Daily Treasure

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” (1 Peter 5:6).

One of the most destructive things that can enter into even a Christian’s life is pride.
Peter admonishes us to humble ourselves. In doing so, we can be armed against pride.  If we are dependent on Him, He will be there to lift us with His mighty hand in our time of need. God is always on time, never early or late, so take God at His word. To try to work out problems in our own strength is asking for failure. Don’t  think of meekness as weakness.  Trust completely in the power of God and rest on His promises.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray today for Shannon Little, missionary to Japan,  as she hosts English students and shares the real meaning of Christmas.

“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.  For he hath regarded  the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1:46-48).

Today’s verses are part what commentaries have called, “Mary’s Song.” According to The NIV Study Bible, Luke 1:46-55  is known as a hymn of praise.  “This hymn is known as the Magnificat  because in the Latin Vulgate translation the opening word is Magnificat, which means “glorifies.” This song is like a psalm, and should be compared with the song of Hannah  (1 Samuel 2:1-10).”

“Mary’s Song” contains praise to the One Who considered her “low estate.”  He blessed her with an opportunity to serve Him in a tremendous way.  All generations would call her blessed of God. When God calls you with an opportunity to glorify Him, will you surrender to His will with humility?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that God’s Spirit would move among denominational leaders, giving them fresh vision, guidance and fervor to accomplish His purposes.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who,being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8).

Once again I turn to The Living Bible for commentary on today’s verses: “Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, who though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. And he humbled himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal’s death on a cross.” Christ serves as the greatest example of humility and obedience. Are we willing to follow that example?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the 2013 Free Will Baptist Leadership Conference, beginning today and ending tomorrow evening, and for all those traveling to Nashville, Tennessee to attend.

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God  in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (I Corinthians 6:19-20).

Would we be willing to give our bodies, if we knew this was God’s will? Would we remember everything we are and have belongs to God?  That’s what God required of Mary; that’s what He desires of us. We are born to serve the One who paid a great price for our redemption.  His Spirit works through us to glorify Him.  Romans 12:1-2 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good,  and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”

If we can come to terms with all the verses mentioned in this week’s devotions, we are on our way to possessing the name of Favor.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that God’s presence and Spirit would overshadow members of the WNAC Executive Committee and give them wisdom and unity in making decisions.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-29).

When we think of all Mary faced, would we have been as obedient as she? Or would we have given in to the pressures?  Doing God’s will put Mary at risk. In spite of her circumstances, her burdens were made lighter because of her willingness to surrender all to Jesus.

We will always find our burdens lighter when we follow the words of today’s verses.
Are we willing to surrender all? Or do our burdens remain heavy because we want to live our lives on our own terms?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the annual Angel Tree sponsored by Prison Fellowship International, providing Christmas gifts for children of incarcerated parents.

“Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up”  (James 4:9-10).

James speaks against pride in his writings. In The Living Bible we find this paraphrase, “Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let therre be sorrow and sincere grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Then when you realize your worthlessness before the Lord, he will lift you up, encourage, and help you.”

The extraordinary task God gave Mary could have caused her to be given over to pride. However, this maiden remained humble. I don’t think she ever wanted to be exalted.  She was just an ordinary person who was willing to be used by God.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Tonight is the final night of Hanukkah. Rejoice with Jewish believers as they celebrate Jesus as Light of the World. Pray that more of God’s chosen people might recognize Him as the Helper, the Servant Messiah and the Savior of all men.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Just as Mary unconditionally turned every part of her being over to God, we too must surrender our will. If we truly surrender and seek God’s will, the devil will still try to entice us. However, through the Holy Spirit, we can defeat the devil and send him away.
Suited in the armor of God (Ephesians 6), we are victors instead of victims.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the Donoho families (Cliff and Kathy, Chad and Jenny) as they labor and work jointly with both FWBHM and the Florida State Mission Board to plant a Free Will Baptist church in Tallahassee, Florida.