Daily Treasure

“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42).

We often think we have so little to offer in our service to Him.  Never underestimate what God can do with that little.   Even giving a cup of cold water in His name doesn’t go unnoticed.

We must be good stewards with our time and talents. Anything we do to point others to Jesus will not be in vain.

Read and think upon this portion of the old song, “Little Is Much.”

Does the place you’re called to labor
Seem too small and little known?
It is great if God is in it
And He’ll not forget His own.

Little is much when God is in it
Labor not for wealth or fame
There’s a crown and you can win it
If you go in Jesus’ name.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray encouragement and fresh vision for FWB churches in small communities and rural areas. Pray that these congregations will see and know that God can do great things—even with few people and in remote places.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18a).     

If  churches are going to grow, they must catch an outreach vision. Our writer states, “Church unity is vital, especially for outreach.  Without unity, we will never move past the church walls and out of the building.”   There must be a unified effort to get church members involved in winning the lost to Jesus.  So many churches don’t have an outreach program. They are on the brink of locking their doors. Why?  They failed to catch the vision.

Maybe your church has an outreach program and you aren’t on the team. The success or failure of your church depends on the recruitment of people who understand the meaning of today’s verse.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Mark McPeak, FWBIM Director of Advancement as he shares the vision of world evangelism and challenges churches toward greater involvement.

“Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:2).

The last week of our study is titled, “Measuring Success.”  Our writer states “To measure success, we should look at three areas: repentant hearts, recruitment, and souls.”  Churches will fail if these areas are not addressed.

Speaking of repentant hearts, it has to begin in ours.  We find in Psalm 51 the repentant prayer of David. We can sense how contrite he was about his sins. If you are in need of repentance yourself, it would be quite a stretch to think you’re going to be a success in leading others to repent of their sins. They need to see the difference Christ makes in you.  How our churches need people who will lead by example.  Is your relationship with the Lord helping or hindering the growth of your church?  As I’ve poured over commentaries and this Treasure study, I keep coming back to the old saying, “What would my church be, if every member were just like me?”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for repentant hearts among those in your congregation who are struggling with sin. Examine your own heart as well.

“Samuel was very upset with their request and went to the Lord for advice.  Do as they say, the Lord replied, for it is me they are rejecting, not you…”  (1 Samuel 8:6-7 NLT).

The saying that’s been going around as of late is true:  It’s not about me, it’s all about Him.  It’s a timeless truth.  Today’s verse reveals this.

The folks you know who ignore your invitations to church, shun your mention of the gospel and make light of your decision to live for Christ, are not doing those things against you.  They’re rejecting God.

It’s all about Him. No one is exempt from His holiness and the conviction that comes when we stand up against it.  There is no one who can honestly tell us they don’t believe in God; everyone does. But what people do with Him is another story.

Be very careful about taking personal offense.  It’s not about you.  Continue to share; that’s what He’s asked you to do.  Keep inviting; it’s your calling as one of His.  Never stop living for Him; they notice.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that marriages will be strengthened as result of God’s work among couples who attended the 2012 Marriage Enrichment Conferences in Chattanooga and Branson.

“Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone”  (Psalm 33:22 NLT).

Surround us…

Like a warm, well-worn blanket stitched in love.

Like a sentry, armed to the hilt, against our enemy.

Like a black velvet box in a jeweler’s case.

Like a field of ankle-high grass on a blue-sky day.

Like a mother in a rocking chair.

Like a cool breeze on a hot summer afternoon.

Why?

Because You are all we have.  Because You are our only hope.  Because,  You want more for us than what we have settled for in this life.

Malinda Edgell
Illinois

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Joe Grizzle as he speaks to couples attending the Marriage Enrichment Conference this weekend in Branson, MO.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:  And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”  (Psalm 139:23-24).

Yesterday’s verse alluded to doing what we do for the Lord and not for man.  If our work is only for the praise of man, we need to examine our motives.

Sometimes we must ask ourselves this question, “What in the world am I doing?” And once we answer that we need to ask, “Why am I doing this?  Am I taking credit for all I’m accomplishing for the Lord?  Or am I giving Him the glory and praise for what I’m able to do?”

Pray today’s verses and allow God to lead “in the way everlasting.”

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that God would speak to and through Sunday school teachers in your church this weekend.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;  Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24).

Just as God loves a cheerful giver, He loves one who serves Him heartily. It’s not a matter of doing something because we have to, it’s because we want to. It doesn’t matter what we have to stretch to accomplish even the most menial tasks. I love watching people who are enthused about anything they get to do for the Lord.

Basically, whatever you do, big or small, work at it with all your heart. Don’t do it grudgingly. Remember at the end of life’s road there will be a payday. It will surpass any earthly wages.

Sue Winchester
Missouri

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Ivorian national pastors and their families.