“Transitional Assurance”
December 31, 2008 at 11:26 am | In Devotional | Leave a CommentTags: Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, Religion
Listen to us share this message on your audio player.
“But You remain the same, and Your years will never end” (Psalm 102:27).
Another year is coming to an end. For some of you this has been a year of significant change in your life. Celebrations such as the birth of a child, a long-awaited job promotion, an in-law added to the family structure, a new home. In addition to the celebrations you’ve possibly experienced the loss of a loved one, a difficult job transition, a divorce in the family, or even a major medical battle.
2009 is around the corner and you’re not sure just what to expect. What do the terrorists have planned? What will happen in the Middle East? How will the economy affect your personal life? What will the political changes bring? Or more importantly, will this be the year for the return of the King of kings?
The portion of Scripture truth in the daily text gives great assurance for life’s inevitable transitions. It’s said that change is certain and from our perspective that’s true. There will be change in your life in 2009. That’s for sure. And there will certainly be change in our world as well!
The Psalmist is speaking of God in the daily text when he writes, “But you remain the same.” This speaks of the theological attribute known as the immutability of God, which is taught throughout the Bible. God declares in Malachi 3:6, “For I am the LORD, I change not.” Hebrews 13:8 declares that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” I often find rich assurance in the portion of the great old hymn that states, “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not. As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.”
The latter part of the verse states, “And your years will never end.” This speaks of the attribute known as the eternality of God. From eternity past, to this very moment we call “now”, and throughout eternity future He is. Less than 24 hours this year will end and one day our physical existence on earth will end, but His years will never end. And the remarkable blessing is that He has made provision for us to live with Him for all eternity!
There are many changes on earth we dread, but the certainty of a future in heaven with the King of kings is a change that fills us with glorious anticipation as we welcome in the new year of 2009. As we go through life’s transitions let us place our growing faith and steadfast hope in God’s ever-faithful care! As we do so, His grace will sustain us and His Word will guide us through another year.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we are so very thankful for all the blessings we enjoyed over the past year of 2008. There were many opportunities for rejoicing and many opportunities for trusting. Your mercies are renewed daily and Your provision is experienced in our lives each moment of every day. We seek You for guidance in the new year and growth in our daily Christian walk. Though we cannot predict the future we can predict Your faithfulness because You are a God that does not change. Every promise You’ve made is true as we have seen in the Biblical records. This gives us reason to trust You for the dawning of a new year where we will once again experience Your guiding presence in our daily lives. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Amen.
Personal Note: Today we are in the Greensboro, North Carolina area visiting my sister Genelle and her husband Cesar. This morning my sister is fixing my favorite breakfast dish at her place called “Arepas”. This afternoon we plan to visit friends in the Charlotte area. Tomorrow we’ll visit friends in the Hickory area before returning here tomorrow afternoon. We do not expect to prepare a message tomorrow morning but hope to share one January 2.
Monday we drove on a portion of both the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway in Virgina. These routes run on top of the ridge and are beautiful and far less travelled than the interstates but way, way slower!
Along the Parkway we passed a beautiful mountain lake. Some one apparently felt they needed to clean up the warning sign!
Yesterday we took a five mile hike on a nature trail. The Greensboro area really is green. (However it’s actually named after Nathaniel Green.)
Today’s Suggested Music
“The Sovereign Lord Is My Strength”
December 29, 2008 at 11:23 am | In Devotional | Leave a Comment
Today we will be travelling down a portion of both the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway.
Listen to us share this message on your audio player.
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights” (Habakkuk 3:17-19).
Just minutes after midnight Saturday morning Brooksyne and I experienced something that we’d never experienced before. I had just climbed into bed while Brooksyne was putting away some dishes in the kitchen when we heard a loud rumbling noise and felt some vibrations for a few seconds. To borrow from a famous Christmas poem, I “sprung from my bed to see what was the matter.” I quickly descended the steps and Brooksyne met me with, “What was that?” I told her unconvincingly, “I think it was thunder.”
She suggested we open the front door to make sure there wasn’t large farm equipment driving past our house, though it was certainly a strange hour for that. We did so but there was nothing but the empty field across the street. Then she came up with the ridiculous theory, “I believe it was an earthquake.” “No, we don’t get earthquakes around here” I told her.
We went to bed and thought little more about it. But when I got up the next morning I googled “Lancaster earthquake” just to see if there was anything to Brooksyne’s farfetched theory. Sure enough there were many entries under the subject matter. And, indeed, we did have an earthquake that registered 3.3 on the Richter Scale.
Ester slept right through the earthquake as did many others. Another first for us is that we drove through the epicenter in Salunga about five miles from our home as we took Ester to work later that morning.
Now I realize that our little earthquake didn’t make national news or we surely would have gotten phone calls from worried family members and distant friends. We had no structural damage, no material breakage, and most importantly no deaths were reported due to our earthquake.
But the earth’s trembling that we heard and felt reminds me of the shaking that takes place in people’s lives in various magnitudes. Sometimes it is of a local nature such as our small earthquake and other times it might be of a much larger magnitude affecting multitudes of people all over the globe. The fallout can have disastrous consequences, rather than just a minor distraction that becomes the talk around town the next morning.
Today let us consider the great statement of confidence and faith that concludes the rather obscure book of Habakkuk. This was written as Judah was about to be destroyed by the Babylonians and the remnant taken captive. It was a desperate time.
Since the economy was agriculturally based Habakkuk describes the equivalence of a severe economic depression. Based on the wider context of the book (the impending judgment upon the nation of Judah) I believe he’s describing a situation in which everything that can go wrong does, a “worst case scenario.”
What response does he have during such times? Twice he states the will to live in an attitude of joy and in both cases the immutable (unchanging) source of that joy is expressed: “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Consider the word “yet”; few in letters but packed with meaning. It conveys the sense of “in spite of” or “notwithstanding.” Habakkuk was determined to keep his faith in the Lord, and experience the deep abiding joy that is derived from one’s relationship with an unchanging God, not the changing circumstances of one’s life.
Jesus prayed to His Father in His final “High Priestly” prayer: “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them” (John 17:13).
Today, what are you going through? For most of you it doesn’t compare with those in the areas devastated by destructive earthquakes, other natural disasters, wars or persecuted lands. But some of you are dealing with a trial and doubtless for some readers it’s a very serious trial. Today, let us quote Habakkuk and make this our own personal victorious declaration: “The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights” (3:19).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, Habakkuk reminds me that my joy is not derived from my abundant provisions. But rather my joy comes from God my Savior as I choose to rejoice in Him whether or not my pantry is overflowing. I rejoice in knowing that You are my strength as You enable me to descend the rigorous, steep terrain toward the victorious mountaintop. At the height of the mountain I can look back at the disappointments and hardships I climbed through as You made my feet sure-footed like those of a deer. I once again affirm my faith in You, my Sovereign Lord, and rejoice in the work You are accomplishing in my life.
Note: We’re presently in Harrisonburg, VA this morning and we will be travelling to North Carolina today. We are planning to see Stephen’s sister and her husband along with three other families thoughout North Carolina over the next several days.
We will attempt to write daily but realize that our schedule may be impeded due to our travel and visiting schedules.
Today’s Suggested Music
(Click on the link to open and play. In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.)
“He Lives” Audio
“Everlasting God” Audio
News about our earthquake.
“Glorifying The Lord”
December 26, 2008 at 11:48 am | In Devotional | Leave a CommentTags: Christianity, Christmas, Devotional, Encouragement, Religion
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is His name” (Luke 1:46-49).
Note: Brooksyne primarily wrote today’s message.
I had the role of planning and leading our Christmas Eve service. In the beginning I invited the little children to come forward to the manger setting on the platform to play the role of the shepherds, Joseph, and Mary. A three year old visitor, without hesitation, came forward and at my invitation she sat down on Mary’s three legged stool right next to Baby Jesus in the manger. Three year old Tirza immediately marched right up the steps behind her. She reached right into the manger to remove Baby Jesus and she lovingly cuddled him throughout the song, “Away in a Manger.” The congregation found this impromptu live nativity to be a charming event!
Following the service I was stepping down the steps on the platform when I met little Tirza with the absolute intention of climbing the big people steps to make her way back to the wooden stool we had set up earlier for Mary. She sat right down on the stool and once again lifted Baby Jesus out of the manger and gave Him tender love and attention. This time no one was looking on. In fact the people left pretty quickly so they could get to other Christmas Eve activities. That got me to thinking.
Tirza didn’t want the role of Mary so others could watch her and whisper, “Isn’t she adorable!” She took her position after others left because that’s where her heart remained during the entire service. We had an abundance of Scripture narration, Christmas carols, Pastor’s meditation, Communion, and the Candle Lighting service but Tirza must have been thinking of Baby Jesus lying there in a manger all by Himself while we were busy with all the other Christmas Eve activities.
Her innocent childlike affection for the newborn babe is a lesson for all of us who get busy with the multitude of the season’s activities but we unintentionally leave Baby Jesus all alone in His manger. Our love and affection can be shown to Him by reading His Word and endearing it to our heart and, like Mary, though she didn’t understand everything she was told chose to “treasure up all these things and ponder them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).
We are at the dawn of a new year where we’re often challenged to make New Year’s resolutions. In this New Year I want to challenge you to treasure your relationship with Christ just as little Tirza treasured Baby Jesus. Don’t leave your Bible on a shelf only to be pulled down when others might take notice as you go to church. Read it daily, ponder its meaning for your life, search for hidden truths and most especially apply the message to your heart. Hopefully your Bible will show plenty of wear, not because of abuse but because of daily usage.
It is through the faithful reading of Scripture and daily prayer that we will be able to rejoice and proclaim just like Mary, “The Mighty One has done great things for me – Holy is His name.”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we confess that it is often easier to be busy about Your kingdom than it is to sit at the feet of the King. Intensify our desire to set aside a segment of each day to be a sacred time with You so that we faithfully read Your Holy Word and prayerfully commune with You. It is in communion with You that we grow in our love and devotion and we become mindful of the great things You do for us. You are the Mighty One who is at work in our lives – Your name is holy. Amen.
Additional Note: Lu, who is in on the decorating committee, had placed the manger in a corner near the nursery over the past weeks. When she prepared to bring it out for the manger scene Christmas Eve she told me that she noticed how Baby Jesus had been rearranged in his bed. My guess is that little Tirza had been caring for the baby while others had simply filed past taking little notice. No wonder she felt that she had a right to be caring for this Christ child when the manger was finally brought out for all to see on Christmas Eve!
“Marriage should be honored by all” (Hebrews 13:4).Today our friends Ken and Dorothy Bechtel celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. They were married the day after Christmas in 1943! We stopped by to visit them in their home in Lancaster earlier this week.
Today’s Suggested Music
(Click on the link to open and play. In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.)
“Away In A Manger” Video
“Mary Did You Know” Audio
“We All Bow Down” (Audio) A beautiful song of surrender and worship. The words and music have a way of transcending us from the present to the majestic presence of God Himself as we bow before Him. Winners, losers, rich and poor, all of equal value and so precious in the heart of the Father.
“We Bow Down” (Audio)
“Why Jesus Came”
December 24, 2008 at 12:36 pm | In Devotional | Leave a CommentTags: Christianity, Christmas, Devotional, Encouragement, Religion
“They shall call His name Jesus”
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).
I read a report this week that the majority of people in Britain no longer believe in the historical truth of the nativity story about the birth of Jesus. All over the world Biblical truths are being mocked and ridiculed and sadly there are those in the visible church who feel we must compromise in disbelief to be accepted by the world. After all there are those who concede that the Creation record in Genesis is a legend, the Biblical miracles aren’t real, and the Bible characters are myths. How long before the critical events in the life of our Savior; His birth, death, and resurrection are similarly ridiculed. Of course they are already ridiculed on many fronts today.
And yet earnest believers gather all over the world to give focus to the real meaning of Christmas. We will sing, read Scripture, pray and hear the Christmas story. We gather as redeemed sinners to express our faith in the very heart of the Christmas story. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
The epistles give little emphasis regarding the birth of Christ. Apart from the historical record in the narratives in Matthew and Luke, and the prophecies foretold centuries earlier, we have no other information on our Lord’s birth. It’s not mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles or in the epistles with any detail. There’s simply no record of the early church celebrating Christ’s birth as we do today.
But they certainly believed in it! Paul introduces a saying that apparently was an early creedal statement of the primitive church. “Here is a trustworthy saying”, literally a “faithful word.” This simple, easily memorized statement was perhaps used to teach and reinforce the faith in the earliest believers. It was at the time and always will be absolutely trustworthy!
Indeed it “deserves full acceptance.” Although most of the world’s population has not accepted this truth; from its earliest declaration, to this day and throughout eternity it truly deserves full acceptance. I have accepted this truth and hope each of you have as well. It is the very heart of the Christmas message. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
Be encouraged today and Merry Christmas to all our readers,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, how grateful we are that Jesus came into this world to save sinners; to turn despair to hope, darkness to light, and death into life. All that we have need of and presently rely on is abundance from Your generous Hand. You are worthy of our trust and deserving of our fully surrendered life. From the cradle to the cross Jesus is Lord of Heaven and Lord of earth. We celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus, our Savior. Amen.
Please note: Due to travel on Christmas Day we do not plan to prepare a Daily Encouragement message. We expect to resume Friday, December 26.
Yesterday we passed this colorful farm.
The Amish children were likely having a Christmas program at their school.
Both Amish and non-Amish attend this annual event, thus the buggies, scooters and autos.
Merry Christmas from the Webers
Today’s Suggested Music
(Click on the link to open and play. In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.)
“O Holy Night” (Audio)
“Silent Night” (Audio)
“Mary, Sweet Mary” (Audio)
Here’s the story regarding British beliefs concerning Christmas referenced in the first paragraph of today’s message.
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“God Sent His Son”
December 22, 2008 at 7:54 am | In Devotional | Leave a CommentTags: Christianity, Christmas, Devotional, Encouragement, Religion
Yesterday morning they called for a heavy storm and many churches closed. Ours did not and the choir performed their musical. I drove across the county to pick up the Lapp family in Strasburg who spent the day with us.
“But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons” (Galatians 4:4,5).
Yesterday we took our Amish friends, Jesse and Anna Ruth, along with their four children, and also Ken and Nila with their toddler David to an assisted living facility. The children rang the bells and we sang Christmas carols to the residents room by room.
This up-close and personal approach was very meaningful to the residents. Their eyes brightened and their warm smiles greeted us as we walked into their rooms (mostly seeing the kids, of course). The children were a little nervous in the beginning but quickly grew comfortable after meeting the first couple residents. They extended their little hands for a warm handshake which was most eagerly accepted from the people. Even Eli James stretched out his nearly two year old hand to each resident. Anna Ruth placed the 6 month baby, Naomi Grace, on many grandmothers’ laps and they were absolutely delighted with the touch of a tiny babe in their arms.
As we approached the room of a Jewish woman I whispered to Brooksyne, “She might not want to hear the Christmas carols.” Brooksyne asserted that she would be fine since she regularly attends the hymn sings that Brooksyne leads. We went in and sang a sacred carol and she sang right along. As we left singing “We wish you a Merry Christmas” she expressed her heartfelt appreciation that we had stopped by!
Here in the United States (and probably in many other countries) public Christmas expressions are increasingly seen as insensitive, unacceptable and intolerant. Even using the customary “Merry Christmas” expression is banned in some settings. This is a relatively recent development brought on by the sensitivity police and those easily offended. (I don’t think the new pc message had gotten to our Jewish friend.) The incessant efforts of godless groups like the ACLU persistently seek to remove any hint of Christ from the public square and this is most pointedly seen at Christmas.
However there are those who still boldly express their view of the season. Along the main street in our town we have a large auto dealership with a lighted sign which states “Christ Is Born.”
Bible teacher Warren Wiersbe observes, “In this day when pluralism is interpreted by most people to mean ‘agree with everybody about everything and don’t make waves,’ Christians need to remember that they are different and must test everything by the Word of God. There are many religions, but there is still ‘no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved’” (Acts 4:12). That name of course is Jesus.
Today let’s remember the real focus of Christmas: “God sent His Son.” This is the vital truth and the greatest source of joy and encouragement. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Jesus, You are life’s greatest Treasure as You emptied Yourself of equality with God and chose to be made in human likeness taking on the very nature of a servant. Thank You for coming to us and meeting our most critical need of salvation. May we not be fearful but openly voice Your presence in the public square even as great hosts of angels proclaimed Your earthly arrival in Bethlehem. Your salvation message brings hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, and release for those help captive in the ravages of sin’s wasteland. You did not descend to earth in order to conquer or enslave, but to draw the hearts of humankind to Yourself through the incredible sacrificial love that poured forth from Your body on the cross of Calvary. What personal wondrous love is this! Amen.
Today it’s really, really cold (8 degress when I woke up) with a howling wind coming from the west. We have some frozen pipes on the west side of our house where the builder ran some pipes through the wall.
Some photos from our weekend
“The Love Of God At Christmas”
Brooksyne directed our church choir on both Saturday night and Sunday morning. Saturday evening the choir presented her with a beautiful flower arrangement after the performance. It’s a wonderful choir with singers from all ages from teens to seniors and several multi- generational family combinations. See below for some audio sample clips from the musical from the original publishers.
While Brooksyne was putting the finishing touches on our dinner the children entertained the adults as they made up a melody together. I’ve seen two concert pianists play at the same piano, but never three (maybe because three adults won’t fit on the same piano bench.)
As we walked from room to room one thoughtful adult child had provided a basket of small wrapped gifts for those who care for her mother. We were several rooms down the hall from this room when we noticed that twenty-three month Eli was missing. Turns out he had observed those wrapped gifts a couple rooms earlier and went all the way back for his share! He quickly tore into the package and found it to be a Three Musketeers candy bar. He held onto that candy the entire visit so I’m sure that his mom had a chocolate mess to clean up when they got home.
Merry Christmas from the Webers
Today’s Suggested Music
“You Make This Night Divine” Audio A clip from the original publishers. This was probably my favorite song because it talks about God taking the ordinary and making it holy; “You made the stable sacred with Your coming. You made the manger precious when it became Your bed. With one touch the common becomes holy; Bethlehem is honored and all the world is blessed….”
“King Of Love” Another audio clip from the musical which is a beautiful solo.
We really recommend this musical!
“Where’s Christmas”? An interesting blog chronicling the issue I mentioned in today’s message.
Ben Stein writes, “I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don’t feel threatened. I don’t feel discriminated against. That’s what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn’t bother me a bit when people say, “Merry Christmas” to me. I don’t think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn’t bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crèche, it’s just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away…”
I appreciate those who in small ways buck this trend. Several years ago I was on a flight to California. The pilot, following the customary “Thank you for flying with us” farewell announcement, also stated, “And have a merry Christmas.” I sure hope someone didn’t turn him in for being so culturally insensitive (according to this world’s sensibilities – or should I say nonsensibilities).
“Christ Is Come” Audio
“This Little Child” Video A powerful classic by Scott Wesley Brown
It is our desire to share online resources that may be a blessing to families and churches during this Christmas season. We will continue to post these resources through Christmas Day.
Christmas Memories Here’s a collection of Christmas memories sent in by daily encouragement readers several years ago, along with an opportunity to share your own story.
“In Remembrance of Me” pdf This is a passion-filled Scripture reading for two adults. Stephen and I have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services. We suggest, if possible, a musical background as the message is read. It is also a great lead-in to a Communion service. It should be thoroughly practiced and read with great feeling.
“When Christ Was Born” pdf This is an adaptation to the tune of “How Great Thou Art”. It’s a great song to sing as a congregation since most are familiar with the tune.
Responsive Christmas Scripture readings for church or family:
John 1:1-18 pdf
“O Come Let Us Adore Him” pdf
My First Christmas In Heaven This is a blessed reminder for all who lost a loved one this year.
Christmas Knowledge Test
We have also posted two Christmas carol quizzes here (scroll down).
Are you Christmas shopping online?
Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com. Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for considering using these links when purchasing online through CBD! Tip: If you are regular CBD customer consider bookmarking this link and using it whenever you shop.
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your parents?Here’s an idea! The best gift you can ever give your parents
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your children?
Here’s an idea!
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Please help us continue this free encouragement ministry
“This Thing”
December 19, 2008 at 2:55 pm | In Devotional | Leave a CommentTags: Christianity, Christmas, Devotional, Encouragement, Religion
Mini-boxwood Christmas tree
(Table top Tree Arrangement by a dear woman in her 80’s. These were colorful decorations at our Christmas party yesterday in Palmyra.)
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about’” (Luke 2:15).
When an extraordinary news event is discovered in our generation the paparazzi, camera crews and journalists of all the network affiliates and major magazine outlets go into stat mode, racing to be the first to report. No expense will be spared in an attempt to bolster ratings for the television networks, newspapers and magazines.
I can picture it now in my mind, “Coming to you live in the little town of Bethlehem, you’re hearing it first at WXLV…” The camera zooms in to feature an infant newly born to very ordinary people. He is lying in a feeding trough as His mother is resting from her long, demanding journey and subsequent delivery of her firstborn.
But, of course that is now, and our story took place when fresh news spread only by word of mouth or through an angelic visitor. The very first recipients of the message of the birth of Christ was a group of shepherds. They were blessed with an inspired announcement from a single angel who was later joined by a heavenly host of angels who praised God, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests” (Luke 2:14).
The shepherds received this message as directly from the Lord and responded by promptly going to Bethlehem. Two bland, non-descriptive words in the text intrigue me as I prepare this message. The shepherds, surely in a state of wonderment and perplexity, call the blessed event “this thing”. Thus the very first human designation for Christmas is “this thing”!
The shepherds were blessed to receive this unexpected announcement from extraordinary beings, yet they could not fully picture in their minds just what to expect or the verbage to describe this historic event. God did not require statesmen to be out in the field with the shepherds so that they could eloquently describe this incredible moment in history.
Today I thank God for “this thing” which the shepherds went to see. The holy Son of God came as a baby, wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. That’s the redeeming message we must continue to focus on! Some are hesitant to witness to others about Christ for fear that their message might not be delivered as eloquently as a preacher or gifted speaker. The words we speak are important but the lives we live may have more meaning when we share of Christ’s redeeming work in the hearts of His creation.
Born a Child and yet a King;
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit,
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we’re so thankful for Jesus whose infant birth took place in a smelly stable and whose bed was a feeding trough padded with stubbly straw and hay. It was certainly not a welcome setting for the infant born King but we can now see the stable as a composite of this unwelcoming world toward King Jesus. We’re so glad that He was willing to come to earth though He would be rejected by the majority. Mercifully we number among the many who receive Him as our personal Savior. We thank You that He came to deliver us from our fears and release us from our sins. Through Your own eternal Spirit rule in our hearts today and raise us to Your glorious throne on Your appointed day. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Last night Brooksyne directed our church choir (though several were unable to attend) as they performed our Christmas musical to the residents of Longwood Manor, a local assisted living center. The choir will also be sharing the musical this Saturday evening and Sunday morning. In the photo Amber is narrating as the choir listens on.
Yesterday afternoon we visited one of our companies for a Christmas party. Bruce is a friend in the company who rides his Harley to work year round; rain or shine, sleet or snow (almost without exception!)
Today’s Suggested Music
Today’s musical selections are both instrumental numbers, a photo slide show with the music.
“Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” Video
“Away In A Manger” Video
“Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” Wesley, Charles / Prichard, Rowland H. © Public Domain
It is our desire to share online resources that may be a blessing to families and churches during this Christmas season. We will continue to post these resources through Christmas Day.
Christmas Memories Here’s a collection of Christmas memories sent in by daily encouragement readers several years ago, along with an opportunity to share your own story.
“In Remembrance of Me” pdf This is a passion-filled Scripture reading for two adults. Stephen and I have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services. We suggest, if possible, a musical background as the message is read. It is also a great lead-in to a Communion service. It should be thoroughly practiced and read with great feeling.
“When Christ Was Born” pdf This is an adaptation to the tune of “How Great Thou Art”. It’s a great song to sing as a congregation since most are familiar with the tune.
Responsive Christmas Scripture readings for church or family:
John 1:1-18 pdf
“O Come Let Us Adore Him” pdf
My First Christmas In Heaven This is a blessed reminder for all who lost a loved one this year.
Christmas Knowledge Test
We have also posted two Christmas carol quizzes here (scroll down).
Are you Christmas shopping online?
Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com. Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for considering using these links when purchasing online through CBD! Tip: If you are regular CBD customer consider bookmarking this link and using it whenever you shop.
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your parents?Here’s an idea! The best gift you can ever give your parents
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your children?
Here’s an idea!
It is our desire to offer this site as a free service to readers all over the world. If you find value in our ministry, you can help! One of the special features of this web site are recommended resources related to the topic designed to enhance your spiritual growth. If you decide to purchase any of the titles you see listed, simply click on the book title or book photo and you will be transported to CBD’s giant online catalog. Everytime you make a purchase directly from our site links (providing you do not leave our site prior to ordering) we get a small percentage of the total sale as a CBD affiliate member. This will over time help offset some of the costs involved in growing and maintaining this ministry.
Please help us continue this free encouragement ministry
“Let Earth Receive Her King”
December 18, 2008 at 8:30 am | In Devotional | Leave a CommentTags: Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, Religion
We are usually the first to place footprints in the snow
on our favorite walking path!
“Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
At seven years of age a thoughtful child wrote out an acrostic, spelling out the letters of his name and expressing his strong faith in God.
I – I am a vile polluted lump of earth
S – So I’ve continued ever since my birth
A – Although Jehovah, grace doth daily give me
A – As sure this monster, Satan, will deceive me
C – Come therefore, Lord, from Satan’s claws relieve me
W – Wash me in Thy blood, O Christ
A – And grace divine impart
T – Then search and try the corners of my heart
T – That I in all things may be fit to do
S – Service to Thee, and Thy praise too.
I wonder how many of you have ever formulated such an acrostic for your name? I sure haven’t!
This Christmas season many of us will sing carols with words so familiar that we may pay little attention to their rich meaning. Let us consider just one line from a great Christmas carol that most of us know well and will likely sing sometime during the season. It was written nearly 300 years ago by Isaac Watts and is still sung all over the world. He wrote a number of other great hymns that we sing to this day, but this is probably his hymn that is most universally sung.
There is a single line in the hymn I want to focus on today: “Let earth receive her King.” I consider the conflict all over the world, particularly in the land of Christ’s birth. Bethlehem is essentially closed up due to terrorism and violence. And there are so many places of strife from domestic to foreign.
The prayerful imploring of Isaac Watts is just as appropriate today as it was when he wrote it and when John wrote the words of the daily text: “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” The children of God are those of any generation, of any nation, of any skin color, of any economic level, powerful or powerless, who have received the King, who have believed in His Name. And all over the earth today many are receiving the King. Have you received Him?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, there is nothing we can do in our own power or charm to receive Your favor, but we do receive Your forgiveness as we believe on Jesus and the wondrous work of His redemption through death on a cross. Then we are no longer orphans but are adopted into the family of believers who call You Father. And the amazing blessing is that You call us Your children. We receive You as our Father, our Savior, and our blessed eternal King.
As we age and I suppose attain veteran status in Christian ministry a real blessing is seeing those who come behind us staying faithful and expressing their faith in the Lord. I received this note the other day from a young man who grew up in a church we pastored about 20 years ago. He went on to college and has done very well professionally. He is one of so many whom we stay connected with through Daily Encouragement. But as he approaches midlife he is doing some solid soul-searching and perhaps you, as a reader, might relate to his thoughts below:
How timely, as I turn 36 today, I feel as though I am standing at crossroads professionally and spiritually. Professionally, you can imagine that this year has been challenging as the markets wreak havoc. I can’t help but feel personally responsible for my client’s money, yet understand that there is only so much I can do. Management continues to push for the same levels of production as previous years giving no quarter to the environment we live in. We have monthly meetings where eight of us meet to discuss our business, offer constructive criticism, and make suggestions. I’ve come to the realization that my goals are very different than most of the other participants.
Their goals are to make more money, work harder every year.
Mine are to be home more and develop my relationship with God, my wife, and the kids. Though I have benefitted professionally, I don’t know if I will continue with this group.
Spiritually, I need to develop a more personal relationship with God. I haven’t “gone off the deep end” by any stretch, but I haven’t given Him the attention/credit He deserves. It’s so easy to focus on business and the kids. I find myself mentally punching the time clock when we arrive at church on Sunday, then punching out until next Sunday. I know better. I would ask that you pray for wisdom and guidance regarding my spiritual and professional struggles. Thank you.
On a more positive note, I am blessed with a loving, supportive wife and 3 awesome kids..
Today’s Suggested Music
Most of you recognize the text referred to in our message is from the Christmas hymn, “Joy To The World” Audio
Interestingly, “Joy the the World” is known as a Christmas carol but it doesn’t focus on the birth of Christ. Isaac Watts based this text on the last half of Psalm 98 which celebrtes the coming of the Lord to judge the world in righteousness. The Psalmist calls on all creation to sing and shout for joy at the Lord’s coming. There is nothing in the Psalm or in Watt’s paraphrase that specifically mentions the birth of Christ, just the Lord’s return in judgment. This song certainly should be sung each Christmas and otherwise since God calls on us to have bifocal vision: we need to look back and praise God for the gift of Jesus. But we also need to keep our focus looking forward to Christ’s return when God will bring a righteous conclusion to all things. Then we will fully enjoy the “wonders of His love” for all eternity.
(Adapted from “Complete Book of Hymns”)
It is our desire to share resources that may be a blessing to families and churches during this Christmas season. We will continue to post these resources through Christmas Day.
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your parents?
Here’s an idea! The best gift you can ever give your parents
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your children?
Here’s an idea!
Christmas Memories Here’s a collection of Christmas memories sent in by daily encouragement readers several years ago, along with an opportunity to share your own story.
“In Remembrance of Me” pdf This is a passion-filled Scripture reading for two adults. Stephen and I have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services. We suggest, if possible, a musical background as the message is read. It is also a great lead-in to a Communion service. It should be thoroughly practiced and read with great feeling.
“When Christ Was Born” pdf This is an adaptation to the tune of “How Great Thou Art”. It’s a great song to sing as a congregation since most are familiar with the tune.
Responsive Christmas Scripture readings for church or family:
John 1:1-18 pdf
“O Come Let Us Adore Him” pdf
My First Christmas In Heaven This is a blessed reminder for all who lost a loved one this year.
Christmas Knowledge Test
We have also posted two Christmas carol quizzes here (scroll down).
Are you Christmas shopping online?
Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com. Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for considering using these links when purchasing online through CBD! Tip: If you are regular CBD customer consider bookmarking this link and using it whenever you shop.
It is our desire to offer this site as a free service to readers all over the world. If you find value in our ministry, you can help! One of the special features of this web site are recommended resources related to the topic designed to enhance your spiritual growth. If you decide to purchase any of the titles you see listed, simply click on the book title or book photo and you will be transported to CBD’s giant online catalog. Everytime you make a purchase directly from our site links (providing you do not leave our site prior to ordering) we get a small percentage of the total sale as a CBD affiliate member. This will over time help offset some of the costs involved in growing and maintaining this ministry.
Please help us continue this free encouragement ministry
“Forever Faithful”
December 17, 2008 at 10:13 am | In Devotional | Leave a CommentTags: Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, Religion
This beautifully shaped maple is behind our house.
Yesterday we had our first significant snowfall of the season.
“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made” (Psalm 145:13).
Yesterday I received an interesting email ad from Staples, an office supply store where we periodically shop. This ad especially caught my attention as the subject was “Will Office Depot closings affect you?”
Office Depot, a competitor to Staples, is closing some stores and Staples “thoughtfully” wants to inform me (even though we don’t have any Office Depot stores in our area). The ad begins “You can always count on Staples” followed by a press report about the Office Depot closings.
Well that sure caught my attention and I called Brooksyne over to have a look. She thought it sounded rather arrogant. The email confidently proclaims “when other suppliers are closing their doors we’re here to stay.” Well I certainly hope that’s true but only time will tell.
I believe one of the greatest perspectives we can have in life is a daily recognition of God’s faithful and abundant blessings. In the physical realm these blessings vary among us. Some have better health than others, some have more of this world’s goods, and some have greater heartaches.
Because we live in the physical realm we inevitably focus on these. Nevertheless, how quickly these things can change! Any security we have in the physical world is very tenuous. There is such uncertainty in the current economic conditions and millions are affected.
I received a phone call yesterday regarding one of our chaplaincy roles. Since this last January we’ve had an interesting and fulfilling role in an international Christian ministry to truck drivers. We share the daily messages in a branded format to an email list and blog. We also staff a 24 hour prayer line in which we have been receiving several calls daily giving encouragement and praying for the callers. Due to ministry budget shortfalls my role will be terminated at the end of the year, along with several other staff. Although it’s not our sole source of income, it was an important part of our multi-vocational mix.
We all know that that “steady” job can quickly vanish. An unfaithful spouse, a tragic accident or medical diagnosis can alter our present and future plans instantly. We really have no guarantees of security in regard to the physical realm. Bluntly speaking a store, no matter how popular it is, can’t really claim, “You can always count on ______.” (I realize the advertisement slogan is intended to make people feel more secure about Staples in an insecure economy.)
But in the spiritual realm our security is absolute with no deficiency whatsoever. These blessings are safe and abundantly adequate regardless of where we live or how “blessed” we happen to be in the physical. My Christian brother or sister reading this in Africa, India or anywhere else on this planet is equally blessed with me in the spiritual realm.
What a tremendously assuring truth is expressed in the daily verse. These are 3,000 year old words written by King David. “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made” (Psalm 145:13). The first part of the verse is classic Hebrew parallelism, a great reinforcement of the reality of God’s eternal Kingdom.
- Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
- Your dominion endures through all generations.
The second part has two complimentary truths.
- The LORD is faithful to all His promises.
- The Lord is loving toward all He has made.
These statements may not always appear to be true in regard to our own observation and experiences but they are absolutely true in the spiritual realm and equally so regardless of the extent of our physical and material blessing or lack thereof.
Many of you are encountering a shaking that reveals the insecurity of this present world. Today, let us consider the altogether abundant blessings and promises of God. “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all–how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Jesus, our material accumulation initially brings great pleasure but it fades with each passing day. When we strive to hold onto that which is fleeting it deters us from that which has eternal significance. Lord, You promise to give us all things that we have need of as we seek You and Your Kingdom above all. May Your light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the glory of God in the face of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Today’s Suggested Music
“Faithful And True” Video Audio
A thoughtful photo blog post by Doris High titled, “I Trust Him”.
“You Can Always Count On Staples” Here’s the Staples email ad I mentioned in the opening illustration. This is not an ad for Staples!
It is our desire to share resources that may be a blessing to families and churches during this Christmas season. We will continue to post these resources through Christmas Day.
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your parents?
Here’s an idea! The best gift you can ever give your parents
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your children?
Here’s an idea!
Christmas Memories Here’s a collection of Christmas memories sent in by daily encouragement readers several years ago, along with an opportunity to share your own story.
“In Remembrance of Me” pdf This is a passion-filled Scripture reading for two adults. Stephen and I have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services. We suggest, if possible, a musical background as the message is read. It is also a great lead-in to a Communion service. It should be thoroughly practiced and read with great feeling.
“When Christ Was Born” pdf This is an adaptation to the tune of “How Great Thou Art”. It’s a great song to sing as a congregation since most are familiar with the tune.
Responsive Christmas Scripture readings for church or family:
John 1:1-18 pdf
“O Come Let Us Adore Him” pdf
My First Christmas In Heaven This is a blessed reminder for all who lost a loved one this year.
Christmas Knowledge Test
We have also posted two Christmas carol quizzes here (scroll down).
Are you Christmas shopping online?
Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com. Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for considering using these links when purchasing online through CBD! Tip: If you are regular CBD customer consider bookmarking this link and using it whenever you shop.
It is our desire to offer this site as a free service to readers all over the world. If you find value in our ministry, you can help! One of the special features of this web site are recommended resources related to the topic designed to enhance your spiritual growth. If you decide to purchase any of the titles you see listed, simply click on the book title or book photo and you will be transported to CBD’s giant online catalog. Everytime you make a purchase directly from our site links (providing you do not leave our site prior to ordering) we get a small percentage of the total sale as a CBD affiliate member. This will over time help offset some of the costs involved in growing and maintaining this ministry.
Please help us continue this free encouragement ministry
“God’s Infinite Understanding”
December 16, 2008 at 11:59 am | In Devotional | Leave a CommentTags: Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, Religion
Each Christmas season we enjoy passing this wreath
on an old stone barn on the Strasburg Pike.
“He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit” (Psalm 147:4,5).
How are you doing with your Christmas shopping? Are you having trouble getting just the “perfect” gift? I am a very poor shopper and struggle getting the right gift for my wife. Well, for several years now I’ve been hearing about a very different gift. The International Star Registry allows you to name a star and will send you an official certificate! Whoever came up with this has a pretty good business model since the current estimate among astronomers is that there are a billion stars, and of course they’ll probably always be discovering a few million more.
However there is a problem for the enterprising business entrepreneur who devised this scheme. The mighty God we serve and who sent His only Son to this little planet earth has already taken care of naming all the stars. He has determined their number and calls them each by name.
He made them all (Genesis 1:16) and has them all accounted for. The prophet Isaiah, in proclaiming the mighty greatness of God, declares “Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing” (Isaiah 40:26). This is the great God we serve today!
Yesterday we wrote of the increasing evidence of mass apostasy (falling away) as modern man sits in judgment of God and His revealed truth in the Holy Scriptures. On issue after issue we are told by modern experts that we’ve had it all wrong. Author Rod Dreher writes concerning this viewpoint, “Truth is not determined by emotion, as I see it, and certainly I find it epistemologically arrogant to assume that an early 21st-century white American bourgeois male can stand in judgment of Scripture and the Church.” I am quoting Rod Dreher here but I would emphatically remove the qualifying phrase, “as I see it.” Truth is not determined by emotion. Period!
“His understanding has no limit.” How extremely limited my understanding is. The very brightest minds understand only a tiny, tiny fraction of all there is to understand. Each person’s culture, location, and life experience will have a significant bearing in what he comes to know and apply to his understanding. How distorted that is.
The NASV translates this phrase describing God’s attribute as, “His understanding is infinite.” Time, location, and culture are not factored into God’s understanding for He has always existed and His understanding far exceeds our skewed vision and earth-based experience. God’s infinite frame of reference springs forth from His eternal character. In His unshakable kingdom God’s infinite understanding is applied not just here and now but will also be revealed in the future kingdom.
Today let us again resolve that we will stay true to the faith once for all delivered to the saints even while we humbly acknowledge our own very limited understanding in light of God’s unlimited understanding.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we are mindful that we not only fall short of Your glory, but we also fall short of understanding. Understanding all that You want to teach us in this life and the life yet to come. But we draw near to You with a sincere heart as we study Your truths and seek to apply them with understanding to our minds and hearts. This comes about as we read the Scriptures, as we meditate in prayer, as we contemplate Your holy character, and even as we make wrong decisions that force us to reaccess our actions and go back to Your infinite wisdom and understanding. As we do so we hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for You are faithful in all You say and in all You do. We bless You, Lord, at all times and give thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord, for Your infinite wisdom. Amen.
Today’s Suggested Music
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” Audio
It is our desire to share resources that may be a blessing to families and churches during this Christmas season. We will continue to post these resources through Christmas Day.
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your parents?
Here’s an idea! The best gift you can ever give your parents
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your children?
Here’s an idea!
Christmas Memories Here’s a collection of Christmas memories sent in by daily encouragement readers several years ago, along with an opportunity to share your own story.
“In Remembrance of Me” pdf This is a passion-filled Scripture reading for two adults. Stephen and I have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services. We suggest, if possible, a musical background as the message is read. It is also a great lead-in to a Communion service. It should be thoroughly practiced and read with great feeling.
“When Christ Was Born” pdf This is an adaptation to the tune of “How Great Thou Art”. It’s a great song to sing as a congregation since most are familiar with the tune.
Responsive Christmas Scripture readings for church or family:
John 1:1-18 pdf
“O Come Let Us Adore Him” pdf
My First Christmas In Heaven This is a blessed reminder for all who lost a loved one this year.
Christmas Knowledge Test
We have also posted two Christmas carol quizzes here (scroll down).
Are you Christmas shopping online?
Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com. Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for considering using these links when purchasing online through CBD! Tip: If you are regular CBD customer consider bookmarking this link and using it whenever you shop.
It is our desire to offer this site as a free service to readers all over the world. If you find value in our ministry, you can help! One of the special features of this web site are recommended resources related to the topic designed to enhance your spiritual growth. If you decide to purchase any of the titles you see listed, simply click on the book title or book photo and you will be transported to CBD’s giant online catalog. Everytime you make a purchase directly from our site links (providing you do not leave our site prior to ordering) we get a small percentage of the total sale as a CBD affiliate member. This will over time help offset some of the costs involved in growing and maintaining this ministry.
Please help us continue this free encouragement ministry
“Standing At The Crossroads”
December 15, 2008 at 1:59 pm | In Devotional | Leave a CommentTags: Christianity, Devotional, Encouragement, Religion
Windmill and buggies
“Standing At The Crossroads”
“This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it’” (Jeremiah 6:16).
Yesterday we attended an Amish church service held in the home of our Amish friends Jesse and Anna Ruth. It was altogether unlike any service we had ever visited and we will share some observations on the experience below our message. On the way over to their home on the eastern side of Lancaster County we listened to a portion of a church service on the radio. It was a live service from one of our local mega churches and had the latest music, most of which we didn’t even recognize, even though we don’t consider ourselves entirely “out of the groove”! But it did underscore the incredible contrast we experienced yesterday morning.
Jeremiah’s ministry was to the Kingdom of Judah in the years just prior to the Babylonian Exile. His ministry essentially urged the people to repent of their sins and turn back to God. In today’s verse the direct appeal is from God, “This is what the LORD says.”
They were instructed to “stand at the crossroads and look.” I believe in this instance the crossroads was that critical period in which they lived. An old commentary states that this is the “image from travelers who have lost their road, stopping and inquiring which is the right way on which they once had been, but from which they have wandered.” The crossroads of life is a critical time of decision making not just outward, but also involving inner contemplation. It is a good time to examine our lives. In the case of Jeremiah and the initial recipients it was the sobering reality of the imminent judgment and destruction of the kingdom.
In our own lives crossroad experiences may be the death of a loved one, a life-altering trial, our own aging and sense of mortality, or choosing to tackle a longstanding, destructive addiction.
God called the kingdom of Judah to “ask for the ancient paths.” Today the last thing most people are interested in is the “ancient paths”. Our culture is obsessed with the lure of the new. For so many the ancient paths have no appeal at all and are generally scoffed at. “Out with the old, in with the new.”
“Ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” I believe the meaning here is spiritual and a call to obedience as found in God’s Holy law. This is the “good way” and by walking in it one will truly find rest for the soul. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
But many then and so many today emphatically declare, “We will not walk in it.” The “ancient paths” are maligned from so many sources. I always expect before Christmas and Easter to see major publications and newscasts launch an assault on Biblical truths. I was perusing through books at a local warehouse store where book after book attacked the foundations of the historic Christian faith. Modern scholars malign the ancient way and sit in judgment of the wisdom of the ages.
Just this morning we received a letter from a trusted Christian ministry informing readers that PBS will run a program on December 18 titled the “Bible’s Buried Secrets” which will declare that the patriarchs, Moses, and the Exodus are all myths, and that God and “his wife” were a part of the pagan Canaanite pantheon; the program declares further that the Israelites were simply a sub-tribe of the Canaanites and that the Old Testament was a fictitious concoction made up by dozens of Israelites during the Babylonian captivity around 500 B.C. or later. This is blasphemous historical revisionism at its worst.
We need to return to the “ancient paths.” We must commit our lives in obedience to Jesus Christ our Lord, to the entire infallible, authoritative Bible, and to the great example set for us by scores of dedicated, sold-out believers throughout the ages of the Bible and the Church.
My earnest prayer today is this, “I stand at the crossroads and look; I ask for the ancient paths where the good way is, and by God’s grace I choose to walk in it and accept Your promise that I will find rest for my soul.”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Lord, as I stand at the crossroads of decision I am pulled in many directions, but then I see the well-worn path marked out by the faithful followers of God throughout the centuries – the faithful ones who remained true to Your ancient law whose hearts did not betray the One True God. With godly determination I earnestly desire to follow in the steps of the Master that leads me to find rest for my soul on earth and secures a heavenly home where my soul no longer grows weary.
Regarding the PBS episode mentioned in today’s post the article furthermore states: “This effort is a direct assault on the historicity of the Bible and intended to be the nuclear option that would finally remove the Bible from serious, scholarly discourse and to destroy the faith of those who trust it as the Word of God. Sadly, we have come to expect such broad, sweeping dismissals of the Bible due to the secular-humanist worldview of the program’s producers. Adding insult to injury is the fact that PBS relies upon public funding to promote and broadcast such openly biased programming. Think of the audacity of the claim being made by these ideologues: The Bible, whose historical accuracy is overwhelmingly supported by the science of archaeology, is relegated to religious propaganda. Its historical claims are declared false and therefore, must not be trusted by modern, “informed” scholarship (nor by anyone else for that matter!) The conclusions of these self-appointed determiners of truth, will be disseminated far and wide, poisoning the minds of students across our country.
of our Amish church experience yesterday.
The Amish church service met in the house in the background. Of course we have no photos of the service so we will try to paint a word picture.
Our experience: We estimate there were about 150 people, including lots and lots of babies and kids. The men sat on one side of the front part of the house, the women on the other. It was packed full, but done so in a comfortable sort of way! We were the only outsiders and the kids had quite a time staring at us throughout the service. It’s pretty hard to blend in! The men and boys all had the same type of outfit on; a white shirt, black coat and pants and black shoes.
The service started at around 8:30 AM but we arrived about 10:00 as suggested by our hosts. The preacher spoke in high German and all the words we recognized in the hour we were guests were “Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Joseph”. It turns out it was a Christmas message. At one point we all turned around and bowed at our seats during a 7 to 10 minute prayer. The little boy (about 4) next to me fell asleep at this point. When we resumed a small German hymnbook was handed to me. The congregation sang one song for about ten minutes in German in some kind of ancient multi-syllable melody. Of course there were no instruments.
When the service was over they had a short council meeting for members only (I took that to be a business meeting). I went out and poked around the barn where all the boys and teenagers had gone. They were having a good time together and I struck up a conversation with Sam, an 18 year old who explained some of the service to me. He told me that we sang just one verse in the song although I had noted that it had 33 verses. (I couldn’t figure out why they never turned the page.) Sam was leaving when the council meeting was over and taking some girls to a youth meeting about eight miles away. It would begin at three and last into the evening. I couldn’t tell whether one of them might have been his girlfriend or not but he was sure excited. He told me they would sing, have a meal and probably play volleyball.
After the Council meeting was over the men all poured into the barn where they congregated. I was escorted back into the house for a meal by a friendly man smoking a cigar who confessed to me that his wife was really on him to give up the habit. As we passed a buggie he snuffed it out and placed the unfinished cigar in the spokes. I presume he was going to take it up again after the meal!
The church benches convert to a table and I was seated with men in the “first sitting” since they can’t feed everyone at once and guests are always seated first. We were scrunched together and when we were all seated something is uttered in German and all bow and say a silent prayer for about a minute. It is not followed by “Amen” and I am not sure what cues them that the prayer is over; I just watched out of the corner of my eye and listen for rustling sounds.
The meal was considered light by their standards. A huge plate of homemade bread, butter, peanut butter mixed in with marshmallow, beets, sweet pickles and a runny, spreadable cheese unique to the Amish. Since it was Christmas we had cookies as well. It was all good and I had plenty. When everyone is done the German phrase is again uttered and all bow their heads again.
I got up and visited for a few minutes and the men were friendly although I had a hard time explaining what I did, writing messages over the internet and being a chaplain to businesses.
I walked out to tha van and waited for Brooksyne who was in another part of the house with the women. She came out and Jesse also came out to bid us farewell.
Next week Jesse, Anna Ruth and their four children will visit with us at our church since Brooksyne is directing our Christmas musical. They’ll join us for a ham dinner and Christmas carolling at the Assisted Living before I take them back for evening milking.
The barn showed evidence of an abundant harvest.
A short distance away we passed this rather unusual seasonal display. This is only small part. The lawn is covered with these plastic trinkets.
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus” Audio
It is our desire to share resources that may be a blessing to families and churches during this Christmas season. We will continue to post these resources through Christmas Day.
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your parents?
Here’s an idea! The best gift you can ever give your parents
Looking for a very special Christmas gift for your children?
Here’s an idea!
Christmas Memories Here’s a collection of Christmas memories sent in by daily encouragement readers several years ago, along with an opportunity to share your own story.
“In Remembrance of Me” pdf This is a passion-filled Scripture reading for two adults. Stephen and I have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services. We suggest, if possible, a musical background as the message is read. It is also a great lead-in to a Communion service. It should be thoroughly practiced and read with great feeling.
“When Christ Was Born” pdf This is an adaptation to the tune of “How Great Thou Art”. It’s a great song to sing as a congregation since most are familiar with the tune.
Responsive Christmas Scripture readings for church or family:
John 1:1-18 pdf
“O Come Let Us Adore Him” pdf
My First Christmas In Heaven This is a blessed reminder for all who lost a loved one this year.
Christmas Knowledge Test
We have also posted two Christmas carol quizzes here (scroll down).
Are you Christmas shopping online?
Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com. Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for considering using these links when purchasing online through CBD! Tip: If you are regular CBD customer consider bookmarking this link and using it whenever you shop.
It is our desire to offer this site as a free service to readers all over the world. If you find value in our ministry, you can help! One of the special features of this web site are recommended resources related to the topic designed to enhance your spiritual growth. If you decide to purchase any of the titles you see listed, simply click on the book title or book photo and you will be transported to CBD’s giant online catalog. Everytime you make a purchase directly from our site links (providing you do not leave our site prior to ordering) we get a small percentage of the total sale as a CBD affiliate member. This will over time help offset some of the costs involved in growing and maintaining this ministry.
Please help us continue this free encouragement ministry
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