Lord we fulfill two things:

1. We live (or walk) to please the Lord.

Jesus said, “I do those things that please the Father.” This was most clearly seen in His obedience to God’s will for His life. (“Not my will, but Thine be done.”)
Jeremiah 7:23 says,“Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.”

2. We live to up our potential in the Lord.

—“being fruitful in every good work” Every woman wants to be productive and effective. This is the key. As we live to please our Heavenly Father, He fills in the gaps of our inadequacies and miraculously energizes our work with goodness and fruitfulness. There is no human explanation for this phenomenon.

—“increasing in the knowledge of God” There is nothing greater than to develop and grow in knowing God Himself. Jesus said in John 17:3, “This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way. When we do His good will, He abides with us still… (“Trust and Obey”)

Rebecca Pugh
Tennessee

Prayer Corner:

Farther Still studies on prayer by Lorene Miley is a must for this year.

MARY KNEW THE WORD

Luke 1:46-55

The song of Mary, the Magnificent, gives insight into why God chose this young girl of Galilee to be the mother of His Son. She knew the Word.

In her moment of joy, she sang Scripture. Glance at this passage in any cross-reference Bible and you’ll find references to several Psalms and other Old Testament books. These weren’t just the lyrics of a popular praise song of her day. Mary’s song was obvious overflow from her own heart.

Even in our churches today, the number of teen girls who’ve memorized Scripture and can apply truths and principles to their own situation is slim. But in Mary’s day, it was probably even more unusual.

In this Mideastern, male-dominated society, where women did not formally study the Scripture, and only worshiped from a distance, Mary somehow gained a grasp on God’s promises. How was she able to do this?

Credit her upbringing. No doubt, she was taught by someone. What a humbling yet rewarding responsibility we accept as parents, seeking to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Credit her character. Some children and youth are just more sensitive and attuned to spiritual things. Mary was certainly one of these individuals.

Credit her faith. Mary’s belief was genuine and deep. She “kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”

May the example of Mary challenge us to internalize the Word, to apply its truths to every situation, and to know a faith so deep and true that songs of praise overflow from our hearts and remain on our lips.

Sarah Fletcher
Tennessee

Prayer Corner:

The future of WNAC (Women Nationally Active for Christ) ministries will be bright as we pray for its success.

POWERFUL WORDS

Luke 1:37
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

The angel appeared to the young girl, Mary, proclaiming her as “blessed and highly favoured” by God. She would bear a son, the promised Messiah. When Mary earnestly questioned the how of this happening, Gabriel described the supernatural process in which the Spirit of God would come over her and the power of the Highest would overshadow her, impregnating her with the Christ.

Then the angel stilled her fearful, questioning heart with this pronouncement, “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (literally: not any word from God is without power.)*

Every word from God is power-packed, spoken with omnipotent authority. What He says, He will powerfully accomplish. What a comfort for Mary. What a comfort for us today.

Knowing that God’s words—all of them—are laced with power, assures that we should not let our heart be troubled. We can come to Him, knowing we will find rest for our souls. We can trust that if we abide in Him and His words—those powerful words—abide in us, we can simply ask and it will be done.

Mary responded in humble obedience. May we do the same, as we hear and read and internalize His powerful words.

Sarah Fletcher
Tennessee

*Life Principles from the Women of the Bible, Book 1 by Wayne Barber, Eddie Rasnake and Richard Shepherd. AMG Publishers. p. 164.

HIS NAME IS NEAR

“Unto thee, O God do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks, for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.

But it is good for me to draw near to God. I have put my trust in the LORD God, that I may declare all thy works.

(Psalm 75:1; Matthew 1:23; John 1:1,14; Romans 10:8; James 4:8; Psalm 73:28)

God’s name is near. He is with us. He dwelt among us. He comes to dwell within us as we believe through faith that Christ died and was raised from the dead. We ever desire His nearness—a nearness He calls us to declare to a world, still distant and distraught.

Rejoice today in Immanuel. Draw near to the God whose name is near. Declare His wondrous works to those around you this Christmas.

—Sarah Fletcher, Tennessee

HOW LONG?

Psalm 74

How long? Innocent, excited children count the days until they can claim the gifts under the tree.

How long? A family struggles to make ends meet, living from paycheck to paycheck with lean times in between.

How long? A friend endures chemotherapy, wondering when life and health and hair will return.

How long? A couple face days with ambivalence, joyful that a son is in rehab, reticent yet hopeful that he will complete the program and stay clean.

How long? Aging parents live in limbo, homeless, awaiting permits and progress on a new residence nearer children and grandchildren.

How long? A widow grieves for the husband she buried Thanksgiving weekend, imploring when she will feel whole again?

How long? Church members wait by a hospital bedside, pleading for a man left unconscious from a wreck days ago.

How long? The psalmist Asaph asked that same question. He declared, “We see not our signs, there is no more any prophet; neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.

Asaph consoled his doubts with this affirmation: “For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.”

Imagine the “how longs” in the years immediately prior to the birth of Christ. For 400 years, it seemed God was silent. No prophet spoke. No new promise or sign was given.

Yet a young girl in Galilee named Mary still hoped and believed and rejoiced declaring, “he hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy. Yes, God was working salvation, awaiting the fullness of time when He would send His Son to earth. God promises; He fulfills; He knows how long.

Whatever our struggle, our longing or our need, Lord, give us hope and strength to trust in You, no matter how long.

Sarah Fletcher
Tennessee

Deliverance

When circumstances overwhelm us,

We feel our faith in God is waning,

Think again. Faith is still alive, and God does respond to it, though in ways we may not recognize immediately.

Daniel 6:16 God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver you.

Daniel 6:26-27 He is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and His kingdom shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and He worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth.

Deliverance may come in the form of a lower utility bill: You had only enough to cover the bill, but an unexpected offering was taken at church and you in faith put in a $20 out of the “utility bill envelope.”

Deliverance may come in the form of a card: You’re seemingly drowning in responsibilities, chores, and commitments, and yes, monthly hormones are peaking out. But God has gently nudged a friend to send you a card reminding you of her prayers for you. Amazing strength flows through that paper.

Deliverance may come from a little eight year old who says “Mommy, I love you” and gives a big hug! When the days are dreary, the long nights weary, I know our Savior cares.

Deliverance may come from a hidden can at the back of the pantry you forgot you had, but it’s just what is needed for tonight’s supper.

Deliverance is relief God’s sends to aid His children.

-Rebecca Pugh

Tennessee

Have a Mary Christmas

Luke 10:42

“But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

My husband called me Martha. I bristled at the name as I retorted, “I’m not a Martha; I’m a Mary, well, maybe a mixture of the two.” Our pastor had just preached a sermon about having a Mary Christmas rather than a Martha one. Truth is I am more of a Martha than I’d like to be and a lot less of a Mary than I wish to be. I accepted my pastor’s challenge for the holiday season; choose to be a Mary and sit at the feet of Jesus. Soak in the glorious truth that Christmas is God with us.

In the Luke 10 story, Jesus commended Mary for desiring to sit at his feet rather than bustling about with much ado about nothing. Christmas is a busy season for all of us and especially for those who like to cook, decorate, send cards, attend Christmas programs and social activities, plus work a full-time job. With such busyness, a Martha complex comes easily. We, like Martha, get frustrated with co-workers, church sisters and even family when we are so intent on taking care of every minute detail rather than choosing to enjoy the wonder of Christmas.

What have I done to make this Christmas a Mary one? I’m reading through the book of John and meditating on the life of Jesus. I’m paying attention to the words of Jesus and applying His teachings to my daily activities. I’m consciously trying to be a light to those I meet while shopping. I’m smiling and saying kind things to public servants. I’m trying to be patient with family and friends when things do not necessarily go my way. You know, it’s a lot more fun being a Mary. Why don’t you try having a Mary Christmas?

Marjorie Workman

Tennessee