“Light My Candle”
September 30, 2011
Yankee Candle Flagship Store, South Deerfield, MA
Listen to this message on your audio player.“Light My Candle”“For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness” (Psalm 18:28) “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
I wonder how many of you know what the second most frequented single tourist attraction is in Massachusetts? After all, Massachusetts has many historical sites in Boston and Plymouth, the Berkshire Mountains and Cape Cod, all with many interesting facts and stories of famous people.
Well, it will probably surprise you as it did me. The highest attendance is at the Freedom Trail in Boston, but the second highest is the Yankee Candle Flagship store in South Deerfield (over 2 million visitors a year). We, along with friends Rick and Rachel, were numbered among those current statistics yesterday.
The flagship store is designed as one of the original models for “shoppertainment” and it is indeed both. It would be an exaggeration to say Yankee Candle displays millions of candles though it seems like it when you walk through their flagship store. But their brochure indicates that they have 200 famous Yankee scents and display some 400,000 candles. Since candles are usually a girl sort of thing, they provide a classic auto museum with eighty exhibits for the men! They also provide a lot of benches which were occupied by men during our visit yesterday.
Candles individually don’t put out a great deal of light, but imagine how much light the candles in this store would provide if their wicks were lit all at once! Today God has called us to let our light shine in a darkened world.
I remember talking with a Pastoral couple who went to Bible College in an area where a great number of believers resided in the community and surrounding area. After graduation they returned to their home state where there is much unbelief and cynicism. I asked Judy, the Pastor’s wife, “Weren’t you tempted to stay in an area where people are more receptive to the Gospel?” She quickly responded, “No, I couldn’t wait to return to my home state. The darker the sight, the brighter the light.” She was basically saying that if we, as believers, shine our light before the darkened world, brightness, truth, and deliverance will follow. This couple has served the same congregation for over 40 years now and they’ve seen many people come to Christ over the years.
You may work with many dedicated Christians in a well-lit place and feel your light doesn’t really make a difference, yet you are a vital part of the whole. Have you ever attended a wedding ceremony or other candlelighting service where one candle burns out? Have you seen a store sign lit up at night with one letter missing its back up light? How about a strand of lights that aren’t working on the Christmas tree? It’s an eyesore and your eye is often drawn to the unlit or broken part, rather than the whole candelabra or the business sign in its entirety.
When we, as believers, allow the life changing message of Christ to wane in our lives or behave in a manner that does not glorify Him our flame flickers. If it goes completely unchecked our light can burn out. We don’t want to bring disgrace or further the darkness but rather we want to honor the One “who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Today the Almighty God of the universe has called us to let our light shine. Let’s do so!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father God, You have called us to be a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart to show forth the praises of Christ who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Since You have enlightened our darkness we will not conceal it in the privacy of our home or car, but we want to shine it forth wherever we are; in the marketplace, in the business place, in the neighborhood, in the voting booth, in church and wherever we have opportunity to bring forth light in this world of darkness. We can make a difference and want to do so. We want to witness faithfully through Jesus Christ our Lord in whose name we pray. Amen.
The Great Awakening Memorial Stone in Enfield, Connecticut.
Here’s a photo of us at the stone 11 years ago.
Here’s a photo of the inscription on the stone.
Brooksyne and Rachel comfortably posing at one of their favorite shopping sights in New England – the Flagship Yankee Candle Village. The Yankee candle fragrances in our cars will make it a pleasurable drive through New England all the way home to Pennsylvania. ”Roasted Coffee” fragrance filled the car yesterday to the point of our stopping for coffee at a Coffee Shop during the heavy rains.
We couldn’t resist taking a photo of this cow catching a frisbee. It made us think of Mollie, Ester’s Border Collie Pup, who loves to catch frisbees. She begs to play all through the day by dropping the frisbee at anyone’s feet who’s willing to toss a few.
One of those comfy benches where the men get to rest or
in this photo Stephen is hibernating with the bear though I’ll
wake him up to pay the bill at the check out counter. He just
wishes he could sleep through the winter.
Ester got in on the action as she stood beside a 602# pumpkin at Yankee Candle. It weighed in just a little bigger than the butternut squashes we grew at home this year.
Rick and Rachel Caldwell enjoying a walk over the churning waters and in between the downpours over the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls Massachusetts. This bridge was formerly a Trolley Bridge converted to a bridge of flowers in 1929. A lovely, even romantic walk, as pedestrians are surrounded by flowers on both sides. It’s easy to forget that you are actually walking on a bridge over a raging river!
“Go Light Your World” Video Chris Rice
“Light Your World” Video Newsong
“This Little Light Of Mine” Video Children!
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“Whom I Serve”
September 28, 2011
Doesn’t this bench look like a great place to sit, enjoy a cup of coffee, and fellowship with a friend on a crisp fall day!
Listen to this message on your audio player.
Brooksyne has taught children since she committed her life to Christ in Junior High School. That’s now a whopping 40 years and she’s stored up many funny memories from the impromptu expressions of children.
Once she was teaching on Elijah and, in describing Elijah, she told the children that he was a “bold man.” Making sure that she was not talking over their heads, she asked her preschoolers what the word “bold” meant. Mandy quickly raised her hand and with much confidence answered, “He didn’t have no hair.” (Interestingly, Elisha, who followed Elijah, was indeed a bald man!)
Elijah is certainly among the greatest characters of the Bible. We have no background information on him except for the information found in the daily text, “the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead”, which is how he is introduced into the Biblical narrative.
He served God during the notoriously wicked reign of Ahab and Jezebel. He is distinct in the manner of his exit from this world and for later standing with Jesus and Moses at the Mount of Transfiguration.
He is introduced in the Biblical record by boldly approaching the wicked, polytheistic king with an eternally true declaration: “As the Lord, the God of Israel lives.” Today, some 2,850 years later we who follow Christ likewise proclaim, “The Lord lives”. And He is alive forevermore!
But it’s the next phrase in the Scripture text that especially grips my heart as I prepare this encouragement; only three simple, monosyllabic words, “whom I serve.” What a bold stand to take before the wicked and powerful king who made it very clear how he felt about the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In our day we, as believers, often let fear drive us as we attempt to witness. We keep the message subtle so there is no fallout if the recipient rejects our witness. But Elijah took a bold, unambiguous stand for the living God.
Prosperity, along with spiritual apostasy (falling away from the faith), characterized the reign of Ahab. This story is an interesting parallel to world conditions today, isn’t it? Certainly I know that many in the world live in severe poverty and that here in America, as well as many other countries, we face economic uncertainty but I still assert, for the most part, we live in prosperous conditions.* Ahab, though a descendant of Abraham, didn’t want to hear from this prophet and set out to kill him as a result of this prophecy of drought. And there are plenty today who don’t want to hear anything from those who represent the living God.
Today we need men and women, teenagers and children, all around the world, who like Elijah will unashamedly declare their faith in the living God. May we personally proclaim, “The Lord lives, whom I serve” and boldly confront our apostate culture. How can we go about doing that today?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, I boldly declare that You are the living God whom I serve. Only a God like You can turn evil into good, exchange sorrow for joy, or offer life beyond the grave. May I fearlessly proclaim You to be the Lord and Savior of my life and tell of all Your wondrous deeds. I join with the apostle Paul in asking that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel to those who have not yet heard or comprehended its meaning for their lives. Amen.
Note: We are traveling to New England this morning and will continue to post daily encouragement messages but not necessarily each weekday.
* As our standard of living has risen so has our expectations and sense of entitlement to the “good life”. When we do not receive what we feel we are entitled to, we may feel less than prosperous. This is a deception. Most all of us have indoor plumbing, electricity, a roof over our head and many other material blessings that others do not have.
“I Will Serve You” Video Instrumental version
“The Longer I Serve Him” Video The Cathedrals
“Lord, I Offer My Life To You” Video Don Moen
“Today, I Choose To Follow You” Video Brian Doerksen
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“How Sweet Are Your Words!”
September 27, 2011
This outstanding photo of a bee collecting nectar was taken by our friend Mike Book. I am most impressed by the translucent wings! (Note however that this is not a honeybee)Click on photo for larger version!
Mike and Kathy are longtime friends who make their home in North Carolina. On their last visit they brought us a very sweet treat; a quart of honey! I suppose honey is a universal gift that will bless virtually all. I recall a song that has this line, “Bees make honey and it sure tastes good.” It was a teaching tape for children concerning the fruit of the spirit.
Brooksyne’s favorite candy is “Bit-O-Honey” a small, chewy morsel with a rich, creamy, honey-nutty flavor. It’s been around since 1924 so she even had it when she was a little girl! (Editor’s Note: I wasn’t around that early, Stephen!) Preparing for a long trip we might buy a bag and share it among family members since “the chew” makes the long journey just a little sweeter (especially if we are caught in a traffic jam!)The great thing about the Bible is the universality of the illustrations. I don’t know this for sure but I suppose that regardless of where you live you have bees and honey. David wrote today’s Scripture portion some 3,000 years ago and he was from a part of the world far away from where I live. Even as I type my appetite is building for a piece of hot buttered toast spread with the North Carolina honey. I’ve no doubt that it will be sweet to my mouth and the taste will linger for awhile.
Psalm 119 is a wonderful extolling of the Scriptures. David would have had far less of the written word than we have today, since much of the Old Testament and all of the New Testament were not yet written. Yet he declared, “How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” May we approach the Scriptures with this same attitude when we read God’s Word. Consider this text the next time you enjoy some honey!
Physically, munching can lead to over indulgence and undesirable weight gain. In fact in my own life an identifiable issue of self-control is munching! I am capable of munching throughout the day. There are days where I might be taking in more through munching than regular meals. I would do well to post signs that say, “No Munching!” on the fridge and here at the desk.
But there is an area of my life where munching is allowed and is in fact a good thing contributing to spiritual growth. It doesn’t replace the established habits of the spiritual life such as Bible study, prayer and fellowship with other maturing believers.
But I believe the ability to partake of spiritual nutrition, such as meditative munching on God’s Word throughout the day, is healthy. It might be a Bible verse shared by a friend, a brief prayer at work with a fellow worker or an edifying Christian song we hear on the radio. I hope for many of you healthy munching on spiritual morsels throughout your day includes this brief devotional!
The Psalmist wrote, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” As we meditate on God’s Word throughout the day we can taste of the goodness of the Lord! Perhaps we need to post a sign that reads, “Spiritual munching allowed and encouraged!” It will surely bring a smile to your face as it brightens your countenance throughout the day.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, deep in my soul I have peace and reassurance as I “chew” on a particular Scripture verse throughout my day. You speak to me through Your Word and it refreshes and often challenges me as it lingers on my mind. It helps me to focus not just on the here and now. Sometimes You use the words of a Christian song and it’s recurring tune to fill my thoughts as I go about my work. At times You bring to mind the words of a Christian friend or a written message that draws me from indifference or complacency and inspires me to meditate on the Living Word. You satisfy my hungry heart and fill my thirsty soul with Your living water. Your words are a sweet savor to my soul as I walk in obedience to Your Holy Word. Amen.“Goodness” Video Music Machine
“How I Love You” Video Rick Pino
“Hungry” Video Kathryn Scott
“Bread Of Heaven” Video
“Fill My Cup, Lord” Video
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“Lessons From Job”
September 26, 2011
Yesterday afternoon following our service in a nursing home we came upon this interesting sight. It first looked like the Amish were out on a genuine team-drawn wagon ride. But they were parked at the edge of a field and all were looking intently in the same direction out over the distance. Since I knew some of them I stopped to greet them and inquired. Turns out they were watching parachute jumpers at the Maytown airport! They were sure having a great time including some good-natured horsing around. (Click on photo for a larger version to see why the boy’s hat is on the ground.)
Listen to this message on your audio player.“The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21). “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25).
Robert Rogers was traveling down the Kansas Turnpike in September 2003 with his wife and four children when suddenly they encountered a flash flood that furiously swept away his wife and all four children. Robert’s tragic loss brings to mind the story of Job. In addition to losing his family, Job lost his health, income, prestige, and the respect he had earned among the leaders and townspeople of Uz.
Job lived during the patriarchal period some 4,000 years ago. He is famous for the great suffering he endured. The book about him is long and can be hard to read but I believe it can be briefly summarized in three points:
1) A Candid Reality: “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away.” Job had experienced great blessing from God including wealth. He doesn’t boast of his hard work or his wise investments, but he indicates that it is the Lord who gave him all that he enjoyed in life. Like Job, we too thank God from whom all blessings flow.
A harder confession to make but equally true: “the Lord has taken away.” The theology of suffering is hard and complex, but Job’s experience teaches us that ultimately suffering is permitted by God. Satan had to seek God’s permission to proceed with the affliction.
We tend to memorize promises that are positive in nature but there are also promises such as when Jesus said forthrightly, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33) or Paul’s sermon in Acts 14:22 “We must go through many tribulations to enter the kingdom of God.” The candid reality is that we will face trials, although few will experience the intensity and severity of Job’s!
“Blessed Be Your Name” is a song written by Matt Redman that has blessed many. It’s a great exclamation of praise with a lively, contagious tune. But as a Bible student I especially appreciate the Scripturally-based words. In fact the song is prompted by the daily verse:
On the road marked with suffering
Though there’s pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
There are certainly those periods in life when we all travel “on the road marked with suffering.” Sometimes there are experiences that make international news due to the immensity and sheer evil of the impact such as 9/11. Most times they are locally felt but with no less intensity for those left to deal with the ongoing pain of such loss.
Not one of us escapes the road marked with suffering, although the severity varies with each individual and through each phase of life. Job is an example of one who suffered intensely, yet states matter of factly, “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away.” This is a remarkable faith statement. We have no problem theologically with a God who gives but we cringe at the notion that He also takes away.
2) A Purposeful Resolve: “Blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job gives praise in the very midst of suffering. At the time Job lived, none of the written words of Scripture were available. But we have the benefit of verses like Psalm 34:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and Hebrews 13:15. Redman’s song expresses the choice each of us must make to bless the Lord with a purposeful resolve, “My heart will choose to say Lord, blessed be Your name.” Even when the body and mind are hesitant, may our redeemed hearts bless the One who gives and takes away.
3) A Living Redeemer: “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth.” Job endured suffering for an unspecified time. The book chronicles the “advice” offered by his frustrated wife and confused “comforters”. Throughout the nineteenth chapter Job recounts his grave afflictions. Physically, socially, financially, and spiritually; he went through an incredibly tough period. He lost his children, possessions and health. He was covered with painful boils and could get relief only by taking a shard of pottery and scraping his wounded skin.
But in the midst of his suffering, with no end in sight, he expresses one of the great faith declarations in 19:25: “I know that my Redeemer lives.”
Job states with absolute confidence that in the end God will stand. Indeed God has always prevailed, is presently prevailing and will always prevail. At times His ways are a supreme mystery to us, but what tremendous peace we have as we also recognize this truth. In the end He will be standing and since we have been redeemed, we belong to Him and thus we will stand with Him.
Today, my believing friend, let me encourage you to make Job’s affirmation of faith your own. What tremendous peace comes when we look beyond our personal circumstances to declare, “I know that my redeemer lives!”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, from the Biblical story of Job’s unequaled sufferings emerges one of the most radiant and hopeful promises that I can apply to my life, “I know that my Redeemer lives!” Though my heart and my flesh may fail, You are my strength and my portion forever. The troubles that seem larger than life itself lose their magnitude in comparison to knowing that in the end I will see You myself with my own eyes. What glorious anticipation fills my heart as Your overcoming Spirit leads me through the trials of this day, the road marked by suffering! It is not by my might, nor by my power but by Your Spirit that I find You to be the anchor in the storms that assail me. Amen.Birthday verse: Yesterday I alluded to Romans 8:28 in my sermon. Jonathan, who is six years old, excitedly approached me after the message and told me I had mentioned his birthday (8/28). That got me thinking. All of us have a birthday verse and this quick study revealed some “birthday verse” options for my family:
Me: (10/14) “For by a single offering He (Christ) has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14).
Brooksyne: (10/21) “In that same hour He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was Your gracious will’” (Luke 10:21).
Ester: (3/9) “So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith” (Galatians 3:9).
Perhaps you can consider finding your own “birthday verse”!
“When Trials Come” Video Keith and Kristyn Getty
“Blessed be Your Name” Video Matt Redman
“I Know My Redeemer Lives” Video Crabb Family
“For I Know That My Redeemer Lives” Video Bob Bennett (classic version of Samuel Medley hymn)
“Into the Deep” Robert Rogers maintained his faith through the tragedy and now ministers to others.
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“The Tyranny Of The Forbidden”
September 23, 2011
We pass by these small witness signs all through Lancaster County.
Listento this message on your audio player.
In the last two messages we have dealt with “Tyrannies of The Soul”. In this series we use the word “tyranny” to describe those compulsions that oppress the soul. The tyranny of the urgent is essentially the oppressive compulsion that I must do it now. The tyranny of the discontent is essentially the oppressive compulsion that I must have it now. The tyranny of the forbidden is essentially the oppressive compulsion that I must partake of the forbidden.
Years ago I heard a pastor preach a sermon titled “An Affair to Remember” dealing with David’s sin with Bathsheba. We need these hard hitting reminders of the consequences of sin. I consider the lustful temptations common to all and the many times I have dealt pastorally or as a chaplain with those who have fallen into sin. I consider several friends from Bible College that gave into lustful temptation and sinned in this regard. I also consider the devastating impact it had on their spiritual lives, their families and their ministry. God’s healing, forgiveness, and restoration are available from our merciful God but adultery permanently scores the initial foundation of trust between two individuals.
Ever since the fall the human condition has had such an allure to do what God has forbidden! Of course we inherited this genetic condition from Adam and Eve. A line in a hymn states, “O how the world to evil allures me, O how my heart is tempted to sin” (from the hymn, “I Must Tell Jesus”).
Consider this simple perspective of a country preacher. Perhaps you’ve read or heard this truth before:
It will cost you more than you want to pay and
It will keep you longer than you want to stay.”
One of the great cautions in life is an awareness of how this tyranny of the forbidden can slide one into decadence often taking place incrementally. Casting Crowns has a stirring song that deals with this spiritual condition called “Slow Fade.” This is true for both the individual and societal levels. Surely as the Prodigal left his father he did not aspire to feeding pigs or long to eat their feed! People don’t aspire to be addicts. So often they will testify that they began with “just a little” tobacco or alcohol. Consider other areas where this is true. ”Just a little of the forbidden won’t hurt” the devil continues to whisper. After all, the fall began with just a single bite from the forbidden fruit.
The daily verse is innocuous enough; a successful king taking a walk at night on the roof of his home; a woman bathing, a quick (perhaps) glance of beauty. Thus far no real problem. A single observation of beauty is not a sinful act but can quickly lead to sin if the look becomes a gaze and the gaze becomes a lust and the lust is acted upon. And many of you know what follows is just that. We have here a profile of an individual’s incremental slide into sin, the tyranny of the forbidden.
David’s glance toward beauty turned into a lustful gaze. “David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” What’s he inquiring for? He was a married man. That should have settled it. And when the messenger reported that she is “the wife of Uriah the Hittite”, that should have absolutely settled it then and there.
But “David sent messengers and took her.” It was all downhill from that point on. The Life Application notes: “The deeper the mess, the less we want to admit having caused it. It’s much easier to stop sliding down a hill when you are near the top than when you are halfway down. The best solution is to stop sin before it starts.” Each time we resist sin’s temptation we lay one more brick as we erect the restraining wall of resistance.
The chapter ends with this timeless assessment of sin from God’s perspective: “But the thing David had done displeased the LORD.” The following chapter and remainder of the book chronicle the brave prophet Nathan’s rebuke and how the harsh consequences of David’s sin affected his entire family and the nation. These are powerful reminders that sin always has consequences. One of the most convincing lies of Satan is, “Sure there are consequences for others, but your situation is special. You’re are an exception.” We all must, in one way or another, deal with and overcome the tryranny of the forbidden. A lesson for us to heed is Joseph’s classic statenment in resisting the forbidden: “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father God, help each of us to understand the wiles of the devil and to be steadfast in our determination to resist temptation at each step. We readily acknowledge the tyranny of the forbidden and want to be self-controlled and alert, standing firm in the faith as we resist the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking for someone to devour. Thank you for the power of the Holy Spirit to resist and to overcome. In Jesus Name, Amen.Many years ago, William Booth (1829-1912), founder of the Salvation Army, wrote about the dangers to the gospel he saw coming in the next generation to follow him: I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost; Christianity without Christ; forgiveness without repentance; salvation without regeneration . . . and Heaven without Hell.
“I Must Tell Jesus” Video Elisha Hoffman wrote this hymn after having a lady come to him under much grief and worry, ringing her hands, she stated I do not know what to do, and Elisha Hoffman told her to tell it to Jesus alone….she remarked…that’s it…that’s it…I need to tell it to Jesus…and she that came with much worry left with great joy in her heart.
“Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing” Video Jason Lavik I appreciate the candor of this line:
Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.
“Slow Fade” Video Casting Crowns This is the song I referred to in the message and a song used in the movie “Fireproof”
“Prodigal Son” Video Keith Green A ballad that tells the story of the Prodigal son. Note: This song has a very long introduction!
“I Need You More” Video Lindell Cooley ”I never want to go back to my old life.”
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“The Tyranny Of The Discontent”
September 22, 2011
We stopped by Union Mill Acres, one of our favorite fall produce stands, run by a large home schooling family along Elizabethtown Road. They live along Little Chiques Creek which flooded their crops and produce stand during the Tropical Storm Lee a couple of weeks ago. They lost all their locally grown fall decorative produce. They had to purchase from other vendors to stock their stand. Normally they grow over 100 kinds of pumpkins and gourds.
Listento this message on your audio player.“The Tyranny Of The Discontent”
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5,6).
Here in Lancaster County we have a large mall called “Park City”. It is rather like a city but definitely not a park! Like malls everywhere it’s an inside city shopping district. It’s laid out like spokes with a center hub that, at one time, had a carousel but I suppose the mall developers determined there was better income-producing potential for that space. Many malls try to appeal to health conscientiousness by providing markers so that you can determine how far you are walking. The walking route in Park City claims to be 2.25 miles.
Malls are an interesting place to take a long walk but not nearly as nice as a country setting or a quaint village! The country scenes remind you of the beauty that is yours to behold – you can’t buy it, you don’t own it and yet it’s yours to enjoy day after day. It’s a job to keep up with yardwork, trimming bushes, pulling weeds, etc. so I enjoy viewing outdoor beauty that is maintenance free on my part!
Certainly an intent in the malls that advertise “mall walks” is that in browsing past the storefronts a desire will rouse to want something or more bluntly create a discontent for that which you already have. After all, that is their goal or they would cease to exist.
Yesterday we shared a message titled “The Tyranny of the Urgent” which asserted the oppressiveness of the many demands that come our way regarding our time. The tyranny of the urgent is essentially the oppressive compulsion that I have to do it now. The tyranny of the discontent is essentially the oppressive compulsion that I have to have it now.
The writer of Proverbs shares a timeless prayer concerning this matter: “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8,9).
Crown Financial Ministries defines contentment this way: “If money can’t buy contentment and poverty doesn’t provide it, what is contentment and how is it attained? Contentment, contrary to popular opinion, does not mean being satisfied where you are. Rather, it is knowing God’s plan for your life and having the conviction to live it.”
Our daily verse states, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” The preceding verse (v.4) asserts the sanctity of marriage and warns of God’s judgment on the adulterer. It seems the writer of Hebrews is connecting the dots and seeing an association between lusting for that which is not properly ours – whether it be a person or money.
Whether you’re discontent with the restraints of your marital vows or the restraints of your finances it can lead to wrong attitudes which can easily mushroom into sinful behavior. It’s interesting that immorality and greed are often listed together in the New Testament (See I Corinthians 5:11; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5.) Love for money will cause us to have the wrong priorities, develop the wrong kind of relationships, and hinder the generous spirit of giving that God wants each of us to have.
Contentedness is based on two foundational promises:
1) The first basic foundation of contentedness is the realization that God’s presence is sufficient to meet every need. “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’.” Note that the verse begins “God has said.” These are words of assurance given to Joshua in Joshua 1:5. Since God does not change these same words were applicable to the Hebrew believers some 1,500 years later and now to all who belong to Christ some 2,000 years after the Book of Hebrews was written! Money and possessions will eventually forsake us, but God will never forsake us. What a blessed truth!
2) The second basic foundation of contentedness is the realization that God’s power is sufficient to overcome all opposition. “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” This also is a quote from Psalm 118:6,7. The apostle Paul’s grand conclusion in Romans 8:37-39 comes to mind: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
If we really understand these promises we will experience ongoing, blessed contentedness. May the Lord help us to do so today and all through this brief life, which will help us to overcome the tyranny of discontent!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, far too many live in a state of discontent where we find ourselves loving things and using people. It distorts our priorities and gives us temporary excitement with things, but leaves us with long-term dissatisfaction in ourselves and our relationships. Help us to enjoy material things but to place a higher value on greater pursuits such as growing friendships, solid marriage relations, growing godly character, giving without receiving and other worthy goals. We will be content as we rejoice in the fact that whether we are in want or whether we have plenty You have promised that You will never leave us nor forsake us. What a treasured promise for the believer both in times of need and in times of prosperity. We are content when we realize our all-sufficiency is in You, Lord. You will meet all our needs according to Your riches in glory. Amen.“Godliness With Contentment” Audio mp3 Mike Book Mike is a friend of ours here in Lancaster County who placed a Scripture from 1 Timothy 6:6 to music.
“His Divine Power Has Given Us Everything We Need” Video Acapella This is a neat way to learn Scripture! See 2 Peter 1:3
“Satisfied” Video Red Mountain Church Video Homecoming series
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“The Tyranny Of The Urgent”
September 21, 2011
An old wagon loaded with colorful mums in Manor Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.Listen to this message on your audio player.“As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).
“Tyranny of the Urgent” is the title of a small pamphlet I have read numerous times. It never fails to speak to me as it fills my heart with conviction. This booklet expresses the sense of urgency that overshadows us in the daily experience of living, and it examines how modern technology contributes to this urgency. When Charles Hummel wrote this in 1967, he identified the telephone as a great contributor to this sense of urgency. At that time, for me anyway, that would have been the black rotary dial phone mounted to our kitchen wall; the only phone in our home in Belton, Missouri.
Fast forward to present day where a majority carry cell phones and many have smart phones with instant and constant access to the internet in addition to every manner of distraction-inducing technology. Many can’t resist using their phone, even to the point of being rude or inconsiderate to others or worse yet making themselves a menace on the highway. We experienced that recently though we don’t have the exact details. It seems that Brooksyne’s van accident over three weeks ago was caused by a technology distraction. The driver who rear-ended her and totalled our van admitted it, possibly texting as he was busy with his phone. His hard blow forced our van into the opposite lane with oncoming traffic. An alert 22 year old woman driving at 40 MPH toward Brooksyne quickly swerved into a yard barely avoiding a head-on collision. If the young lady had been texting our story would have a much different outcome!
Tyranny is normally a term used to describe an oppressive government. In this series we use the word to describe those conditions that oppress the soul. The tyranny of the urgent is essentially the oppressive compulsion that I must do it now. Due to our busy multi-tasking lives filled with numerous distractions this is a condition common to most and indeed it can be oppressive!
Both Mary and Martha had important duties in welcoming the Lord Jesus to their home. Martha was tending to physical needs (preparing the meal) while Mary was tending to spiritual needs (sitting at the feet of Jesus). Both were important but when one duty rivaled the importance of the other, Martha’s whimpering forced Jesus to address the attitude of the sister’s hearts.
I easily identify with Martha’s attitude in the daily Scripture portion. I spend way too much time in the “kitchen”* and am easily distracted by the stuff of life in the material, visible realm. Distractions constantly lull me away from “what is better.” I really imagine many of you identify with me. We generally prioritize visible accomplishments over inward attitudes of the heart. This can be seen in an obituary where titles, accomplishments, and interests of the deceased may be listed, but the person’s attitude toward life may not even be mentioned (though admittedly, some titles or accomplishments can reveal one’s attitudes during their lifetime.)
As I study this portion of Scripture I am especially intrigued with the phrase, “Mary has chosen what is better.” She made a willful, purposeful choice to sit at the Lord’s feet, listening intently to His counsel, His teaching, and delighting in His friendship. She likely dealt with distractions since I can imagine Martha was clanging those pots in the kitchen just a little extra loud to get Mary’s attention as she surely muttered under her breath, “Why isn’t Mary here helping me?”. That muttering led her to appeal to the Lord; “She came to Him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’” But Mary chose to shut her mind to the daily routine and open her heart to the rare moments that she could personally spend in Jesus’ presence.
“What is better” is sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to what He has to say. It’s focusing on the spiritual, non-visible realm. It’s like another Mary, who following the birth of her son, Jesus, “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” It includes reading, studying, meditating and memorizing the Bible along with praise, worship and prayer. What we store up in our hearts pours out to those around us making an eternal difference. It goes beyond impressing people to inspiring them to meet Jesus on a personal level. When we spend time with our Lord we experience the fulfillment and blessing that is at the very heart of living the abundant life.
But, in full disclosure, I confess the “kitchen” continually beckons and distractions abound.
“The Heart of worship” is a song that reminds me today of where my focus needs to be, although I realistically accept that distractions will continually beckon. I am so thankful for God’s patience and grace. He has time and again called me back to the heart of worship and He constantly reminds me that this race on earth is really all about embracing Him at the finish line!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Jesus, You know the very intention of all that I say and do. As I invite You to examine my heart, I lay before You the people and pursuits that drive me further away from a heart of worship. You have not removed me bodily from this world, but You have raised me up spiritually to abide in Your presence even as I carry out my daily duties. As Your presence overshadows me it is there that Your love and faithfulness sustains me and gives me a true heart of worship. Even as a vehicle needs fuel to properly function, I need prayer to uphold and equip me for the day that lies ahead. Amen.* Certainly I am speaking of the “kitchen” as an analogy for the things that distract and take us away from the better choice. As I ponder on this subject here are some additional considerations:
1) Certainly some may be less easily distracted than others and some more spiritually focused but I have also seen this become a dangerous source of pride.
2) Jesus is not teaching that all “kitchen work” is wrong. We really need to consider a balance in Biblical teaching and that other Scripture teaches the importance and value of work and living responsibly.
3) We need to graciously recognize we have different callings from God, and not esteem one above the other or feel that others must feel as passionately about our cause as we do. This leads to arguments, jealousy, and resentment rather than expanding the kingdom of God.
4) Some distractions are ultimately God-ordained ministry opportunities.
Farmers are busy in our area with the harvest. The harvest equipment is always interesting to watch (for me anyway!)
Yesterday afternoon Vic and Etta stopped by with some Broccoli Cheese soup they wanted to share with us. Vic and Etta are a colorful older couple who attend the country church we serve. He was a boxer for many years and shares some very interesting stories.
Last night our neighbors brought down a wagon load of neck pumpkins to share with us. Neck pumpkins make great pumpkin pie and other dishes. We shared some photos and info about them in this message.
There goes Jandon pulling the pumpkin wagon along with younger sister, Janae.
Here’s a photo taken last year of Brooksyne with a large neck pumpkin around her neck.
“The Heart Of Worship” Video Matt Redman
“It’s All About You” Video Kari Jobe
This song brings to mind a parody “It’s All About Me” video that’s actually far to true!
“The Tyranny Of The Urgent” booklet by Charles E. Hummel is still available here.
Here’s a doc version
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“The Golden Rule Outlook”
September 20, 2011
Listen to this message on your audio player.“The Golden Rule Outlook”
Ed Haugh, our local township police chief shares the following message on the East Donegal Township website: “The Susquehanna Regional Police have reported that there has been an increase in acts of vandalism occurring in Township parks. Most of these acts are criminal mischief in nature, such as upsetting picnic tables, overturning trash receptacles and scattering rubbish, and writing or drawing on picnic tables and park equipment. It is disappointing that some individuals do not respect our community property and resort to petty acts of vandalism that tarnish the image of our parks. These acts, performed by a few individuals, hinder the enjoyment of the parks by the vast majority of park users that are respectful and careful about keeping the parks in the best condition possible.”
For many years Brooksyne and I have walked along Carmany Road near our home, which provides a pleasant country walk with very little traffic. In the last several months though we noticed trash littering the road and attributed it to evidence of the breakdown in respect for property, in addition to new housing developments recently built nearby. There are beer cans, juice cartons and fast food wraps, along with other debris tossed out of car windows. We’ve lived in our present location over nine years and have often commented how much we appreciate the clean roadways as we walk in our neighborhood.
The other day Brooksyne had a conversation with Allan, a neighboring farmer, and shared her troubling observation about the recent change with increasing litter. He provided an explanation that is instructive and a reminder of how we can make a difference. We had seen from signs last year on Carmany Road that the large farm was for sale. Allan explained that the farmer had retired and moved elsewhere, but each day while he lived there, he walked along the road and picked up trash, thus keeping the area clean day by day.
In fact Allan had asked the farmer, “What are we going to do when you move away? Who’s going to keep the road clean?” Now we are seeing the evidence of his absence. Brooksyne sort of took the cleanness for granted not realizing there was effort being extended to make it happen.
The daily text is often referred to as The Golden Rule, but due to Biblical illiteracy many do not know what we mean when we speak of this Golden Rule; “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” We live in a very fallen world where fewer and fewer practice the Golden Rule. We, as followers of Christ, light up the world when we individually and corporately practice a Golden Rule outlook.
Consideration toward others is the practice of the golden rule in the small details of life; beginning in the home and extending outward. What if the billions of personal interactions that take place all over the globe today were truly characterized by this outlook? 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 Golden Rule outlook foremost in our hearts; “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
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 may stop at nothing until they get what they want in life, no matter who gets hurt. But You’ve called us to view life from a perspective that considers others as important or even more important than ourselves. We need humble hearts that put 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 grow and we apply the golden rule to our lives when 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.“Make Me A Servant” Video Maranatha Singers
“We Lift Our Hands” Video Oslo Gospel Choir
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“Ram In The Thicket”
September 19, 2011
We are now seeing lots of pumpkins and wagons, a sure sign of Autumn.
This one sure has an especially large pumpkin!
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“And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns” (Genesis 22:13). “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).
Mike Martin is a friend of ours who has an interesting ministry. He and his wife, Nicole, lead a “biker church” with a goal to reach bikers and others for Christ who may prefer a non-traditional church setting.
Mike shared of an interesting experience this last weekend where a special outreach to bikers was held at a Harley-Davidson dealership. Though the event had been scheduled for months some of the key leaders he was counting on cancelled last minute. He and Nicole were scurrying to fill some needed positions, in particular the BBQ Caterer, practically a necessity for any event of this type here in Lancaster County. On a weekend in mid September it’s pretty difficult to find anyone whose schedule isn’t already filled.
Nicole frantically called around and finally located a BBQ joint that catered events in Lancaster City called “Dan the Man BBQ”. He was available to meet their need, even on the spur of the moment. Turns out that Dan the Man is a Christian and, as the afternoon progressed and things went well, Dan told Mike, ”I’m your ram in the thicket.”
That’s an interesting allusion to a tremendous event in the Old Testament recorded in Genesis 22. In one of the signature demonstrations of faith and obedience in the Bible Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his own son: “But just as he took the knife, the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here am I.’ He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me’” (Genesis 22:11,12). Abraham passed the test.“And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.” Dan the Man described his last minute availability to the Bikers Event as a “Ram in the Thicket” as illustrated in this famous Scripture passage.
We indeed can be a “ram in the thicket” to meet the critical needs of other people. God providentially ordains this in His design that we be interdependent on one another. Romans 14:7 says, “No one liveth unto himself.”
However, as many of you know, the account in Genesis goes on to proclaim a future provision to meet our greatest need: “So Abraham called the name of that place, “The LORD will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided” (Genesis 22:14). It is in this phrase, “The LORD will provide” that we find one of the Hebrew compound names for God many of us have heard and even perhaps sung about, “Jehovah Jireh”. This is the only time in Scripture that the title Jehovah Jireh appears.We may consider this in regard to general provision regarding our everyday needs but foundationally the phrase is referring to something else. This was just moments after the great provision of the ram was provided as a replacement for Isaac. We would surely expect Abraham to say, “The Lord has provided” (past tense).
But let us consider carefully the tense that Abraham actually uses, “The Lord will provide”. He is referring to a future provision, Christ’s death on the cross for our sins. Traditional conservative scholarship holds that Genesis was among the Five Books Of Moses (The Pentateuch). Moses lived some 500 years after Abraham. At the time the oral record was placed in writing this statement was made “as it is said to this day, ’On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided’”. That was some 1,500 years before Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross for our sins.Theologian RC Sproul observes, “It was on Mount Moriah, later named Mount Calvary, just outside of Jerusalem, where two thousand years after Abraham’s experience, our Savior on the night before His death went into the Garden of Gethsemane. With sweat drops of blood He pleaded with the Father to allow the cup to pass from Him. “Nevertheless” Jesus said, “Not what I will but what You will” (Mark 14:36). In that moment of the grand passion of Christ, the Father said no. The Father would not spare His Son.”
No, essentially God’s only begotten Son became our ram in the thicket. ”He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). Hallelujah, What a Savior!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we thank You for Jesus who willingly laid down His life to become our “Ram in the thicket”. He became a living sacrifice that we might receive forgiveness of sins; His death in exchange for our forgiveness, and thereby inheriting eternal life. We greatly rejoice in the fact that You did not spare Your own Son but delivered Him over for us all, that we might receive salvation, and that we might take up residence in the Kingdom of God. We thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The hymn sing was held in a church near Manheim, PA constructed in 1859. It was a clear cool evening and we welcome the natural A/C of opened windows, the only kind the church had.
The didn’t have indoor facilities! Too bad we didn’t know since Brooksyne and I each had a cup of coffee as we drove to the church!
Sorry for the poor lighting but I took this from an open window looking in at the rather dimly lit meeting house prior to the start of the hymn sing. Tightly placed rows of benches faced forward and there were also two sections on each side facing the center. The pews are arranged for women sitting on one side and men on the other as was the practice in this type of church, though last night families sat together.
The hymnals were copyrighted over 100 years ago.
Today we will seek to provide musical selections similar to the style of the hymn sing service we attended last night.
“And Can It Be” Video
“Softly and Tenderly” Video
“Are You Washed In The Blood” Video
“Rock Of Ages” Video
Triple Tree Church – Mike and Nicole’s biker ministry church
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“Hope-inspired Endurance”
September 16, 2011
Horses in green pasture along Kraybill Church Road.
Click here for larger version with Scripture verse!
After all the rain we are very saturated green in our area. It’s a beautiful clear day with lots of sun but early this morning we could sure sense that Autumn is coming with temps in the forties!
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“We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
I’ve been blessed by our daily verse for many years. Can you see the ready-made three point sermon outline in this text? Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, begins the letter in a manner typical of his writing style, as he expresses warm appreciation in his introductory remarks. He gives thanks to God for the faith, love, and hope of the Thessalonian believers. It’s important to be thankful for those to whom we minister. Like Paul, we also need to assure them of our regular prayers on their behalf.
Today we want to especially consider the last phrase of our text where Paul is commending the Thessalonians for their “endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Scriptures frequently stress the character quality of “endurance”. The underlying Greek word “hupomone” is used often in the New Testament. It has the sense of remaining, bearing trials, and having fortitude. My observation in the Christian life and in Christian service is that it’s one of the character traits most lacking among Christ’s followers today. That’s why I especially rejoice when I hear of a fellow believer staying on course.
This endurance is inspired by “hope”. Inspirational artist, Thomas Kinkade, paints the following word picture, “Hope lights our spirit in the midst of despair; it is the life force that through the green stem drives the flower; it keeps a divine vision alive in the hearts of the weak and needy.” Now that’s an inspirational thought for endurance!
I recall a professor noting that the Greek word for hope (elpis) conveys an absolute confidence and assurance, not a wishful thought. The foundation of this hope is “our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The hymn, “He Giveth More Grace”, has the following line in its third stanza, “When we reach the end of our hoarded resources our Father’s full giving has only begun.” Brooksyne often uses this hymn line as a prayer for the unsaved or backslidden. She prays that they will come to the end of their own “hoarded” resources and look to God whose resources are not hurtful, destructive, or based on the ever-changing philosophies of this world. Instead His resources are inexhaustible, satisfying and have eternal, redemptive qualities about them.
The believer endures great heartache as he or she watches a loved one year after year selecting from their seeming endless bucket supply of hoarded resources that lead them to yet another wrong choice. That’s why we often pray, “Lord, help (Johnny) to reach the bottom of the barrel so that he can dig no deeper and finally looks up to You. Help him to see that his way is not the right way and show Him Your way, Father.”
Brooksyne and I pray for all who are undergoing this kind of heartache today with a child, parent, spouse, sibling, friend, co-worker or whomever God has laid on your heart. May He fill you with His enduring hope as you wait for your loved one to come to Christ so that he or she can experience the abundant generosity of a loving, saving, giving God.
Let me add one more thought: We, as believers, can also be guilty of hoarding our own resources, such as education, possessions, pride and a host of other things or attitudes that pull us away from God rather than forcing us to fully rely on Him guide us in the thoroughfares of life.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we continually remember the work of our fellow believers that is produced by their faith in Jesus, their labor that is prompted by love, and their endurance that is inspired by the hope they have in the Lord Jesus Christ. How grateful we are for the love and fellowship we enjoy with our brothers and sisters who serve You all throughout the world. We lift up those who are presently enduring matters that weigh heavy on their hearts. May the hope they have in the Lord Jesus Christ inspire confidence that You will give them victory as they stand firm in You. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.Brooksyne’s Update: Over the years we’ve been transparent in our home life, most recently sharing with our readers of Ester’s decision (with strong prompting from Mom and Dad) to go to New Life for Girls, a residential home for girls and women struggling with behavioral issues or destructive addictions. We were genuinely blessed with many responses of support, prayers, and words of encouragement over the past nine days. We’ve earnestly sought God about Ester’s need for a very long time and most acutely since NLFG became her home where she would deal with some behavioral problems in her life. The first week was extremely difficult for us making the transition, but just when we were getting accustomed to the change we got a call from the acting director on Wednesday evening that Ester had chosen to come back home. NLFG is a voluntary program where participants choose to stay or leave. Because most of the residents come from very troublesome situations or have no home to return to NLFG is their only choice. Ester had a choice, of course, and we were asked to pick her up yesterday which we did so with very heavy hearts. She stands beside me right now as I share this update with our readers. I asked her, “How can our readers pray for you, Ester?” She asks that you might pray for her to more fully understand what God wants to do in her life. We thank you for your heartfelt prayers on our behalf and are believing that Ester will find the resources (love, joy, peace, self-control,forgiveness, etc.) that God provides to guide her through life’s journey here on earth.
We consider many who deal with trials today and one especially comes to mind. Mike is a young man who grew up in the church we served in northern PA some 20 years ago. He recently had a fall resulting in serious injury. Mike has had some other unexpected overcomings in life and we share his testimony here. We welcome those who know Mike and others so burdened to pray for him as he recovers from the three surgeries he underwent for his injuries. His mother, Chris, who periodically fills in for a chaplain at a center for disabled people wrote, “About 2 weeks ago I preached a sermon that I have been working on for a long time titled “When things go wrong” – I used Job as my “role model” for how we should respond. In this location the residents are significantly impaired for the most part. One of the illustrations that I used as I closed was to have a tug of war with a large rope. I had them pull and tug each other in opposite directions. Then I told them this was the reminder I wanted them to take with them was that sometimes all we could do was to hang on tight to God’s love for us – just like they hung onto that rope. I know that I am hanging on to that rope right now and I sense perhaps you are too….”
“He Giveth More Grace” Video Maranatha Singers
“When Trials Come” Video Keith and Kristyn Getty The Getty’s will be ministering in our area on September 23 at Lancaster Bible College. Brooksyne will be attending the concert. For a number of years we have been blessed by this husband wife team. If you are local and interested ticket information is here. ”There are two reasons we write modern hymns,” explains Keith. “First, it’s to help teach the faith. What we sing affects how we think, how we feel and ultimately how we live, so it’s so important that we sing the whole scope of truth the Bible has given us. The second reason is to try to create a more timeless musical style that every generation can sing, a style that relates to the past and the future.”
“In The Valley” Video Sovereign Grace Music
“My Jesus I Love Thee” Video Grace Church Toronto
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