Daily Treasure

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

Paul wanted to show the Corinthian church a better way. They were arguing over spiritual gifts.  He told them even if they had all spiritual gifts, without love it meant nothing.  Our verses discuss the negative and positive sides of charity or love.

To resolve the divisions in that church and in churches today, ponder the question in today’s devotional title, “Are you positive?”  We must learn to communicate our love in a positive manner. We’re not always going to be right.  We can’t verbally blow up when things don’t go our way.  Many people go off when someone lights their fuse. That is not love, and actions like this will always be a means of continuing conflict if not lovingly resolved.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for positive attitudes and actions within your WAC or church women’s group.

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Divisions within the body of Christ are sad to see.  Arguments only fuel more conflict. Nothing is resolved and the work of the church comes to a halt.  What kind of example are we setting for unbelievers as well as young believers?

We will never agree on everything. We must bond together in spite of that fact.  A church does more harm than good when believers are constantly bickering about something.  Usually it’s over some insignificant thing that can fester into something major. It  all  comes down to the fact that to keep unity we simply have to avoid arguments.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Daniel and Collette Wright and their children as they seek to plant a church in the North Dallas (TX) area.

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).

As we look at another aspect of resolving conflict this week, in the study title we see the words, “talk” and “listen.”

Often times we want to be all talk.  We don’t want to take the time to listen. In the process of just talking, we fall prey on saying some wrong things which lead to conflict.  Gossip tends to run rampant when we forget to listen. The latter won’t help us build one another up in the faith.  Things can be misconstrued on our part when we forget to hear another’s side of things.  Our job, as Christians, is not to anger and annoy others. We are to be “body builders” and edify.  We can’t do the latter with “corrupt communication.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for the Bulgaria CMP team as they minister and serve together in the city of Svishtov.

“One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years.  When Jesus saw him and knew how long he had been ill, he asked him, Would you like to get well?  I can’t, sir, the sick man said, for I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred up…”  (John 5:5-7 NLT).

Did the sick man know to whom he was speaking?  Did he have a clue as to Jesus’ power?  Why didn’t he simply answer what was in his heart, “Yes, I want to be healed”?

Did he?  Do we?

We’re provided with possible miracles on a daily basis.  We’re given nods from the Lord that would/could lead each and every one of us into better living, more miraculous ministries and deeper walks with the Lord.  We’ve been provided with a Book filled with information that leads us into abundant living.

And we begin listing excuses as to why we aren’t or why we can’t live for Him.

Are we, like the man at the poolside, afraid of the new life He offers?  The fact that it will look different, feel different, be viewed by the world differently than our present situations?  Are we disgusted enough with our afflictions to seek Him, no matter what’s required, for a miracle?  Are we waiting for a healing that looks just like the one we want instead of the plans He has for us?

If we’re sitting beside the pool, why is it?  Hasn’t He passed our way?  Hasn’t He asked us, personally if not collectively, if we want more?  Put away the excuses and tell him, “Yes!”

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for VBS volunteers ministering to children this summer.

“I cried out, I’m slipping! and your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.  When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer”  (Psalm 94:18-19 NLT).

In the less than adventurous life I lead, one might easily think this verse would have little meaning to me. Think again.

On a daily, and sometimes hourly basis, I’m calling out to God for help…

He is the ladder tossed over the edge of my self-dug pit.

He is the life preserver I swim toward in the ocean of my distress.

He is the emergency raft, popping up just when I take my last full breath, on the raging river of doubt.

He is my bullet-proof vest when I walk through enemy territory on my way to a mountaintop.

He is my ray of sunshine on the dreariest of days.

He is the only one in the stands cheering for me to keep going, keep believing, keep it up.

He is my knight and shining armor.  He is my rescuer.  He is my hero.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Kentucky Women Active for Christ meeting together in their annual session today.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

God has our best interests at heart when we give our hearts and lives to Him. We just don’t always choose to do things His way. That’s where conflict begins. He may bring on more conflict to help mold and shape us into beautiful vessels.  The old adage, “Whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger,” can’t be denied.

I learned something valuable years ago while trying to resolve conflict.  I was advised to look at the person and not the principle.  A person wrongs us and we hold on to the principle that we are right no matter what. We can tighten our grip on the “principle” for years or we can choose to be the bigger person. We can ease tension and conflict with the phrase, “nip it in the bud.”   It’s such a waste of time and energy to carry grudges.  We have no idea what good God can bring about in our lives when we let go and do His will.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Indiana Women Active for Christ as they join together for their state meeting today .

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring it to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:20).

Reading through the end of Genesis, we know how the story of Joseph and his brothers ends— a happy ending.  Yet Godused conflict to bring about reconciliation. To many, this seems drastic.

Joseph had to pick and choose his battles, but he did this with courage and humility. Joseph, the dreamer, saw his dreams fulfilled, and he was instrumental in saving many people during a time of great famine.

At times, we won’t see an outcome right away.  However, we must remain faithful to God—even if He allows conflict in our lives.  Today’s verse surely gaveJoseph consolation in the face of adversity.  As we review the life of Joseph, we may see some “what ifs.”  However, he chose to move forward with his life and eliminate them.  Thank God He stands ready to give us what we need exactly when we need it.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that God would provide safety of travel for the Brazil CMP team returning home this week. Pray that students would seek God’s guidance and follow His direction concerning their future plans in world evangelism.