Wilderness Worship
Sharon W. Betters
TODAY’S TREASURE
Dear Friends,
We are welcoming back Paula Miles this week. I first heard Paula speak at a women’s conference. Her passion for the Word, love for Jesus, and desire to encourage and equip us with the truth of Scripture flowed from every word she spoke. Paula is a very busy woman, so I held my breath when I asked her to write another week for Daily Treasure. How thrilled I am that she said yes!
I reviewed Paula’s devotionals late one night when I could not sleep. Worry filled my heart. Though my body was weary, my brain would not shut down. For the past few weeks, I had been working on writing a new Daily Treasure series, but the news of the day sent me into a downward spiral. I began to wonder how I could encourage others to rest in the Lord, to trust Him with every detail, when I couldn’t seem to get to that place.
Every one of Paula’s devotionals turned my heart toward Jesus and by the time I read Friday’s message, I knew the Lord was sending me a love note, designed to remind me of His past faithfulness, His covenant love and that even in a wilderness, I can trust He has something good for me.
Two are better than one, and truly, tonight, I’m grateful for this sister’s truth-filled, encouraging words. When Paula asked for an extension of the deadline to get the devotionals to me, I did not hesitate to say yes. Now I know why it took her so long to write. The Lord wanted them delivered to my email at just the moment I needed Him in a unique way. I am praying someone else reads these messages and concludes they were written with her in mind.
Treasured by Him,
Sharon
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
In preparation for this week’s devotionals, read Psalm 63
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips, my mouth will praise you. On my bed, I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. They who seek my life will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth. They will be given over to the sword and be food for jackals. But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God’s name will praise him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.
Are there other women in your life who could benefit from a daily dose of encouragement? Forward this email so they can click on this link to Subscribe to Daily Treasure to be better equipped to walk by faith on the pathway God has marked out for them.
Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.