Daily Treasure

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village :and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word” ( Luke 10:38-39).

The familiar account of Martha and her sister Mary exemplifies the fitness goal we are trying to reach this week. Their story remains relevant today.  We see a picture of two completely different sisters showing hospitality to Jesus.  Each had their own idea of how to carry this out.  Each used her gifts and abilities to welcome the Lord in her home.

As in this household, so in ours—each family member is unique. However, in spite of our personality bents and differences, we can still show Christian hospitality.

Yes, it’s nice to present a well-kept home with well-behaved children.  It’s also nice to have things organized in the kitchen and a meal ready to put on the table. However, we must remember that Mary chose the better part.  If you invited Jesus into your home today, would you be identified as a Martha or Mary?

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Ask God to give you a Mary heart in a Martha world as you face the expectations and challenges before you today. Pray this also for a missionary or creative access worker.

 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers” (Acts 18:3).

The “them” mentioned in today’s key verse refers to Aquila and Priscilla. This couple provides an excellent example of people  who understood how to do the “home stretch.”  They also knew about using their home to serve God and others.  They were tentmakers just like Paul who is referred to in our verse as well. That job connection opened the door to their home and led to a deep friendship with the Apostle.

It is not certain whether this couple were saved under Paul’s ministry. They met Paul in Corinth but were originally from Rome. They had left Rome because they were Jews. Their willingness to open their home to Paul and their hearts to the gospel Paul preached, paved the way for them to become Paul’s helpers in the ministry—what we might call “church planters.”  Many times they even opened their home for worship. According to our study writer, this served a two-fold purpose: “They opened their home to encourage fellow believers and, at the same time, witness to non-believers.”

Be willing to build a bridge as Paul did, using a job, hobby  or something else you might have in common with a person.  And, when possible, show hospitality to him or her. You never know how God will use those factors.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Free Will Baptist brothers and sisters in Myanmar, who are facing many challenges (financial hardships, family pressures and other difficulties) as a result of their faith in Christ.

“Use hospitality one to another without grudging” (1 Peter 4:9).

The goal of our last week of study is to “establish home as a base for serving God and others through hospitality.” The word hospitality is defined as “to share our home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.” Though I wouldn’t depend on Wikipedia as a source, I did find one comment concerning Greeks and hospitality quite interesting. “The concept of hospitality, or generosity and courtesy shown to those who are far from home is “philoxenia”. The word “philos” meaning “friend” and the word “xenia” meaning “stranger”, thus “friend of the stranger.”  It is often translated as “guest-friendship” (or “ritualized friendship”) because the rituals of hospitality created and expressed a reciprocal relationship between guest and host.”
Today hospitality has almost become a lost art. For a variety of reasons, people are just not using the gift of hospitality as in bygone days. Kids are prone to want to invite their friends over. Husbands may want to invite a business client or a work buddy and his wife to share a meal. God may want you to start an afternoon Bible club in your home. God may want you to invite someone who is visiting your church for the first time. When you do open your home, is it because you feel you have to, or, is it because you want to use your gifts as a witness or testimony? That answer determines whether we will serve with or without grumbling.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER:  Pray that pastors and chaplains participating in Memorial Day observances today would have clear and effective opportunities to share the comfort and message of Christ.

In today’s verse Peter says, “use hospitality one to another.” This encompasses believers as well as non-believers. The latter probably is more of a stretch. We must examine our lives to see if it’s just not wanting to open our homes or does it go deeper? Could it be about not wanting to open our hearts?

“But as for me, I will sing about your power.  I will shout with joy each morning because of your unfailing love.  For you have been my refuge, a place of safety in the day of distress”  (Psalm 59:16 NLT).

What are you singing this morning?

A verse from yesterday’s song declaring Satan’s victories and your defeats?  A chorus stuck in your head—the echo of the Accuser whispering in your ear?  A mournful tune?  A funeral dirge?  Something barely audible?  Some muffled words?

Or, are you singing about God, His love, His power, His strength and His might?  Are you belting out praises for our King?  Singing at the top of your lungs—whether you can carry a tune or not?

So, what are you singing?

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Memorial Day weekend yields poor attendance in many churches. Pray encouragement for pastors and church leaders today.

“And God will generously provide all you need.  Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” ( 2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

I am an unpaid advertisement for the truth and the power packed into this one little verse.

I have seen Him provide—generously. I have watched with my own eyes as the checkbook provided, the wallet supplied and the resources held out.

I have handed over abundance only to receive more and more.  I have witnessed provision when it could have only been God.  I have handed tissues to friends who needed just what I had to give at just the moment I gave.

I am resting comfortably in a home He has placed in our hands.  I experience the joy of giving to Him His tithe each week.  I am determined to pass along dependence upon this verse and its promises to my young son.   I have choices as to what to wear today.  I have a pantry filled with all I need and extra in case He leads me to share. I have more change in the ashtray of my car than some in our world will ever hold.

He has generously provided all I need and a whole heap of a lot of my wants.  To God be the glory.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray today for Free Will Baptist brothers and sisters in India who are still recovering from the devastation of recent monsoons that wiped away whole villages.

“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her” (Proverbs 31:27-28).

Do you remember “Ruby”?  We learned about her when we studied Proverbs 31.  Ruby (a.k.a the virtuous woman) derives her name from Proverbs 31:10.  Many wives and mothers strive to follow her example.  She sets the standard high, but we must desire to serve like her in the home.  This is a little easier for those who don’t work outside the home. However, never feel you are just a wife and mother. It is one of God’s highest callings.

For those who juggle home and a job, I tip my hat to you. I know both sides of what that is like.  It takes discipline to set priorities and try to be organized either way. However, knowing your family appreciates all you do is a great reward.  As you serve God in your home, God will one day reward your work.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for home missionary and pastor’s wives who juggle home, job and ministry roles. Ask God to help them keep priorities ordered rightly as they work today.

“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did” (Acts 9:36).

One of the finest examples of a woman serving God in her home is Dorcas.  She understood  Colossians 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him,”  (yesterday’s key verse).  She went about doing good and helping those in need.  She used her sewing talent in making garments for the poor.  She definitely had a servant’s heart.  She was loved greatly by the people because of her good works and compassion.  This was evident when she fell sick and died.  Peter was in a neighboring town near Joppa when Dorcas died.  He came and, through Christ, raised her from the dead.  The people rejoiced and many came to know the Lord.  Be willing to open your heart and do the “home stretch.”  God will bless your efforts.  Dare to be a Dorcas.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for sewing ministries like Freeset (Calcutta, India) Deborah’s House (Tijuana, MX) and Sak Saum (Cambodia) that help victims of human trafficking.