Daily Treasure

 “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

There’s a knot in my stomach this morning.

It’s about the gifts I’ve given this Christmas.

Yes, so far everyone seemed tickled about the selections I’ve made and wrapped up as presents.

But I truly believe, hence the sick feeling, that there’s One I truly disappointed with my gift giving this season.

See, I’ve been thinking about what I gave the Baby this Christmas.  No, let’s reword that, I’ve been thinking about how little I gave the Baby this Christmas.

Not to extol the virtues of my giving, but to explain to you why I’m sickened over it, I’ll share what I wrapped up for the Christ-child…

-A few songs.  Yes, I sang in the cantata.  I ministered to the congregation in the best voice I could.  But truly, I didn’t worship God while I sang.  My mind was running over lists, things to do, gifts left to purchase, et cetera, et cetera.  The Baby got a half-interested attempt.

-A few dollars.  We threw some currency towards the issue of the needy this season.  Our church’s motto one Christmas season was “Do all you can for as many as you can,” but it wasn’t mine.  I gave to say I gave.  The Baby no doubt was less than impressed.

-A time slot.  Amidst the hustle and bustle of a shreds of wrapping-paper Christmas morning, we read the Baby’s story.  We were reminded about the decree that went out, the journey, the inn-keeper’s response, the stable and the star.  The Baby was given a few moments of our time.

-A little effort.  A few evenings working with the kids on a Christmas program.  A few hours at a community lunch provided by our church.  A few Christmas cards.  Some baking.  A little patience and a reading of His story to the littlest ones in AWANA.  A few hearty Merry Christmases.  A decision, and a goal reached, of staying within budget on the money He allotted us to use this Christmas on gifts.  But was it what the Baby wanted?

God’s grace is a covering I’m depending upon as I look over what I gave the Christ Child.  God’s mercy is what I’m hoping for as I think of how little He could do to repay me.  God’s love for me, me, is what I’m asking Him for as I sit sickened this morning about the minute honor, value and effort I put into giving Him what He truly wanted this Christmas.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Ask God to give you a grateful, giving heart that keeps Christmas all year long.

“…..for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5b).

This month we have looked into the life of Hagar, saw how God responds to even lowly slaves, remembered how God keeps a watchful eye over us, and noted how God was with others. And He’ll be with us, too. The promise found in today’s verse should give us the assurance we need to face whatever comes our way.  We don’t have to be overcome with fears and worry. Life can be less complicated if we simply put our trust in Him. Place your hand in His Hands and allow Him to meet your every need.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Remember WNAC finances in your prayers.

“How God anointed Jesus of  Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” (Acts 10:38).

Jesus had an earthly mission. It was to do the will of His Father. Thus we find the words of today’s verse.  In Isaiah 61:1 we find what all that entailed.  The words of Luke 4:18 also give details. That verse I will share. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.”

When Jesus ascended back to His Father, He left us a mission to accomplish. (Matthew 28:19-20)  He promised to be with us. We will need to rely on the Holy Spirit to complete the work He has set forth for us to do.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for believers in North Korea, where persecution is most cruel and prevalent.

GOD WAS WITH SOLOMON

“And Solomon, the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly” (2 Chronicles 1:1).

If Solomon had ended his reign as he started it, there would have been no end to his great accomplishments. Our verse states God had been with him.  Solomon asked God for wisdom. God granted him wisdom and blessed him with great wealth. His insatiable search for pleasure and turning away from God to idols were his downfall.

God promises to be with you no matter what you face in life. Don’t follow Solomon’s downward path; choose to continually trust and obey the Lord.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for those affected by  Christmas day storms. Pray safety for travelers and workers who must be on the road.

“And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar?  fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.  Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation. And God opened her eyes, and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the drink.  And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer” (Genesis 21:17-20).

First, let me wish you a very Merry Christmas!

We left off yesterday with Hagar and her son, Ishmael being cast out of Abraham’s household. They begin wandering in the desert of Beer-sheba. Once their provisions were gone, things looked pretty bleak for them. Hagar placed Ishmael in the shade of the bushes and stepped away. She didn’t want to watch her son die in the heat of that desert.  She began to cry. God heard the cry of her son. He speaks from heaven to Hagar and reminds her of the promise He had made. He tells her to pick up her son and move on. Scripture tells us how God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water.  They would survive.

You may be going through a fiery trial, feeling parched as you seem to be wandering around aimlessly.  Cry out to God.  He sees your plight and hears your cries. He stands ready to reach out with His Mighty Hand to help you.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for believers in Côte d’Ivoire meeting together for special Christmas services.

“And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. Wherefore she said Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman  and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.  And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son”  (Genesis 21:9-11).

As we begin the last week of this study, we will be bidding farewell to Hagar as she leaves Abraham’s household for good. Isaac has been born and was weaned. His father has a special party to honor this event. Ishmael is caught teasing Isaac. This is the last straw for Sarah.  She wants Hagar and her son out of their household and lives. That bondwoman’s son will not share in Isaac’s inheritance.  Abraham must see that Isaac was the son through whom His promise would be fulfilled. God will keep His promise given to Hagar concerning Ishmael. Still it is difficult for Abraham to say goodbye to his son. Once again Hagar finds herself wandering in the wilderness. Does she remember her other wilderness experience?

At times we may feel we are floundering around in the desert. And like Hagar, this may not be our first wilderness experience. Do you remember how God brought you through the previous deserts?  I remember this saying of long ago, “If God leads you to it, He will lead you through it.”  God never brings you to a certain point, then abandons you.  Tomorrow we will learn how God, once again, helps Hagar in the desert.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for these international Christmas outreaches:
Côte d’Ivoire—Most churches have all-night services or services until midnight
Koinonia, Hokkaido, Japan—Community Christmas Eve candlelight service with musical presentations and a meal
St. Nazaire, France—Christmas Eve service and Live Nativity concludes

“…You are to tell the world about the experience and about other times I will appear to you”  (Acts 26:16).

This may come as quite a shock to the majority of you. Telling about Christ is not limited to Christmastime.

Has He saved you?  Go tell!

Has He protected you?  Go tell!

Has He sheltered you from the storms of life–externally or internally?  Go tell!

Has He sent His only begotten Son to the world?  Go tell!

And as far as where to tell it—you don’t have to be on a mountain.  Valleys are great places to tell about God’s love.  Halfway up the mountain is a great place, too.  Just go ahead and consider where ever you are as the best place to tell it.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Bathe these missionary Christmas outreach activities in prayer today.

Alpedrete, Spain—Christmas program, “Jesus: God’s Gift to the World”
Miharashidai Church, Hokkaido, Japan—Christmas worship
Svishtov, Bulgaria—Christmas service
St. Nazaire, France—Live Nativity
First Church, Campinas, Brazil—Cantata and drama
Esperanza Church, Alcalá, Spain—Youth present Christmas musical drama
Koinonia Church, Hokkaido, Japan—Christmas worship and baptism service
Kamifukuoka Christ Church, Tokyo, Japan—Christmas party outreach