Daily Encouragement

Church sign on Route 772 in Lancaster County Pennsylvania

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“Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road that you take” (Jeremiah 31:21).

Yesterday we made chaplain visits throughout Lancaster County and finished with a visit to United Zion Nursing Home in Lititz to see our friends, Dave and Millie, who celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in April.  For many years we fondly referred to them as our “pew neighbors” since they sat directly behind us in church.  Dave has had a rough time the last several weeks but maintains his strong faith in God and a great sense of humor!

On the way home we passed a country church that sits on an interesting lot. As you approach the church from the west, you come to a fork in the road. We assume the original road went straight, directly past the front of the church. But at this point the “new” highway veers right.  Someone in the church considered a thoughtful witness sign to place at this very small point which is both practical and spiritual.  It merely asks, “Are You Sure You’re on the Right Road?”

In smaller letters under the question there’s a Scripture reference. I wonder how many have looked this up through the years!  “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13,14).

We want to especially consider a phrase from Jeremiah today. It was originally pronounced to the Southern Kingdom some 2,600 years ago and remains a relevant reminder to all generations, “Take note of the highway, the road that you take” (Jeremiah 31:32).

It is a fact that we are all presently on the road to our eternal destination. God has placed us in the driver’s seat to steer our lives in the direction of our choosing (free-will). Since there are many roads we may travel He equips us with the Bible roadmap that tells us what to expect when we choose a particular route.

One road is broad, well-travelled and seems very enticing. But since the futile end of this road extends beyond our initial view, Solomon warns travelers,  “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12).

Jesus gives unambiguous directions to those who travel the narrow road when He declares, “I am the Way, the Truth, the Life.  No one comes to the Father but through me” (John 14:6).  It will not be through our good works, religious affiliation or other man-centered efforts, but those traveling on the Highway to Heaven will get there only through the saving blood of Jesus Christ!

Jeremiah instructs, “Set up road signs; put up guideposts.” When we travel on an unfamiliar highway we appreciate periodic signs informing us that we’re on the right road. Even on familiar routes we still value guideposts that assure us we’re going the right way.

In my preaching I often quote from Hebrews 12:1 where the writer of Hebrews urges believers to confidently persevere in “the race marked out for us.” We don’t have to flip a coin or make a blind guess as to which direction we take but we can move forward in confidence.

On the spiritual highway road signs and guideposts are surely the directions given us in the Holy Scriptures, God’s owner’s manual. The Scriptures are an absolutely reliable map to direct our paths in the course of this life and to direct our hearts toward the life hereafter.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, this journey of faith began at Mile Marker One which was, for those who believe, the moment we personalized the tremendous sacrifice of Jesus’ death on the cross.  After we repented of our sins we began this faith journey and the milestones along the way have assured us that the route we’re on leads to eternal life.  We reject the philosophies that originate from this world and follow Your roadmap that keeps us on the highway of holiness. All the while we are ever watchful for the prowling enemy who attempts to steer us off course. Though sorrow and mourning have accompanied us on this journey, we will enter Zion rejoicing and singing as You crown us with everlasting joy!  And the marvelous blessing is that the end of this earthly journey is really only the beginning of eternal bliss!  Thank You, Jesus, for making it possible!  Amen.

“I Am A Poor Wayfaring Stranger” Video This old spiritual is a great reminder that the sickness, toil, and danger that accompany us on this earthly journey will cease when we get to our heavenly destination.  If you’re going through a difficult experience and need to move beyond your discouraging circumstances listen to this song.  Make it your song and God will lift your heavy heart and give you a future vision of heaven.

“My Help Cometh From The Lord” Video

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Ministry Update

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“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Last night we had a missionary couple over for dinner and fellowship. Bruce and Merly Bundy have served in Spain for over twenty years as church planters in Madrid. Spain is a notoriously challenging country for missions and we shared together about the inevitable discouragements of ministry as well as the tremendous blessing of impacting others for Christ and eternity.

Bruce reminded me of an incredible message I heard several months ago about the story of Mr. Genor, a man who faithfully witnessed in a simple way in Sydney, Australia for forty years. He saw no visible fruit from his spiritual labors, but learned only weeks before his death that scores of people’s lives were changed through his faithful testimony.  (The link to the story is below and will bless you tremendously.)

Those of us living for Christ are called to impact the world around us for His cause.  Husbands and wives are to demonstrate unity in their love for one another.  Parents are to raise their children in the training and instruction of the Lord.   Ministers are to “preach the word”.  Yet we at times may wonder if we really are making any difference.  Some do not have a marriage characterized by love and unity.  Some have children that reject the Lord.  There are ministers who faithfully “preach the Word”, yet see little receptivity.

The perspective we must have is the future harvest promised in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” But we do at times become weary in doing good, don’t we?  The apostle Paul knew the Galatian believers were growing weary and encouraged them to keep on keeping on for the future harvest.  In our “instant gratitude” society we especially have difficulty waiting for “the proper time” for God’s blessings to be revealed.  Our mindset is more like a lot of commercials selling high priced items on credit, interest free, for the first year.  They appeal to customers who have the attitude, “I want it and I want it now”, rather than save up money for a future purchase.

At times our lives just don’t seem to be making much difference from our visual perspective.  But Paul reminds us that, “at the proper time we will reap a harvest.” That “proper time” (“due season” in the KJV) will most assuredly come.  Don’t give up!  Your life, lived for Christ, is making a difference.  Our primary motivation for all that we do in the name of Christ must be based on our desire to obey Him.  A competitive spirit, statistics, people’s expectations or a desire to impress others can too easily become the driving power that misguides our actions.

But, as always, God works from the inside out.  We can’t impress Him but we can respond to His love for us.  And our love for God must always be the motivation for all that we do. “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”

He will bless us with an abundant harvest at His appointed hour as we stay faithful to Him.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, help us to be faithful in the big and small things You have called us to do, that You may be honored.  Amen.

The amazing story of Mr. Genor’s (Jenner’s) faithful witness for Christ.  Audio Text of story

Being from Missouri (the Show-Me state) I tend to take incredible stories like this, however inspiring they may be, with a grain of salt, and apparently others have as well.  However this man dug into the story and documented it.  See here.

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Bruce and Merly Bundy

Bruce, Merly, and I took a walk last night and saw some interesting sights along the way. (Photos by Bruce and our neighbor Laura.)

One day old baby goat, Miriam, with our pleasant neighbor, Ciara.

Along the way Roxie encountered Rerun, our neighbor’s giant 85# St. Bernard. They may look angry but they just greet each other and peacefully depart.  Not seen in the photo is the very pronounced ridge on Roxie’s back that raises up when she is frightened. She is part Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Baby chick

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Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

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“It’s Gonna Be Worth It” Video This musician (Rita Springer) has an interesting voice and this song has a powerful message.

“Field Of Souls” Video This song often ministers to me when I consider agricultural analogies and travel throughout our region. I especially enjoy the Brooklyn Tabernacle version but this fellow does a great job as well.

“Fishers Of Men” Video I came across this song several months ago and enjoy the distinct bluegrass sound.

“Make Me A Blessing” Video An instrumental version of this old-time gospel song.

Info about multi-media files used on daily encouragement.

Nebraska Amish church gathering in the Big Valley
I took this photo several weeks ago in the the Kishacoquillas Valley in Mifflin County Pennsylvania.
The Nebraska Amish are an “old order” group who gather in the homes of members to have church services.

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“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ” (Philippians 3:7).

Brooksyne and I love the old hymns. We’re spiritually indebted to hymn writers who have written heartfelt expressions of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God.  We find ourselves often limited in our human language and unable to verbally express what we feel emotionally.  Then we find the very expression of our hearts described in the text of a hymn, and by singing those words, we make it our own message to God.

We identify with Robert Robinson who in 1758 with blunt candor writes about the faulty human condition.  Buried in the third verse of his famous hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” Robinson describes the agonizing pulling of his heart strings, “Prone to wander how I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.”

I certainly identify with Robinson’s proneness to wander and live for self rather than the God I love.  Each time I sing this line I’m reminded of the two natures that are always waging war within:  the sin nature vs. the spiritual nature.   How can I defeat the sin that is crouching at the door of my heart? (Genesis 4:7).  Who will rescue me from this intruding enemy?

Jesus, through His unending supply of grace, will give us strength to defeat the temptation to wander into enemy territory.  Though there are times when Satan’s luring temptations turn into tortuous warfare we will remain firm in our faith when we choose to bind our wandering hearts to the God we love.

The Law of Moses prescribed the wearing of phylacteries to serve as a constant reminder of God’s Holy Word. These were small boxes containing slips of parchment on which were written portions of the Law. They were worn ostentatiously by the Jews on the head or left arm. In fact among the orthodox Jews they are still used to this day.

The closest I relate to the wearing of phylacteries was when I was a  Bible College student.  I, along with other Greek and Hebrew students, often walked around with a ring of index cards that had the Greek or Hebrew words we were learning.  We would thumb through these cards repetitively while standing in the long cafeteria line.  It was a good way to memorize the Greek language and an efficient way to use free time.

By the time of Jesus the usage of phylacteries had become a source of pride and a legalism to the Jews.  In fact Jesus spoke negatively regarding them. There is no specific mention of the practice continuing in the New Testament Christian Church. However we would do well to remember the principle behind their usage: Don’t forget the meaning behind the practice!

In the daily text Paul had been recounting his worldly credentials that were very impressive for his time (although they may seem foreign to us today). “If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.” These were impressive credentials in his day but he goes on with the daily verse, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”

What do you consider to be “gain” in your life today?  The world presses us into its mold and gives the following answers: important position, academic credentials, big salary, abundance of things, big retirement account, sensual pleasures, exotic travel, etc.

But I want to hear from God’s perspective and listen to His Word today concerning what real gain is. I want to hear the voice of our Lord who says, “Seek first the Kingdom of God”, as well as “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Paul describes the absolute change in his life’s perspective in the daily text: “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” Peter, the old fisherman says, “Live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.” James weighs in with, “Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?” John’s cautions the believer, “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” *

A double minded person is unstable and untrustworthy.  Let us be resolute in our commitment to serve our God wholeheartedly, living for Him and not ourselves.  His streams of mercy, never-ending, will supply us with the strength we need to keep this resolve.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer: Father, we choose not to live according to our sinful nature that will lead to a hopeless death, but we choose to live by Your Spirit that leads to a hope-filled life here on earth and for all eternity. Help us in our daily struggles that tempt us to wander from the heart of God.  Keep our hearts in oneness with Yours.  In the name of Your precious Son, Jesus, we pray.  Amen.

“Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing” Video

“Knowing You” Lyrics Audio

“Be Thou My Vision” Audio

“I Am A Poor Wayfaring Stranger” Video

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Ministry Update

Photo by Greg Schneider
Greg is a friend of ours who works as a photographer in the publishing industry.
He took this photo in central Pennsylvania
(Click here to enlarge)

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“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

I was raised in Belton Missouri, a small town about 20 miles south of Kansas City. The very next town south of Belton is Peculiar which, to this day, remains a quaint little town on the outer edges of KC’s sprawling suburbs.

Peculiar got its name in an interesting way.   This is from the town’s website: “The pioneer settlers decided their drowsy, maple-shaded hamlet ought to have a name. After several sessions in the general store they narrowed the choice to three names, but couldn’t settle on any one. All three names were sent to the post office for consideration. All three were in use elsewhere. They decided to appeal directly to the postmaster general, agreeing to let him make the final decision. ‘We don’t care what name you give us,’ they said, ’so long as it is sort of peculiar.’ Probably with tongue in cheek the postmaster general wrote a long and courteous reply. He said he had given their predicament grave consideration. ‘My conclusion’ he wrote, ‘is that in all the land it would be difficult to imagine a more distinctive, a more peculiar name than Peculiar.’ And Peculiar it has remained ever since.”

Brooksyne and I have memorized many Scripture verses because of dedicated songwriters who added melodies to the Scripture texts.  Scripture songs establish a great foundation for the faith. Today’s Scripture was one of those songs and we sung it to the exact wording of the KJV.  Today we want to consider just a phrase from the text, “a peculiar people.”

“Peculiar” is an interesting word not used as much now and perhaps the connotation has even changed. Today if we were to describe someone as “peculiar” it would probably be taken as an insult.

However it’s a vitally important description of the Christian as used in the KJV.  Other versions use this phrasing, “a people belonging to God” (NIV), “a people for God’s own possession” (NASV), “His own special people” (NKJV).

Christians are a special people because God has purchased and preserved us for Himself. We are His possession now. We are distinct from the world and we are called to live our lives as people in the world but not of it. Jesus said concerning His disciples, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it” (John 17:16).

We, as God’s people, have been called into “His marvelous light” which is a stark contrast to this world full of darkness.  We seek to keep a spiritual, eternal outlook in the midst of daily temporal demands. But when all is said and done we must confess that the scales often tip in favor of the physical, temporal priorities vs. the spiritual and eternal priorities. It’s a continual caution to the believer.

So much of the physical and temporal obscures the marvelous light of Christ and resuts in the darkness of the world. Injustice, despair, and destruction abound in this present darkness.

God’s dealings with humankind require an internal searchlight since we must first eradicate the darkness from within.  The interesting thing about God’s creation is that the answers mankind seeks for inner peace are not found in the physical realm.  We must deal with the internal spiritual nature and by doing so our lives will “show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness.” Yes, indeed, God’s people are “peculiar” in contrast to the world!

Today let us rejoice that we are God’s peculiar people and victoriously walk in His wonderful light.  May our words as well as our actions truly declare His praises!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, as we deal with the temporal demands of this day, may the principles that guide us be of eternal origin.  We seek not to blend in with the world but to be the salt of the earth.  You have made us a peculiar people who are called to be the light of the world.  May our light shine for all the world to see so that our good deeds bring praise to Your holy name.  Amen.

Today Brooksyne sang the Scripture song referenced in today’s message.

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Here’s an online Biblical resource I find very helpful as a I prepare these messages each day.  This will link directly to resources concerning today’s text.

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Here’s information about Peculiar Missouri.  As a child we periodically got a chuckle about the town name, although, like unusual town names here in Lancaster County, we sort of got used to it.

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Yesterday Brooksyne shared a note regarding expressing thanks to the custodians at our church. Here’s a neat tip from a reader in Connecticut: Your story reminds of my ministerial internship.  When closing up the church after the Sunday night service, my wife would write thank you notes on index cards to the ladies who cleaned the church, and place them in the bottom of the trash cans, so they would be found when the plastic liners were pulled.  10 years later we returned to that church as Children’s Pastors (we are still there in that role).  Every so often these two sisters will approach one of us and say “I remember when you put the thank you notes in the trash cans.  That meant so much to us!”  It’s amazing how much a little gesture can mean!

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Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

(Click on the link to play in your audio player)

“I Don’t Belong – Sojourner’s Song” Video A powerful song by Buddy Green.

“Home Where I Belong” Video

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Ministry Update

Lancaster County Farm Scene
Photo by Doris High

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“Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you” (Romans 16:6).

I saw “Mary” in action at a church gathering.  A disabled person had fallen and in the process had also become very frightened.  The scene was becoming somewhat chaotic as people were looking on while the uncomfortable drama unfolded. Due to a life-altering injury the man encountered many years ago he was unable to cope with the situation and needed assistance, both physically and emotionally.  A “Mary” lovingly helped this individual to exercise self-restraint while maintaining his dignity.

Most who are familiar with the Bible will readily identify Hebrews 11 as the “Hall of Fame of Faith”.  This chapter mentions many of the famous characters of the Old Testament such as Noah, Abraham and Moses.

But Romans 16 is another Hall of Fame representing the scores of little known believers who have contributed to the advancement of God’s Kingdom throughout the church age.  Most of the names mentioned in this chapter (35 altogether) are not referred to anywhere else in Scripture.  Yet each made an impact on Paul’s life and upon many others as well.

Mention the name, Mary, in the Bible and one probably assumes a reference to the mother of our Lord or to Mary Magdalene. But today’s brief Scripture verse is the only Mary mentioned in any of the epistles, a dedicated local believer in the Roman church. Her impact was such that Paul made a special greeting to her in his epistle, “Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.”

Her simple distinction?  “She worked very hard for you.” We are not told what she did, but the Roman believers knew very well.  Perhaps she was on the fellowship committee or she rocked the crying babies to sleep.  Those are sure two hard jobs in a healthy, active church!  Maybe she stayed around after a church meal to scrub the dishes (way before the days of plastic ware or paper plates.)  That chore had to be done back then as well.

Whatever she did, she worked very hard.  The emphasis on “very” is purposeful.  The KJV reads “bestowed much labor.”  Finally let us note the simple words “for you.” What a blessing she must have been to the church in Rome as she diligently served others!

We’ve met a lot of people through the years like Mary.  In fact some have actually been named Mary!  What a tremendous blessing they are; ordinary people using ordinary gifts to build up Christ’s extraordinary church.  All over the world, unheralded and often underappreciated, they’re still a major part of God’s plan in getting the job done.

Take note of the “Marys” among you in your congregation.  Speak a word of appreciation to them as you intentionally notice that which others might unintentionally miss.  And if you happen to be a hard worker for Christ like Mary you will someday hear the words of greatest commendation from the Master Himself, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer: Father, as we diligently labor for You it is not to bring attention to ourselves, but it is to bring glory to Your name and further the kingdom of God.  Help us to find our place of Christian service where we can develop our gifts and expend our labors for  building up the body of Christ.  Amen.

God Is In the Church Nursery

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Brooksyne’s Note: Do you know one who labors when others are not present, thereby it often goes unnoticed.  One such role is the janitor of a church who sees that the bathrooms are scrubbed, toilet paper and paper towel dispensers are filled, mirrors shine, floors are swept, glass doors are polished, etc.  We expect to see our church clean on Sundays and think little of it……. unless it is not clean or paper towels are missing, etc.  And then we might even get a little frustrated.  Some people serve in a capacity that goes completely unnoticed until something is out of place.  Therefore when they’re doing a good job we rarely consider their valuable contribution and even more rarely let them know how much we appreciate their work.  Our church has a part-time janitorial couple who are in their mid to late 70’s.  While I was a Sunday School teacher I had the children each write a note of thanks on our chalkboard so they would see it while cleaning that week.  We also wrote thank you notes another time and dropped them in their mailbox.  This couple has come to some of our special services and each time we talk they always say, “You’re the one who thanked us for cleaning the church.”  They don’t really know me personally but they recognize me by this small gesture that meant a great deal to them.  They had told me that it was the only time they had received such notes of appreciation.  That was years ago and I trust by now that they have received many others gestures of appreciation.

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Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

(Click on the link to play in your audio player)

As we prepared today’s message a song from the seventies came to mind:

“Ordinary People” (lyrics)
We especially like these words:

He chooses people just like me and you.
Who are willing to do everything that He commands.
God uses people that will give Him all.
It doesn’t matter how small your all may seem to you.
Because little becomes much as you place it in the Master’s hand.

I suggested these two songs earlier this week but they really fit again!

“Use Me” Video Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir with inspirational photos of people being used of God to help others in need.

“Take My Life And Let It Be” Audio We concluded the service in our church this last Sunday with this hymn of concecration.

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Ministry Update

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“And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins” (Romans 11:27).  “Because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4).

Brooksyne and I have given blood all through our marriage beginning our freshman year in Bible College in Springfield, Missouri (even before we got married).  We usually give whole blood through the Red Cross which takes about a pint.  However several years ago we donated a few  times using a procedure known as “apheresis”.  In some way they separate the blood and in our case, as I recall, they took only the plasma and returned the rest back into our blood stream.

Since so many English words come from the Greek I was curious as to whether this word had any usage in the New Testament and sure enough the word comes from a Greek word “Aphaireo” which means “to take away” or “separate”.

This word is used a number of times in the New Testament and two similar but contrasting truths are shown in the daily texts.

In Romans Paul is speaking of the covenant that God has with the Jewish people to “take away their sins.” This is a foundational aspect of redemption since sin is mankind’s biggest problem, separating us from a holy God. The Scriptures teach that Jesus Christ came to take away sin.  “You know that He appeared in order to take away sins” (1 John 3:5). The age old hymnwriter asks and then adamantly answers the essential question, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!”

The writer of Hebrews expresses the impossibility of the blood of bulls and goats “to take away sin.” When we make the effort to donate our blood we want it to be used to extend a person’s physical life on this earth, one component in a person’s restoration to good health. Several years ago I had surgery that required a blood transfusion and Ester has had several due to her heart surgeries. We are grateful for the people who made the effort and endured the temporal pain to donate blood that made a lasting difference in our health.

One thing’s for sure though.  This donated blood will not take away sin!  It provides no spiritual healing, only physical.  Only the blood of Jesus Christ is a once for all complete atonement that takes away the sins for all who believe.  John the Baptist summed up the fundamental mission of Jesus Christ so well; “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer: Jesus, we’re so thankful for Your redeeming grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt.  For where our sin increased, Your grace increased all the more.  Your refuge for our sin-filled souls took place at the cross of Calvary where You shed Your precious blood so that we might find forgiveness for our sins.  This salvation is marvelous; it is matchless, and it is infinitely greater than the animal blood sacrifice that took away sins for only a season.  Your redeeming blood sacrifice frees us from the penalty of sin in this life and for all eternity.  Thank You for freely shedding Your blood on our behalf.  Amen.

Here is an article about Apheresis

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Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

(Click on the link to play in your audio player)

“Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus” Video

“Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus” Video Matt Redman version

“This Blood Is For You” Video

“When I Survey The Wondrous Cross” Audio

I appreciate the teaching ministry of John Piper and here’s a powerful six minute video gospel presentation.

The photo used at the top of this message is a work of art by Ron DiCianni, one of my favorite artists.  It’s actually on a wall in an office building foyer in Springfield Missouri and is probably some eight to ten feet tall and is absolutely stunning. DiCianni has a powerful way of placing modern subjects in his art such as the man in modern dress holding the hammer and nail.

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Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

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Please help us continue this free encouragement ministry

Ministry Update

Roadside produce stand in rural Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
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“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

I want to share today about one of the great blessings of rural living. In many parts of our area throughout the growing season there are produce stands boasting an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce.  Often it’s just an old farm wagon loaded with corn, tomatoes, cucumbers and a variety of all that’s locally grown.

A farmer up the road brought a wagon load of sweet corn to sell at the end of his lane. As I passed by his grandchildren were enthusiastically waving at cars as people drove by, seeking to draw in customers. They didn’t have to do much convincing to draw me in!

We are so blessed by these roadside stands where we can conveniently select nutritious foods for our health and enjoyment. Not only are we getting fresh, delicious locally grown produce, but it reminds us of how the world would work if everyone practiced the golden rule. I realize the farmer put a great deal of time, expense, and hard labor into planting and harvesting the corn. The Bible says “the laborer is worthy of his hire” and the farmer deserves payment. The self service stand depends upon the honor system;  people will pay for what they take and they won’t take the money others have left!

Consideration is the practice of the golden rule in the small details of life, beginning in the home and extending to all relationships. What if the billions of personal interactions that take place all over the globe today were truly characterized by this rule? Well that would certainly bring about world peace but in reality that just isn’t going to happen until the return of the Prince of Peace.

But by God’s transforming grace we can do something in our little corner of the world. Today in our speech and actions let us keep this attitude foremost in our hearts as we, “In humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

We live in a very fallen world where fewer and fewer practice the Golden Rule. The daily text has commonly been called The Golden Rule but due to Biblical illiteracy many would not even know what we mean when we speak of the Golden Rule; “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” We, as followers of Christ, light up the world when we individually and corporately practice the golden rule. Today let us all carry out “Golden Rule Living”.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, You have placed Your children in a world where people push and shove to be first.  Because of their self-importance they clamor for recognition and will stop at nothing until they get what they want in life, even if it means hurting others in the process.  But You’ve called us to view life from a perspective that considers others as important as ourselves.  We are to have a humble attitude that puts You first, others second, and ourselves last in everything we do.  In our humanity this is impossible, but as we are being transformed into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus, we become more like Him.  Our love and consideration for others grows and we apply the golden rule to our lives where we do to others as we would have them do to us.   May this relationship rule guide us as we make decisions that affect others and ourselves.  Help us to have the mind of Christ in all that we do.  Amen.

Today as I prepared the lesson I came across an interesting video that surely illustrates the breakdown in living by the Golden Rule.  Caution: The teenage girls use language in one scene that we do not use in our home on this newscast.

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One of our readers from Missouri sent us this photo of Clarence, her husband, along with his mule team, Sue and Sally.  This was taken at the Ozark Mountain Mule Days. He had just won the Pleasure Driving Contest!

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Corn Canyon

Most of the corn around us is not sweet corn edible to humans, but field corn that quickly grows very tall. It is used for animal feed.  A narrow path or road between two fields is known colloquially as a “corn canyon”. This photo was taken across the road from our house.  This happens to be the very same tractor trail where Brooksyne broke her ankle in early May.

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Norman Rockwell has a thoughtful piece of art depicting the golden rule.  Both Brooksyne and I enjoy his artwork and have visited the museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts that features his work.

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Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

(Click on the link to play in your audio player)

We couldn’t find any songs on the golden rule!

Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

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Ministry Update

Sunflower

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Brooksyne wrote our message today:

“But the Lord said to me, Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’  You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.  Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 1:7).

In the summer months our pastor invites members of the congregation to submit topics they would like him to preach about.  In response to one submission he prepared a gripping message he titled, “When God Calls” and shared it with the congregation yesterday morning.  Pastor Bob’s text was from Jeremiah 1 where Jeremiah tells of God’s call upon his life; “Before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (1:5).

Pastor described this calling from God as a “divine tap on the shoulder.” Following the sermon Jerel Book (a retired pastor), Stephen, and I each shared our experience of being called of God to minister in a full time vocational role.  God used a number of people and circumstances to influence my calling that were more like a “divine tapping on my heart” over a number of years.  I share them today with our Daily Encouragement readers somewhat like an inspirational itemized list:

I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma where our family of seven went to church three times a week, revival services, camp meetings or anytime the church door was open.  I had a godly grandfather, Elbert Sherrell, from the mountains of northwest Arkansas who had a vibrant walk with Jesus. He prayed an impassioned prayer for each of his children and grandchildren by name every day.

I attended Youth Camp at the young age of 14 and my life was never the same after that.  I had a divine encounter with Jesus that changed my life and from that point on I absorbed myself in anything that would draw me closer to Him.

I had the blessing of dedicated Sunday School teachers and an encouraging Youth leader couple,  Edith and Cordell Cochran.  They were full blood Indians who had a singing ministry and formed a youth choir.  They would pick my sister and me up from our home and we’d travel with them to sing in revival services all over the state of Oklahoma, especially the Indian churches.

As I mentioned early on my parents were committed church goers but problems at home were not dealt with and only worsened.  By the time I was in high school Mom and Dad backslid so I went to church on my own.   My folks did not get their hearts right with God until 24 years later, only a few years before God took them home (they both had cancer in their 60’s).

It was at this time, as a teenager, that I went to church on my own and realized that only God could help me through the difficulties of my home life.  God used the many hours I spent at the altar praying. Godly leaders and Christian friends prayed with me as I sought healing for my family and direction for my life.

His Scripture became alive to me.  The Bible became the most important book in my life.  A very influential Scripture that I had memorized in Sunday School spoke to me often regarding my call:  “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify Your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Christian music was a major influence on my life; both hymns and contemporary music.  Bill Gaither’s style of music was quite contemporary at the time.  (When I mentioned this point yesterday at church I heard a soft chuckle among the youth.)  During the early convalescence from my broken ankle, Ken Pierce, a good friend, brought over seven Bill Gaither homecoming DVDs for me to watch.  As I listened to many of the songs popular at the time of my calling I was spiritually refreshed. I was reminded of how much God used Christian music to grow my faith and lead me in ministry.

Being involved in Christian service was a major factor in my calling.  On Sunday afternoons I went to Sherwood Manor Nursing Home along with our youth leaders to hold church services for them.   It was at one of these services where I preached my first sermon.  It was the 23rd Psalm (one of the few passages I was familiar with, having memorized it in Sunday School.)  Following the service I would wheel the residents back to their rooms and sit and visit with them.  Though I was only a teen at the time I’ve continued to minister in nursing homes most of my adult life.

I became very active in my Christian witness at school and work.  I saw people’s lives change as a result and this especially affected my call.  I could see no higher calling than to reach people for Jesus. There was a burning in my heart similar to Cleopas and the other disciple of Christ on the road to Emmaus when they said: “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32).

That burning did not go away and I trust it never will.  It has been the fire of the Holy Spirit that has kept me in active ministry for Jesus since the time of my divine calling.  I had so much to learn in preparing for a lifetime of ministry so I chose to attend Bible College where I would grow in my faith and mature in my minsterial calling.  God has been so good and faithful to me over the years. He has filled me with a deep abiding joy that comes from an obedient response to His calling in my life.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber (mostly Brooksyne today)

Daily Prayer: Father, as You formed us in the womb, You set us apart to honor and glorify You.  It is a choice each of us must make to listen to Your voice and respond to Your leading.  Align our hearts with Your will for our lives so that we will live productive godly lives that make a difference in the world around us and in our own hearts.  Amen.

Yesterday we had a special visit from friends who reside in Peoria Illinois. The Miller family has been a part of the Daily Encouragment list for many years. They were travelling through the east and stopped to have dinner with us on the way back home (their second visit in four years.)  They are a very dedicated homeschooling family committed to the Lord and Biblical values as pilgrims on the earth. They have five daughters (Katey is a professional photographer who travels all over the world and is not in the above photo.)

Several in the Miller family are in a movie that will be released this October extolling virtue.  It’s a short movie written, directed and filmed by a 17 year old homeschooling student.  Here’s the video trailer.

with our dog Roxie (she runs along with me).  As we rode up our country lane I heard for the first time in the season an unmistakable sound of midsummer. I inquired from readers as to what I heard and received numerous answers. I’ve always called them locusts but several answered katydids, cicadas and crickets (it’s in that family for sure). Here’s a sound very similar (scroll down on this page to the very last sound “Cicada singing using tymbals”).

I did receive some interesting answers to the question such as a rattlesnake and the bleeting of the male elk. (I am not sure whether we have any rattlesnakes in our area but I am quite certain we do not have any elk.)

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Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

(Click on the link to play in your audio player)

“Use me” Video Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir with inspirational photos of people being used of God to help others in need.

“Take My Life And let It Be” Audio We concluded the service yesterday with this hymn of concecration.
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

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Please help us continue this free encouragement ministry

Ministry Update

Amish hay harvest
(click on photo to enlarge)
We came upon this interesting site yesterday near Stumptown Road in eastern Lancaster County. A team followed by the riding cart, followed by the hay baler, followed by two wagons.  That team sure got a good workout!  Brooksyne took the photo from inside the car.

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“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).

This Sunday our pastor is preaching on the call of God and has asked Brooksyne and me to share our testimonies regarding our call to ministry.  He requested four minutes for each testimony so I decided I would prepare mine for our Daily Encouragement readers as well.  I invited Brooksyne to share her story on Monday.

I was raised in a nominally Christian home and do not recall hearing a clear challenge to accept and follow Christ in my early years. In my mid-teens I was heading in the direction so common among that age group, increasingly trying out the things of the world. My older brother, Pat, had become a born-again Christian while in the service and was eager to share his new-found faith with his family, but initially I rejected.  In August 1971 I went to a revival meeting, heard the Gospel, and accepted Jesus as my Savior. After a year of half-hearted commitment I became a serious disciple during my senior year at Truman High School in Independence, Missouri.

My brother was attending Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri so I decided I’d also attend for a year.  Maybe I’d see more clearly what God had for me. (I believe this is still good advice for any young person, although Bible Colleges are becoming scarce.)  During this time I was exposed to godly teaching, wholesome relationships, and experienced the joyous blessing of a fervent walk with God.  For the most part I would describe my call to ministry as a progressive calling as to what God would have me do with my life. It was at this time I met Brooksyne and we began dating our freshman year.

However I do recall an experience with some definiteness regarding my call. During a summer break I visited Brooksyne at her home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I was returning to Springfield, MO where I had a summer job and was travelling up the Will Rogers Turnpike (I-44). For some reason I was listening to a country western station. This was not necessarily an environment conducive to hearing from God, but as I began to contemplate the direction of my life, God spoke to my heart in a very memorable way.

I began to think about my increasingly clear call to serve the Lord in vocational ministry. I considered several other non-ministerial fields such as training to be a doctor or lawyer. It occurred to me that the most skilled doctor, while he fulfills a very noble task of working on the physical body, his best labor is limited because his patient will eventually die.  A lawyer may have a helpful role in regard to many of life’s issues but his labors are equally limited to this side of eternity.

I then considered the great mission of impacting others for Christ. As a minister of the Gospel I would be helping people to prepare for eternity, not just for their life on earth. I began to weep as I considered the ramifications of my ministerial calling. That was nearly 35 years ago and, the result of answering God’s call, has led to a very spiritually fulfilling life!

His divine calling may lead one to fulfill the role of a pastor or a different field of vocational ministry.  Not everyone has a call to vocational ministry, but it is the call of every true believer on earth to impact others for Christ until we are called to our heavenly home.

The Apostle Paul’s ministry was multi-faceted and at times bi-vocational.  He was a tentmaker and he ministered one on one, to small groups and to large crowds.  He ministered in both speaking and writing.  His life’s mission is summed up in the powerful phrase in the daily text, “the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”

Like the Apostle Paul I want to have a lifelong commitment to the great task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.  I like to frequently ask myself a question and I encourage you to do the same.  What have I done today to influence the world for Christ in evangelism and to build up the body of Christ?  That is our fundamental task, whether we have been called to vocational ministry or any other vocation, where we have opportunity in various ways to testify to God’s saving grace.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, this task of testifying to the work of Your grace in our lives is a very important way we give glory to You.  We recognize that, apart from Your abundant grace, we are weak, ineffective, and have nothing to offer that will change the circumstances in another person’s life.  But when we tell others of the marvelous grace we experience as we fellowship with You we offer the good news of Your life changing grace.  We give hope that begins in this present life and extends to the life beyond. May the glorious hope that is within us be seen in our attitudes, in our actions, and in our words.  Amen.

A couple of caveats to today’s message:

• In regard to my “nominal” upbringing – My parents loved us kids and Mom did take us to church. For most of my childhood Dad rarely attended church.   I recall Bible stories from church but frankly I don’t remember hearing a challenge to accept Christ or a clear explanation of the plan of salvation.  Around the time I accepted the Lord my mom and dad also began attending church faithfully together and both had a love for the Lord up to their time of death.
• Certainly I am in no way diminishing the role of a doctor, lawyer or any other vocation.  Dedicated Christians can and do impact their world in many different fields as they testify for Christ.

Early this morning I took a bike ride with our dog Roxie and as we rode up our country lane I heard for the first time this season an unmistakable sound of midsummer. What do you suppose I heard? Answer here.

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Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

(Click on the link to play in your audio player)

“For The Sake Of The Call” Video Steven Curtis Chapman

“My Life Is An Offering” Audio

Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

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Please help us continue this free encouragement ministry

Ministry Update