“Living For The Eternal”
November 30, 2011
Our friend Greg Schneider shared this photo of a red barn in Centre County, PA
Listento this message on your audio player.“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7). “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart” (Job 1:21).
Today we continue our series on experiencing contentment based upon the Apostle Paul’s teaching in 1 Timothy 6. Yesterday’s teaching asserted that we will experience contentment when we focus on pursuing godliness.
In today’s verse Paul calls to our attention two universal bookends we all experience as part of life’s journey; birth and death. This verse teaches the transitory nature of life and the futility of anchoring our hope in temporal things.
We experience contentment when we focus on the eternal, not the temporal.
“For we brought nothing into this world.” Headline rumors are circulating that Kate who married Prince William this last summer is expecting a baby. If this is true, you can be assured that we will get regular reports about this pregnancy with plenty of details. The birth itself will be international news. In a remote village in Africa a woman will also give birth the very same day as Kate. But we will hear nothing of this baby, let alone details regarding the progress of her pregnancy. The birth itself will take place virtually unnoticed by those outside the family. However one thing is certain: neither of these babies will bring anything into the world! A baby is born not only penniless, but even without a pocket to put pennies in!
“And it is certain we can carry nothing out.” We regularly receive news of some notorious person dying but of course scores of people die every day, mostly unnoticed apart from their family and friends.When attending a funeral it’s not unusual to see a Bible placed in the hands of the deceased in the coffin, testimony to what he or she really valued in this life. In recent years we’ve seen baseball gloves, Nascar caps, cowboy garb, etc. indicating what that person valued. But one thing is certain; they really aren’t taking the items with them! The material things that bring pleasure in this life or make a person wealthy hold no value in the world to come.
When we have a heart of contentment we view our material possessions and resources from an eternal perspective. We can’t take material possessions with us no matter how much we value them, but Jesus taught that we can start building our treasure chest there, even while we live here below: ”Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
Our material treasure will not pass from this life to the next, but the investment we have made to the kingdom of God through our service and use of our material resources will last for eternity. We can carry nothing out – but we can “send ahead” eternal blessing and reward through the wise use of our time and resources right now!
Bible teacher Steven Cole in his commentary on 1 Timothy observes, “If you are living for the eternal, not the temporal, you will experience three facets of contentment:* Freedom from greed;
* Freedom from anxiety; and,
* Freedom from circumstances as the basis for happiness.
Today we encourage our readers to live for the eternal!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, would You show us through Your Holy Spirit and the Holy Scriptures and by the examples of committed believers what it is to live for the eternal. It seems that we indulge with the world far too much and it prioritizes our time, finances, and interests. As we love You more, we love the things of the world less. We see them for what they really are – temporary, broken, and/or sin-ridden. As we fix our eyes on You the things of this world grow strangely dim. We want to spend more time with You which will direct our thoughts and affections toward heaven. We want to deposit our investments there so that our treasure chest is growing with rust-proof, moth-proof, and thief-proofed treasures that last for all eternity. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Brooksyne’s Note: In writing the prayer today I considered the investments we make on this side that will grow our lasting treasure chest on the other side. I’m reading a book by Christian author Amy Parham who tells this story:
“I think about a woman named Teresa who created a scholarship fund that paid my way through Bible College….she went to my church. When I was in high school, her husband died in a tragic accident. They had three young children.
Sometime after, Teresa used some of the money she received from his life insurance policy to set up a fund to help people who wanted to go into ministry. I was one of the recipients. Teresa could have used that money for her own needs (now a single mom with very legitimate needs of her own), but she wanted to sow into the lives of others. I am so grateful that she gave me the opportunity to learn more about God and His Word. The time I spent at that school changed the course of my life. I will be forever indebted to her act of kindness [and generosity]. Who knows where I would be today if I hadn’t received that scholarship?…”
Daily Encouragement Readers, as we grow in godly character; as we sow into the lives of others; as we give generously of our time, our knowledge, and our resources; as we endure patiently with others and remain joyful in hope we are truly building a treasure trove in heaven and finding satisfaction within on this side.
Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of ChristianBook.com (Our ministry receives a small commission from any resources purchased using a link from our site.)
It’s no secret to regular readers that we enjoy the hymns. This two CD collection is outstanding, as we have been enjoying these in our van! The collection includes “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”, one of the songs we feature today as a musical supplement.
Hymns 4 Worship: Amazing Grace, CD
By Various Artists / Provident Music Distribution
Hymns4Worship – A LIVE Worship Experience features top artists 4HIM, Israel, Sara Groves, Paul Baloche, and others singing favorite hymns such as “Just As I Am,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” and “How Great Thou Art.” From the creators of Songs4Worship comes the ultimate video collection of favorite hymns that worshipers will cherish. Ordering information
We’ve featured Shannon Wexelberg often in our suggested list of music the past couple years. Weeks ago we purchased her Christmas CD, “Love Came For Me” and have been enjoying not only the traditional Christmas hymns but also her original music, meaningful lyrics, and powerful vocals. The title song, “Love Came For Me” is a message for every redeemed follower of Christ. She also includes a beautiful song, “The Magnificat” based on Mary’s song of praise in Luke 1:46-48.
Love Came For Me CD By Shannon Wexelberg / Discovery House
Shannon’s personal and passionate music will transport you to the heart of Christmas! Includes an exuberant rendition of “Joy to the World”; the breathtaking splendor of “O Holy Night”; piano arrangements of “Silent Night” and “Good Christian Men, Rejoice”; plus “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”; “Angels from the Realms of Glory”; and original compositions “This Child” and the title track. Ordering information
“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” Video Michael W. Smith with violin introduction.
“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” Video Piano instrumental with orchestra by Greg Howlett
“My Jesus I Love Thee” Video Avalon
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Ministry Update (Revised 10/21/11)
“Godliness With Contentment”
November 29, 2011
This plaque hangs above the door in our dining room.
Listento this message on your audio player.“But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
Coming down the stairs one morning, a British gentleman by the name of Lord Congelton overheard his cook conversing with one of the other servants. “I would be perfectly content,” the woman declared, “if I just had five pounds!” (Worth about $25 at the time.)
After pondering the matter, Lord Congelton decided to help his long-time employee. He pulled her aside later in the day and gave her a five-pound note. The surprised cook thanked her employer profusely, whereupon Lord Congelton departed.
But once outside the door, Congelton paused to see what, if anything, the woman would say. Surely, he reasoned, she would express her thankfulness to God. A second or two passed and Congelton heard the woman cry out, “Oh, why didn’t I say ten pounds?!”
Yesterday’s message was on “Learning The Secret Of Being Content”. The remainder of this week we would like to examine four points based upon a section from Paul’s letter to Timothy that will provide key guidelines in living a life of contentedness.
1. We experience contentment when we focus on godliness, not material gain.
Just prior to this section Paul addressed false teachers who supposed that godliness was a means of financial gain. I wonder who these teachers were in the context of that time period. In our own day we have those we might say “are in it for the money” and for some religion has paid off.
Today’s tiny verse is power-packed. Many view the experience of “gain” in life as having more money and possessions. But that is certainly not what the apostle Paul is writing about. Consider the power of the phrase, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” Paul is urging Timothy in the brief section that follows to consider genuine gain.
“Godliness refers to the act of being pious and living a good, reverent life toward God and others because of what Christ has done in us” (Richard Krejkir). Godliness is a dying virtue in our time, though God will always have a remnant who walk in a manner that honors and pleases Him.
Earlier in this letter Paul wrote, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7,8). This expresses the infinitely greater value of godliness over any degree of financial or material gain. As a result of this godliness we have the inner peace of knowing that we are right with God and that whether we live or die, we belong to Him. This godliness is profitable for all things impacting us in both the present and eternal future.
Paul is simply presenting the two choices of masters Jesus gave in Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” Notice there are only two options that our Lord gives. You cannot choose both. Money is what you make it—a master or a servant.
From the beginning Satan has tormented the human race with the lie that what God has provided is never enough. At the very heart of Satan’s first lie and temptation to Adam and Eve was that the breathtaking beauty in the Garden was not enough; that human companionship was not enough; that God’s provision was not enough; that His authority was meant to be questioned.
Today we have a growing allure toward more wealth and possessions which we’ve been told will make us happy. But contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want (which will always be changing), but the realization of how much you already have and finding satisfaction with that. It’s realizing and acknowledging that, “All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, when I get overly anxious about having the latest gadget or the newest fashion I usually overlook the fact that I have so much already at my disposal. So much, in fact, that I struggle to properly manage my possessions and can be overwhelmed with clutter. Thank you for the people who live with less so that others can have more; more of the basics of life and the provisions needed to reach others with the Gospel message. Contentment from You cannot be packaged and sold, but it can be a way of life as we align our priorities in accordance to Your will. Teach us the great gain we experience by setting our heart’s affections not on this world’s changing and peril-stricken economy, but by storing up treasures in heaven’s economy where eternal riches never perish, spoil or fade. May that precious truth help us find contentment in a non-content society. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
The secret of contentment is to let the Lord supply. —DJD
“Enough” Video Chris Tomlin
“You Make Me Lie Down In Green Pastures” Video Don Moen
A highly recommended read:
Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well
By Billy Graham / Thomas Nelson
Many people, even Christians, fear growing older. We don’t like to think about losing independence and control in our lives, but perhaps learning to accept these changes is the first step in dealing with them. After 93 years of living and decades of Christian service, renowned evangelist Billy Graham writes to encourage people of all ages to live with purpose and grace in Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well. Graham also discusses the importance of building strong foundations in relationships, facing life’s transitions with trust, and understanding our glorious hope in Jesus. Join Billy as he shares the challenges of fading strength, but still standing strong in his commitment to finishing life well.
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Ministry Update (Revised 10/21/11)
“Learning The Secret Of Being Content”
November 28, 2011
Doris High took this photo of a Bluejay on fallen leaves, which is such an interesting contrast in colors.
Listento this message on your audio player.“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12).
Today is Cyber Monday, a newer marketing term used since the early days of internet-based shopping to connote the special deals available to online shopping the Monday following Thanksgiving. Of course the day after Thanksgiving is referred to as Black Friday, a day known for mobbed stores. Stories abound of the bizarre demonstration of greed that takes place every year on this date. This year we heard, among other sordid stories, of a mother, whose children were with her, pepper spraying other shoppers in order to get a cheap game.*
These two days mark the “official” start of the Christmas shopping season, at least here in the USA. However both of these days also highlight an ancient problem the human race has dealt with since the time of creation; “Greed”. Greed can impact us regardless of how wealthy or poor we consider ourselves to be. The Lord Jesus Himself warns, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed” (Luke 12:15).
This week we will share a series titled “A Prescription for Contentedness”. Contentment certainly can’t be found among the material gifts available this year, so you won’t hear a sales pitch on a television commercial nor will you read about how to purchase it in the newspaper. Nevertheless it is a treasure that will be of greater value than any wrapped gift you might find under your tree this year. The teaching of Scripture is always relevant on this topic and every other topic.
In today’s text the apostle Paul states, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.” What an interesting perspective and one which most of us share, though likely not in the same degree as Paul.
“I know what it is to be in need.” Paul doesn’t specify the degree of need here but elsewhere we read of his ministry experiences, “I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure” (2 Corinthians 11:27). Some of our readers may have experienced need to this extent but I suspect most of us have not. Quite honestly in my life so often being in need would mean not getting what I wanted and later this week we will have a study that asserts a key to contentment is properly distinguishing between needs and wants.
“I know what it is to have plenty.” It’s a little bit harder to find a reference to this in the Scriptural record but I consider a brief association that Paul had following a shipwreck with a man named Publius who had lands and was a leading man on the island of Malta. Publius entertained Paul and his traveling companions for three days. I believe it’s reasonable to assume that Publius was a man of great wealth and for these several days Paul knew what it was like to have plenty. When they departed the island we read, “They also honored us with many marks of respect; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all we needed.” (This account is in Acts 28.) Most if us know what’s it’s like to have plenty but the tendency to compare ourselves with those who have more may blind us to this!
Paul completes this verse by stating, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Fundamentally, the state of contentment is not based on what we have (or lack of it). Nor is it based on how much we have (or how little)!
Beginning tomorrow our study through the rest of the week will be an exposition of 1 Timothy 6:6-10 which lists four vital focuses we must have to experience contentment. I believe God wants us to take proper steps to develop and nurture godly contentment so that we will find true and lasting satisfaction, in times of plenty and in times of dearth.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, help us to prayerfully apply Your Scriptures so that we can learn to be content in any and every situation. A godly contentment will fill our hearts with peace in place of an anxious heart that keeps us in angst as we struggle to obtain the newest or latest gadget or comfort. Help us to fix our eyes on You, not others as we pursue holiness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Today’s text in the Amplified Version: “I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.”
Note: Due to work on our home a message was not prepared this last Friday.
“Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain” Video A song based upon 1 Timothy 6:6 written and sung by our friend Mike Book. We find it so helpful when Scripture is set to music and in many cases this becomes the basis for memorization.
“My Faith Has Found A Resting Place” Video A stately version of a traditional hymn by Bobby Michaels. ”It is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me!”
“I Need No Other Argument” Video A nice version of the above song by Todd Agnew.
“Learning The Secret Of Being Content” A brief video challenge
A highly recommended read:
Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well
By Billy Graham / Thomas Nelson
Many people, even Christians, fear growing older. We don’t like to think about losing independence and control in our lives, but perhaps learning to accept these changes is the first step in dealing with them. After 93 years of living and decades of Christian service, renowned evangelist Billy Graham writes to encourage people of all ages to live with purpose and grace in Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well. Graham also discusses the importance of building strong foundations in relationships, facing life’s transitions with trust, and understanding our glorious hope in Jesus. Join Billy as he shares the challenges of fading strength, but still standing strong in his commitment to finishing life well.
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Ministry Update (Revised 10/21/11)
“Magnify Him With Thanksgiving”
November 24, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving Day
Our local community paper places a Thanksgiving proclamation on their front page.
Listen to this message on your audio player.
“I will praise the Name of God with song and magnify Him with thanksgiving” (Psalm 69:30).
Today is Thanksgiving Day here in the USA. Some friends are joining us for this designated day of thankfulness and a wonderful extra large meal. Brooksyne has been preparing since last night and we are cleaning the house extra well!
It’s a special day; with origins going back as early as 1621 at the time of the Pilgrims. In the course of our chaplain work we see a lot of folks that immigrated to America as adults primarily from Southeast Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. I am blessed by the strong work ethic and drive to succeed commonly seen in many of them.
During my recent visit I asked these folks about the Thanksgiving customs they practice from their original homeland. Each one indicated that having a specific day dedicated to Thankfulness was introduced to them after arriving in America. In fact only two countries actually celebrate Thanksgiving; the United States and Canada.
I asked further, “Do you celebrate Thanksgiving as a special day now that you’re living in the USA?” Not really surprisingly they do, including the custom for many of roasting a turkey! In fact, yesterday we learned from our Bosnian friends that turkey will be at the center of their feast today.
I especially consider Milan, a Bosnian friend, who left his home country in the late nineties when he was 49. He and his wife and two daughters came to America not knowing English and wearing only the clothes they had on (their baggage was lost in transit!!!)
Several weeks ago we had dinner with Milan, Zakira and their daughters in their beautiful new home. They have worked hard and done very well. What a blessing to offer thanks prior to our meal. They recounted the extreme difficulty of living through the war that wracked their country in the mid-nineties. They saw people, some of them friends, die in bombings. They had their home bombed out and all the windows shattered. Milan is just a few years older than I, yet he has experienced desperate living conditions where stability and comfort were foreign to their circumstances. “It is a special time for my family to participate in the custom of Thanksgiving here in America” he told me in a very solemn tone.
We all have so much to be thankful for, although our “blessings” vary from one person to the next. Yet even as the world has denigrated the true meaning of Christmas, it seems the same is happening to Thanksgiving. This began with a subtle change of the object of our thanksgiving being attributed to others rather than God.
Today I’m so thankful for my salvation, my family and friends, and my church. I have also been mightily blessed with much of the good things this world has to offer relative to so many. (Most all of you reading this have as well!)
Many songs have been written that express thanks to God. Today’s verse is taken from a Psalm of David and expresses an interesting way to “magnify” the Lord. The Hebrew word for magnify is “gadal” and is translated throughout the Old Testament with words like advance, lift up, promote, increase, and boast.
I remember in my earliest days as a Christian singing a gospel chorus with the line “O, magnify the Lord with me.” It was my first pastor, James O. Howard’s, favorite chorus as I recall. It’s so old now I can’t even find it on YouTube but it went like this. Maybe this will stir up some old memories!
Blessed Lamb of Calvary!
For His Grace so rich and free,
Magnify the Lord with me!
Magnify the Lord with me!
Blessed Lamb of Calvary!
Jesus gave us liberty,
So Magnify the Lord with me!
I like the word “magnify” and here we are told “we magnify Him with thanksgiving.” Let us indeed magnify the Lord by our thankfulness and remember; God’s call to a life of thankfulness is not limited to this day, it’s not seasonal, but should be a daily expression!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Today we want to share a prayer we earnestly pray for our family, friends and readers. It is from Colossians 1:3-14with slight adaptation.
Listen to this prayer on your audio player.
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus
and of the love you have for all the saints
the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven
and that you have already heard about in the Word of Truth,
the gospel that has come to you.
All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing,
just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it
and understood God’s grace in all its truth.
You learned it from faithful followers of Jesus Christ.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you
and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord
and may please Him in every way:
bearing fruit in every good work,
growing in the knowledge of God,
being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might
so that you may have great endurance and patience,
and joyfully giving thanks to the Father,
who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness
and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Amen.
Today we complete our selection of music we’ve been sharing with a theme of Thankfulness.
“In Everything Give Thanks” Video Charlotte Ritchie, Jeff & Sheri Easter
“Thanks” Video Marshall Hall and the Homecoming Singers
“I Want To Thank You” Video Karen Peck and New River This is a song expressing thankfulness to the many people who impact our lives and also reminds us of the blessing of seemingly insignificant expressions of faith. From the Gaither Homecoming series.
“Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me” Video Gordon Mote & Jason Crabb
“Thanksgiving Medley” Video Nice selection of grand old thanksgiving hymns.
“Now Thank We All Our God” Video Traditional version Here’s a bit more contemporary version with same lyrics.
“Come We Thankful People Come” Video Traditional version Here’s a bit more contemporary version with same lyrics.
“I’m Forever Grateful” Video Willow Creek
“Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart” Video Don Moen
“When I Thank Him For What He Has Done” Video The Cathedrals
A highly recommended read:
Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well
By Billy Graham / Thomas Nelson
Many people, even Christians, fear growing older. We don’t like to think about losing independence and control in our lives, but perhaps learning to accept these changes is the first step in dealing with them. After 93 years of living and decades of Christian service, renowned evangelist Billy Graham writes to encourage people of all ages to live with purpose and grace in Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well. Graham also discusses the importance of building strong foundations in relationships, facing life’s transitions with trust, and understanding our glorious hope in Jesus. Join Billy as he shares the challenges of fading strength, but still standing strong in his commitment to finishing life well.
“Thankful For The Thorns”: A family reading and exercise that is a wonderful way to give a thoughtful focus around your Thanksgiving Table. The Thanksgiving celebration typically includes family coming together for a huge meal and hopefully a heartfelt prayer of thankfulness. However it can often be difficult to have a spiritually oriented conversation. Why not add some stimulating discussion about the ways God has worked in your life over the past year! Some of you are not in charge and are only visitors at your Thanksgiving gathering, but if it is possible share together around the table the theme of “Thankful for the Thorns” (printable webpage).
“A Thanksgiving family exercise” (pdf). We have used this questionnaire as a stimulus for discussion among family members in the past in our home. We encourage you to share results around the table at Thanksgiving before or after the meal.
A Thanksgiving prayer: Written by Joe Sherer, a pastor friend of ours and shared as the benediction at our community Thanksgiving Eve service several years ago. (printable webpage) For those who enjoy written prayers this would be a beautiful prayer to read together at the Thanksgiving table.
A Thanksgiving Scripture reading: A selection of Old and New Testament readings dealing with thankfulness appropriate for church, family and personal readings. (pdf) (Suitable for printing out and copying.)
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Ministry Update (Revised 10/21/11)
“What’s Your Excuse?”
November 23, 2011
Lancaster County Amish farmwork taken from a hot air balloon.
Photo by Debra Zimmerman (Used by permission)
See this photo for zoom-out context.
Listen to this message on your audio player.Andrew Carnegie, the multimillionaire, left one million dollars to one of his relatives, who in return cursed Carnegie thoroughly because he had left $365 million to public charities and had cut him off with just one measly million. How’s that for a grateful heart? (Now a million dollars is still a lot today but can you imagine how much more it would have been worth when Andrew Carnegie died in 1919!) Carnegie’s ungrateful relative reflects the attitude of far too many, not only in our day but throughout the centuries. Let’s review a story that Jesus told regarding ten lepers.
Jesus often asked questions to get His audience to probe their own minds before he would launch into an important teaching. Settings where teachers set up their lesson by first asking thought provoking questions always stimulates my own thinking and it helps me to assess the crowd that has gathered. In Jesus’ teaching from Luke 17:11-19 He had healed ten lepers but only one, a Samaritan, returned to give Him thanks. This brief Scripture passage certainly drives home a hard hitting message, but it also stirs one’s imagination for all that was not said.
I’ve wondered what excuses the other nine might have had in failing to return to give Jesus thanks. Of course the text does not tell us and we can’t be absolutely certain, but let us consider nine possible excuses they might have used. Notice they are all pertinent to our day as well!
Perhaps:
1) One was too busy. Surely their disability had resulted in a lot of work that needed done. (Self-importance)
2) One forgot. (Ingratitude)
3) One was planning to do it later. He reasoned that he would eventually get back to thank Jesus… sometime. (Procrastination)
4) One thought somebody else would do it. Perhaps he saw the one returning and thought “he will speak for all of us”. God does not accept vicarious praise. “Let everything that hath breath…” (Lazy)
5) One wanted to see if the healing would last. He looked and thought this is wonderful but let’s see if it comes back before I do any thanking. (Skeptical)
6) One had a religious prejudice. Perhaps he didn’t want to even be associated with the Samaritan (Superiority)
7) One thought it really didn’t matter. (Thoughtless)
8) One thought “I still have a lot of other problems.” Like many he saw the glass half empty. Indeed on this side whatever God may do for us we very likely have or will have other problems. (Negative)
9) One thought “I don’t want to bother Him.” Scripture is abundant in calls to thank, praise and glorify God. We never bother Him in calls to be obedient! (Inferiority)
What’s your excuse for not returning thanks to God?
Four great truths could be derived from this message:
1) Thankfulness is an act of the will. This man made the decision to return and offer thanks. “Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back.” We need to make a decision that we will be thankful and act upon it.
2) Thankfulness matters to God. It brings glory to God. The man “returned to give glory to God.” The Westminster Catechism states, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” We can be assured Scripturally that as we thank God we also glorify Him. “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me” (Psalm 50:23).
3) Thankfulness is an excellent expression of faith. “And He said to him, ‘Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.’” This part of the text somewhat puzzles me. Apparently the Lord had seen faith in the demonstration of desperation in the ten lepers when they had cried out in a loud voice: “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Now Jesus is commending that faith. Chuck Swindoll notes, “Faith believes in advance what will only make sense in reverse.”
4) Thankfulness is an excellent testimony. Consider that this story made it into the record of Holy Scripture because this man was thankful! As we live a life of thankfulness we also present a good testimony.
Today let’s not make excuses in being unthankful to God or others. Will we be like the one who returned to give thanks or like the other nine?
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we want to bless You at all times allowing praises to spring from our hearts and express themselves in our words and actions. We magnify Your name and exalt You, Almighty God, for You are our great Deliverer. As we celebrate our thanks to You we tell of Your mighty power and miracles in our lives. We teach these to our children so the next generation might know them, even the children not yet born, that they in turn might teach their children. We want each generation to set their hopes anew on God, remembering His glorious and miraculous provisions, as they turn their hearts toward You. Thank You, Father, for everything! For apart from You we have nothing! Amen.
“Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?” What we may infer from this is that the others who failed to return to offer thanks must all have been locals (Jews)!
Additional thought from Bible commentator Brian Bell’s study notes on this passage:
- How grateful the men should have been for the providence of God that brought Jesus into their area.
- How grateful the men should have been for the love that caused Him to pay attention to them and their need.
- How grateful the men should have been for the grace and power of God that brought about their healing.
“Brent The Tool Man”We are having some extensive work done on our home’s HVAC with a new heat pump. Ductwork needs to be routed throughout our home since our home has not had ducts. It’s quite a job for the crew working on it since they have to get into our attic and snake ductwork throughout the house, including through closets to get to lower levels. But they are doing so with diligence and a good attitude. Brent is showing off his skills in handling power tools!
We have been using a coal stove for primary heat (which we will continue to use as a supplement and for the ambiance in our family room) and several window A/C’s for cooling (which we will no longer need) so we are looking forward to this improvement!
“Thank You Lord” Video Don Moen
“I Thank God” Video Rhema Marvanne An eight year old girl who has a very nice, mature voice. Her family are people of faith, and sadly, her mother passed away two years ago.
“In Everything Give Thanks” Video Charlotte Ritchie, Jeff & Sheri Easter
“Thanks” Video Marshall Hall and the Homecoming Singers
“I Want To Thank You” Video Karen Peck and New River This is a song expressing thankfulness to the many people who impact our lives and also reminds us of the blessing of seemingly insignificant expressions of faith. From the Gaither Homecoming series.
“Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me” Video Gordon Mote & Jason Crabb
“Thanksgiving Medley” Video Nice selection of grand old thanksgiving hymns.
“Now Thank We All Our God” Video Traditional version Here’s a bit more contemporary version with same lyrics.
“Come We Thankful People Come” Video Traditional version Here’s a bit more contemporary version with same lyrics.
“I’m Forever Grateful” Video Willow Creek
“Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart” Video Don Moen
“When I Thank Him For What He Has Done” Video The Cathedrals
Today’s photo was take by Debra Zimmerman, daughter of our friends Cerwin and Doris High. More photos from this balloon collection are on Doris High’s photoblog site.
A highly recommended read:
Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well
By Billy Graham / Thomas Nelson
Many people, even Christians, fear growing older. We don’t like to think about losing independence and control in our lives, but perhaps learning to accept these changes is the first step in dealing with them. After 93 years of living and decades of Christian service, renowned evangelist Billy Graham writes to encourage people of all ages to live with purpose and grace in Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well. Graham also discusses the importance of building strong foundations in relationships, facing life’s transitions with trust, and understanding our glorious hope in Jesus. Join Billy as he shares the challenges of fading strength, but still standing strong in his commitment to finishing life well.
“Thankful For The Thorns”: A family reading and exercise that is a wonderful way to give a thoughtful focus around your Thanksgiving Table. The Thanksgiving celebration typically includes family coming together for a huge meal and hopefully a heartfelt prayer of thankfulness. However it can often be difficult to have a spiritually oriented conversation. Why not add some stimulating discussion about the ways God has worked in your life over the past year! Some of you are not in charge and are only visitors at your Thanksgiving gathering, but if it is possible share together around the table the theme of “Thankful for the Thorns” (printable webpage).
“A Thanksgiving family exercise” (pdf). We have used this questionnaire as a stimulus for discussion among family members in the past in our home. We encourage you to share results around the table at Thanksgiving before or after the meal.
A Thanksgiving prayer: Written by Joe Sherer, a pastor friend of ours and shared as the benediction at our community Thanksgiving Eve service several years ago. (printable webpage) For those who enjoy written prayers this would be a beautiful prayer to read together at the Thanksgiving table.
A Thanksgiving Scripture reading: A selection of Old and New Testament readings dealing with thankfulness appropriate for church, family and personal readings. (pdf) (Suitable for printing out and copying.)
Sign up here for the free daily email encouragement.
Ministry Update (Revised 10/21/11)
“Thankful For the Thorns”
November 22, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
The “lovely” arrangement on our Communion Table this past Sunday.Listen to this message on your audio player.
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
For many years Brooksyne has enjoyed creating attractive flower arrangements for our home and friends, as well as the churches we have served for the past five years. Among the favorite flowers she grows are roses and presently we have three rose bushes, though they stopped blooming a few weeks ago. Each Sunday she generally makes arrangements for the church using seasonal flowers, such as the fall mums over the past couple months.However this last Sunday she prepared a rather unusual arrangement for the Communion Table; clipped rose stems without the roses as seen in our top photo today. With gloves for protection she clipped them low at the base of our rose bushes and arranged them for display. It was not very pretty to say the least and probably made the congregation wonder if she was losing her senses!
How many of you plan to order a Thanksgiving bouquet from the Florist Shop this Thanksgiving? Roses are a perennial favorite. Why not have the florist cut off the roses and purchase only the long, thorny stems for your Thanksgiving centerpiece?
Sound a little strange? In the Thanksgiving Resources listed below our daily message we feature a story called “Thankful for the Thorns”. Years ago Brooksyne played the florist when it was presented in skit form in our church. But this last Sunday she read the story to our congregation and used the rather plain, somewhat disheveled roseless stems as seen in the Communion Table photo as an object lesson.
In the story the florist cuts off the roses and sells only the long, thorny stems. The thorny bouquet is a visual reminder to customers to be thankful for the thorns or painful times in their lives. Whether experiencing the difficult moments personally or within our families, we have motivation to seek God more fervently, which allows Him to bring perspective, healing, cleansing and maturing in our faith. The eventual outcome brings beauty and purpose into our lives, much like the beautiful, fragrant rose that is an outgrowth from the thorn covered green stems.
In past years we kept a small wrapped box in our dining room where we could drop in notes from time to time telling of the way in which God had provided a special blessing. Perhaps we need to also include notes that record the “thorns” that appear in our lives to be reminded of the lessons God has taught us through the difficult times. We can also use it to comfort and encourage others who are being pricked by thorns in their lives.
The apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4, shares four experiences of spiritual and physical testing as he and his co-workers followed Christ. In each example he showed how God proved His faithfulness in the midst of the severe thorns:
* “We are hard pressed on every side — but not crushed.”
* “Perplexed — but not in despair.”
* “Persecuted — but not abandoned.”
* “Struck down — but not destroyed.”
At times we’ve been a little “hard-pressed” in various challenges just as each of you have in varying degrees. But we’ve also been challenged by God to trust Him when these “thorns” prick while developing fruit in our lives that can only be produced through these “prickly” experiences. We find enormous consolation as we read and meditate upon the Scriptures.
Heart-rending emails arrive regularly from our readers concerning their thorns – some that prick and tear at the soul. May you find the “God of all Comfort” to be your source of strength and hope. “God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the same comfort we ourselves received from God” (2 Corinthians 1:4).
William Law, who lived in the early 1700′s, observed “Whenever you find yourself disposed to uneasiness or murmuring at anything that is the effect of God’s providence, look upon yourself as denying either the wisdom or goodness of God.”
Today are you living with a healthy outlook, confident of God’s love and providential care, even during a season of “difficulty”? Or are you focusing on the difficulty? Some people complain because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.
Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: “My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; Teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain; Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant.”
(Prayer taken from the story, “Thankful for the Thorns”)
Brooksyne’s Note: “The Thorn of a Broken Ankle” Over three months I could bear no weight on my left leg so I used crutches and a wheelchair during that time. There were so many valuable lessons I learned over that period of time. The one I think of most often is the ability I have to park a long way from the store and walk with no assistance. It’s something I took for granted and often whined when I couldn’t get a closer parking space. I know there are readers who are permanently wheelchair bound and even those who are bedridden. Our hearts go out to you and we know God provides special grace to you in these circumstances.
I can still recall the intense pain I felt when I accidentally stepped on a stem of thorns over 3 years ago. Only days earlier I had the cast removed from my left leg due to my broken ankle that was reset and operated on. I had to give up all gardening the summer of ’08 and couldn’t wait to do some trimming of hedges and bushes when the cast finally came off. Due to my foot still being quite swollen I was walking barefooted. First thing, I trimmed the very much overgrown rose bushes and did so verociously. Without thinking I threw the thorn filled stems behind me in the yard. I’d forgotten about the rose stems when I backed away from the bush and accidentally stepped on them. It was so painful I remember screaming and falling face forward due to the orders that I was not to bend my leg. It was an painful experience (behind and in front of me).
Thankful for our doctors:
Ester enjoys visiting with Dr. Mark Cohen, her pediatric cardiologist, who was the first American doctor to see her upon her arrival from Guatemala at 3 months of age. He specializes in pacemakers and has continued to care for her as an adult since her heart condition is congenital! Yesterday, during her 6 month check up, he told us of his planned departure from Hershey Children’s Heart Group. The news was met with a warm embrace while Ester shed many tears. She is very fond of him and has been helped greatly by his expertise and his genuine compassion when she is experiencing heart problems.
Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
Today we want to share music with a theme of Thankfulness which we will add to this list and leave up through Thursday.
“Thanks To God For My Redeemer” Video This video is in Chinese and, although you can’t understand the words (unless you know Chinese!), it is is set to beautiful floral photos with an outstanding vocal and musical arrangement. It is also a reminder that we are part of a big worldwide family of fellow believers. Here’s an English version. “Thanks for roses by the wayside, thanks for thorns their stems contain!” This last Sunday we sang it to the tune of “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus”. It was written in 1891 by August Storm, a Swedish believer. He was stricken with illness 8 years after writing this hymn and was an invalid until his death many years later. He maintained a thankful spirit to the very end.
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!
Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,
Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure,
Thanks for love beyond compare!
Thanks for roses by the wayside,
Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
Thanks for heav’nly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
Thanks through all eternity!
“In Everything Give Thanks” Video Charlotte Ritchie, Jeff & Sheri Easter
“Thanks” Video Marshall Hall and the Homecoming Singers
“I Want To Thank You” Video Karen Peck and New River This is a song expressing thankfulness to the many people who impact our lives and also reminds us of the blessing of seemingly insignificant expressions of faith. From the Gaither Homecoming series.
“Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me” Video Gordon Mote & Jason Crabb
“Thanksgiving Medley” Video Nice selection of grand old thanksgiving hymns.
“Now Thank We All Our God” Video Traditional version Here’s a bit more contemporary version with same lyrics.
“Come We Thankful People Come” Video Traditional version Here’s a bit more contemporary version with same lyrics.
“I’m Forever Grateful” Video Willow Creek
“Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart” Video Don Moen
“When I Thank Him For What He Has Done” Video The Cathedrals
Yesterday we referred to our friend Tommy Carpenter, whose wife and grandson were killed in an auto accident last month. Tommy writes, “Our grief has been deep, but we have found GOD’S GRACE to be greater than grief.”
A highy recommended read:
Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well
By Billy Graham / Thomas Nelson
Many people, even Christians, fear growing older. We don’t like to think about losing independence and control in our lives, but perhaps learning to accept these changes is the first step in dealing with them. After 93 years of living and decades of Christian service, renowned evangelist Billy Graham writes to encourage people of all ages to live with purpose and grace in Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well. Graham also discusses the importance of building strong foundations in relationships, facing life’s transitions with trust, and understanding our glorious hope in Jesus. Join Billy as he shares the challenges of fading strength, but still standing strong in his commitment to finishing life well.
“Thankful For The Thorns”: A family reading and exercise that is a wonderful way to give a thoughtful focus around your Thanksgiving Table. The Thanksgiving celebration typically includes family coming together for a huge meal and hopefully a heartfelt prayer of thankfulness. However it can often be difficult to have a spiritually oriented conversation. Why not add some stimulating discussion about the ways God has worked in your life over the past year! Some of you are not in charge and are only visitors at your Thanksgiving gathering, but if it is possible share together around the table the theme of “Thankful for the Thorns” (printable webpage).
“A Thanksgiving family exercise” (pdf). We have used this questionnaire as a stimulus for discussion among family members in the past in our home. We encourage you to share results around the table at Thanksgiving before or after the meal.
A Thanksgiving prayer: Written by Joe Sherer, a pastor friend of ours and shared as the benediction at our community Thanksgiving Eve service several years ago. (printable webpage) For those who enjoy written prayers this would be a beautiful prayer to read together at the Thanksgiving table.
A Thanksgiving Scripture reading: A selection of Old and New Testament readings dealing with thankfulness appropriate for church, family and personal readings. (pdf) (Suitable for printing out and copying.)
“Counting Your Blessings”
November 21, 2011
This church sign near Mount Joy, PA has a thought-provoking message!Listen to this message on your audio player.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
Counting your blessings can be a challenge at times. Rather it’s so easy and natural to focus on losses. Several weeks ago we mentioned our friends Tommy and Nelma Carpenter from Arkansas who visited us in mid October. A week later Nelma, along with one of their grandsons, was killed in a car accident. We’ve been praying for Tommy and the family and called last week to assure him of our continued prayer support. Certainly this will be a hard Thanksgiving for the family so soon after such a life altering event.
But during our conversation Tommy exuded faith and assurance of God’s steadfast love and care. In the midst of devastating loss he was counting his blessings as he saw God’s hand at work.
We believe that’s the attitude God wants for us as we view life here on earth. It comes naturally to rejoice in the celebratory times but God also wants us to acknowledge our blessings during times of testing. After all, we’re instructed to give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will. (See 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Do you have an attitude of entitlement or an attitude of blessing?
- The “attitude of entitlement” is rampant in our world today and results in whining and a sense of victimization. No matter how much you have it’s never enough.
- The “attitude of blessing” is expressed far less often yet it results in joy and peace. It focuses on what we have rather than what we may not have.
Which attitude would you rather have?
Which attitude would you rather be around?
We are often politely asked, “How are you today?” At this question we may tend to either provide the expected “I’m fine, thank you” without really giving it much thought, or we may immediately begin to consider our present physical condition or material provisions. At this we may still realize how blessed we are or we may consider negative aspects to our present circumstances such as our health, a family concern, finances or world instability. Jere, a friend of ours often states “Better than I deserve.” An elderly woman in a nursing home always responds, “Too blessed to be stressed.”
But there is a constant blessing that we do well to focus on, even though we do not experience it with our physical senses. Notice the phrase in the daily text speaking of the Father “who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” The apostle Paul wrote this from prison. He surely was experiencing little of what we so easily characterize as “blessings” today.
But his focus was on the spiritual blessings originating from the heavenly realms. These blessings, though unseen, are absolutely real. In the next several verses Paul rejoices in them and so can we, no matter what our external circumstances may be.
Take a moment and reflect upon one little phrase in our daily text. Notice the words “every spiritual blessing”. Paul reminds the believers in Ephesus, readers throughout the centuries, and right up to our present day that this is how we’ve been blessed.
Today, as you go about a routine workday, it will be so tempting to look upon the physical realms, to assess our “blessings” or “headaches”. When this happens get your focus back on the heavenly realms and your spiritual blessings in Christ: His forgiveness, His care and His discipline. These are but a few of our spiritual blessings in Christ. In the verses that follow Paul elaborates on these spiritual blessings one after the other.
And filled with His fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God
For such a Redeemer as mine!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, You have poured out Your abundance on us from the heavenly realms in all manner of blessings. You forgave our sins and broke the chains that once enslaved. You brought fulfillment in our lives as You gave us a sense of purpose. You provided for us a roadmap through the Holy Scriptures that leads ultimately to heaven. You’ve promised us eternal life. We experience peace that surpasses human understanding and the list is unending. For this and so much more we are eternally grateful. We deserve none of Your blessings and yet we receive them all, not only in this life but we lay hold of future blessings in the life to come. Prompt us to focus on our blessings since they far outweigh our troubles. Even when shadows darken the view of our blessings may they visibly surface as the indwelling Holy Spirit brings them to our remembrance. May it be our heart’s desire to refresh others whom we meet from day to day in life’s journey as we walk in the power of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Our friend Galen Martin has a big stack of fodder bales on his farm. These bales are made from the corn stalks after the corn grain is harvested and will either be used for animal bedding or will go into the mulch for growing mushrooms. Each bale in the photo is actually a cluster of smaller bales and weighs 1000 pounds.
Brooksyne knelt to pray on Saturday morning and shortly thereafter Mollie joined her (This not a staged photo – I just happened to look downstairs and caught this on camera). It looks like our older dog Roxie chose to “rest in the Lord”!
“Count Your Blessings” Video The Martins (One of Brooksyne’s favorite groups)
“Count Your Blessings” Video Smoky Mountain Hymns Instrumental (This the tune we are familiar with. We closed our service with this hymn yesterday.)
“I Want To Thank You” Video Karen Peck and New River This is a song expressing thankfulness to the many people who impact our lives and also reminds us of the blessing of seemingly insignificant expressions of faith. From the Gaither Homecoming series.
“In Everything Give Thanks” Video Charlotte Ritchie, Jeff & Sheri Easter
“Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me” Video Gordon Mote & Jason Crabb
“When I Thank Him For What He Has Done” Video The Cathedrals
“I Still Cling To The Old Rugged Cross” Video Lenexa Baptist Church This song is not necessarily related to our daily theme but it sure blesses my heart! Great graphics as well.
Karen Peck and New River We enjoy this group and here is a playlist with 11 songs.
A highly recommended read: We both are reading this book and would commend it to our readers. We will share a brief review in several days.
Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well
By Billy Graham / Thomas Nelson
Many people, even Christians, fear growing older. We don’t like to think about losing independence and control in our lives, but perhaps learning to accept these changes is the first step in dealing with them. After 93 years of living and decades of Christian service, renowned evangelist Billy Graham writes to encourage people of all ages to live with purpose and grace in Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well. Graham also discusses the importance of building strong foundations in relationships, facing life’s transitions with trust, and understanding our glorious hope in Jesus. Join Billy as he shares the challenges of fading strength, but still standing strong in his commitment to finishing life well. Ordering info.
“Thankful For The Thorns”: A family reading and exercise that is a wonderful way to give a thoughtful focus around your Thanksgiving Table. The Thanksgiving celebration typically includes family coming together for a huge meal and hopefully a heartfelt prayer of thankfulness. However it can often be difficult to have a spiritually oriented conversation. Why not add some stimulating discussion about the ways God has worked in your life over the past year! Some of you are not in charge and are only visitors at your Thanksgiving gathering, but if it is possible share together around the table the theme of “Thankful for the Thorns” (printable webpage).
“A Thanksgiving family exercise” (pdf). We have used this questionnaire as a stimulus for discussion among family members in the past in our home. We encourage you to share results around the table at Thanksgiving before or after the meal.
A Thanksgiving prayer: Written by Joe Sherer, a pastor friend of ours and shared as the benediction at our community Thanksgiving Eve service several years ago. (printable webpage) For those who enjoy written prayers this would be a beautiful prayer to read together at the Thanksgiving table.
A Thanksgiving Scripture reading: A selection of Old and New Testament readings dealing with thankfulness appropriate for church, family and personal readings. (pdf) (Suitable for printing out and copying.)
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Ministry Update (Revised 10/21/11)
“Turning The World Right-side Up”
November 18, 2011
“Eartha” globe at the Delorme Map Company headquarters in Yarmouth, Maine.
Listen to this message on your audio player.
“These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Acts 17:6).
I have long wondered about something and have yet to find the answer. Globes and maps depict the northern hemisphere as “up” and the southern hemisphere as “down,” and of course that is the orientation we consider right-side up. But is there an objective reason this is so? I wonder from the perspective of outer space if there is an “up and down”?
I do know, because of our customary view, that it looks strange to see a globe upside down which brings to mind the daily Scripture text. I preached from this text last Sunday and brought in a globe that our church in New England had given me (knowing my interest in globes). I turned it upside down on its stand to illustrate my point. The congregation quickly observed that it was upside down and wondered what I was up to!
As you’re driving up Route 1 in Maine north of Portland you can’t miss the headquarters of the DeLorme Map Company in Yarmouth. In the glass-windowed lobby there is a huge globe completely made up of satellite images of the entire earth. They call the globe “Eartha”, which sort of sounds like the name of a goddess to me!
Eartha is the largest rotating and revolving globe in the world, measuring 42 feet in diameter and comprised of 140 gigabytes of information. Whenever we are up that way we always stop by to see it. Many years ago Ester and I walked around the globe and quoted from John 3:16, which is the clearest verse in the Bible stating God’s love for the entire world.
The daily text states, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Acts 17:6). It is a powerful expression of the world’s perspective on the mighty and far-reaching impact of the early church. It is specifically referring to the ministry of the Apostle Paul and those who traveled with him as they proclaimed the message of Christ in Thessalonica. Apparently their reputation had preceded them. Their message was so absolutely transforming that it was said to “have turned the world upside down.”
The key Greek word here is “anastatwsantev” (listen) which means to “upset or unsettle”. When Christians confront a world headed contrary to God’s ways it surely is upsetting and unsettling.
Indeed, wherever the true message of Jesus Christ goes, it has a transforming impact. This impact will be seen in individuals, families, churches, communities, countries and entire cultures. It’s important to realize that the transformation is upside down from the world’s perspective but right side up according to God’s created design!
I recall a special moment in my personal discipleship when a fellow believer shared with me a spiritual concept based on Romans 12:2. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That was nearly 40 years ago. The transforming process of breaking conformity to the world and conforming ourselves to Christ and His teaching continues in my life through the renewing of my mind. There have been many setbacks along the way but God continues the process and I am assured that He will carry it on to completion until the day He appears (Philippians 1:6).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, as we live in daily communion with You, our presence will make a difference in a classroom, in a workplace, in a neighborhood, in a community and most especially in our families. With Your sanctifying seal upon our lives we no longer live according to the lust of the flesh, but the life of the Son who resides in us. May we see our world turned upside down as people walk away from evil while being transformed by Christ’s redemptive power. It is in His name that we pray, Amen.
November is the month for Amish weddings. We passed a large one yesterday and saw lots of buggies and snapped this photo along Rt. 340 east of Bird in Hand, PA. It was a very cloudy day so our photos aren’t as vibrant as we prefer.
This homemade sign caught our attention. We checked with Elvin, an old order Mennonite friend. He told us this would be a horse suitable for a buggy. “Anybody can drive” meant it would handle well!
Just up the road we saw apples for sale. We drove in and purchased a bushel so Brooksyne can can apple sauce and pie filling. In observing the farm I thought this was a resourceful way to use an old van bench! This brought another memory as well. Brooksyne was raised on a farm in Oklahoma and her colorful dad had a knack for collecting stuff, reasoning he would always find some way to use it. Her brother worked for American Airlines and had given him some discarded airline seats that he set up for relaxing outside, kind of like this bench! (Brooksyne’s Note: Dad’s collecting of odd stuff was often the source of some pretty serious arguments between him and mom. Mom wanted it to be cleaned up, and Dad was charmed by it, including old broken down automobiles – it saved him a trip to the salvage yard when he was tinkering with our cars, trucks or tractors.)
I was intrigued by the pulley on this pump and assume they use the PTO on the tractor if needed for large watering jobs. (This “old-order” branch of Mennonites do not use electricity).
Early yesterday morning we visited with Lee Smucker, a new friend of ours, who shared this photo of his wife Pam beside an Amish buggy in Indiana. He observed how much larger and more comfortable the buggies were in this area than the ones we commonly see here in Lancaster County. The side door lifts up like a garage door which would make it easier for families to get in comfortably.
“Since Jesus Came Into My Heart” Video The Todd Allen Family
Here’s more info on the Eartha globe from the DeLorme website.
“Thankful For The Thorns”: A family reading and exercise that is a wonderful way to give a thoughtful focus around your Thanksgiving Table. The Thanksgiving celebration typically includes family coming together for a huge meal and hopefully a heartfelt prayer of thankfulness. However it can often be difficult to have a spiritually oriented conversation. Why not add some stimulating discussion about the ways God has worked in your life over the past year! Some of you are not in charge and are only visitors at your Thanksgiving gathering, but if it is possible share together around the table the theme of “Thankful for the Thorns” (printable webpage).
“A Thanksgiving family exercise” (pdf). We have used this questionnaire as a stimulus for discussion among family members in the past in our home. We encourage you to share results around the table at Thanksgiving before or after the meal.
A Thanksgiving prayer: Written by Joe Sherer, a pastor friend of ours and shared as the benediction at our community Thanksgiving Eve service several years ago. (printable webpage) For those who enjoy written prayers this would be a beautiful prayer to read together at the Thanksgiving table.
A Thanksgiving Scripture reading: A selection of Old and New Testament readings dealing with thankfulness appropriate for church, family and personal readings. (pdf) (Suitable for printing out and copying.)
Sign up here for the free daily email encouragement.
Ministry Update (Revised 10/21/11)
“Creation Declares”
November 17, 2011
Many of the trees in our area have now dropped their leaves but this beautiful tree is still in full autumn vibrancy. The rain fell steadily yesterday causing the yards and roads to be splattered with loads of leaves. The trees will soon be wearing their barren winter coats.
Listen to this message on your audio player.
“He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish” (1 Kings 4:33).
The autumn leaves are so beautiful in our area, whether a panoramic distant view, up close at a cluster of leaves, or even a single leaf! Brooksyne took the photo to the right. Here’s a large version suitable for a desktop background. The leaves are in the beautiful reds, yellows and oranges of fall although it soon will pass!
The daily text is an often overlooked aspect of Solomon’s broad interests and a part of the vast knowledge he was famed for. In this brief verse we see Solomon’s interest in Botany, Dendrology, Zoology, Ornithology, Herpetology and Ichthyology.
Take a single leaf such as the Oak leaf to the left. Look it over and carefully make observations. Sort of like high school chemistry and the opening exercise (at least when I went to High School) of observing the flame of a candle. It’s interesting when you take a single leaf and carefully examine it to see how much can be observed!
Science is often characterized as an adversary to faith. It seems that many use it as an excuse and basis for their unbelief. But science is the observation and study of God’s created order and as such it can be a tremendous aid to faith.
The Psalmist declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). God’s hand is visible whether in the starry skies far beyond reach or in the amazing molecular structure of a single living cell.
I’m not an accredited scientist but I sure see the hand of God wherever I look. What about you? Look up and out, down and around you today! And consider the wondrous blessings of God’s handiwork.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we count among our rich blessings the bounty of Your handiwork – whether it’s that which we can observe only at a distance or that which we can examine closely, touch with our hands, smell or taste. You are a benevolent Father, giving us so much to enjoy. Creation declares Your glory causing us to delight in Your creativity, in all its bountiful and varied displays. We give You thanks for it all. Amen.
“All Heaven Declares” Video
“Eternity” Video Brian Doerksen
“Only You” Video Vineyard Music
Last week I shared a photo and an observation about our front lawn oaks and a thoughtful reader shared this poem:
by Jon Hassler
Among the four seasons’ perpetual jokes
Is the winter appearance of overdressed oaks
Refusing to fall with the sleet an snow
Oak leaves cling, lifelike, through fifty below
Until they are nudged by the force of the sap
Rising to fashion the oak a spring wrap.
I hope when it’s Autumn and winter for me
I can look as alive as the overdressed tree
And during the lengthening nights I can cling
To my wits and my heart – the tokens of spring
Only releasing them into the sod
The moment I’m dressed in the glory of God.
to enrich the spiritual impact of the Thanksgiving holiday.
We will post these resources through Thanksgiving Day here in the US (November 24).
“Thankful For The Thorns”: A family reading and exercise that is a wonderful way to give a thoughtful focus around your Thanksgiving Table. The Thanksgiving celebration typically includes family coming together for a huge meal and hopefully a heartfelt prayer of thankfulness. However it can often be difficult to have a spiritually oriented conversation. Why not add some stimulating discussion about the ways God has worked in your life over the past year! Some of you are not in charge and are only visitors at your Thanksgiving gathering, but if it is possible share together around the table the theme of “Thankful for the Thorns” (printable webpage).
“A Thanksgiving family exercise” (pdf). We have used this questionnaire as a stimulus for discussion among family members in the past in our home. We encourage you to share results around the table at Thanksgiving before or after the meal.
A Thanksgiving prayer: Written by Joe Sherer, a pastor friend of ours and shared as the benediction at our community Thanksgiving Eve service several years ago. (printable webpage) For those who enjoy written prayers this would be a beautiful prayer to read together at the Thanksgiving table.
A Thanksgiving Scripture reading: A selection of Old and New Testament readings dealing with thankfulness appropriate for church, family and personal readings. (pdf) (Suitable for printing out and copying.)
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Ministry Update (Revised 10/21/11)
“Strangers In The World”
November 16, 2011
We passed this field with white goats and managed to snap a photo through the fence.
Listen to this message on your audio player.
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia” (1 Peter 1:1).
I recall as a young boy being intrigued that there was a country named Turkey. Now of course as an American child my initial use of the word “turkey” was associated with the giant bird my mom prepared for the big meal each Thanksgiving Day.
The apostle Peter wrote his first epistle to believers who lived in the region of present day Turkey (also known as Asia Minor), an area evangelized by Paul during his first missionary journey in Acts 13 and 14. The letter was not written to a specific individual or church as many other New Testament letters are, but “to God’s elect, strangers in the world”, scattered throughout the region.
This letter was written late in Peter’s life about 30 years after the resurrection of Christ. Social conditions in the Roman Empire were rapidly deteriorating, though it would still be many years before Rome would fully collapse. Nero was likely in power and his reign was a time of intense suffering for Christians. In this very letter Peter encouraged his fellow believers with this somber reality, “Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).
But today we want to especially focus on the phrase he uses to address them in the salutation as “strangers in the world.” The underlying Greek word for “strangers” (parepidemois) is used only three times in the New Testament; twice by Peter in this letter (here and 2:11, and Hebrews 11:13). It fundamentally means “a resident foreigner.”
Parepidemos describes one who makes a brief stay in a strange or foreign place, who sojourns or who resides temporarily among a native people to whom he or she does not belong. The parepidemos did not expect to be regarded as a native of the place where he resided. We must ever be on our guard to resist acclimating our minds or aligning our affections with this evil world system which is “devolving” and corrupting day by day. Remember that we are “strangers”.
When Lot stopped being a stranger, and became a resident, even a leader among the inhabitants of Sodom (Genesis 13:1-18), he lost his consecration and his testimony. Everything he lived for went up in smoke! (Genesis 19:1-29).
Jim Elliot, a dedicated missionary martyred in the jungles of Ecuador as a young man, was a man of great faith. I suppose his most famous quote is:
to gain what he cannot lose.”
We need to keep reminding ourselves that we are residing here as a stranger in this present evil age.
Our primary citizenship is in heaven. We do well to keep a proper Biblical perspective of our life span on this earth; that we are merely strangers passing through. It won’t be a difficult concept to grasp several hundred years into eternity but at this point, in our temporal existence, all we see is this physical world. Today let us heed the message that Peter wrote to the early believers and remember that we are merely strangers passing through!
We need to live our lives with a song in our heart, and I suppose no song puts it better in this regard than an old gospel hymn.
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we’re so thankful that when our earthly tent is destroyed, we have a building from You, an eternal house in heaven. We make it our life long goal to remain strangers in this world as we maintain friendship with You, our Heavenly Father. Like the Apostle Paul we strain toward that which is ahead as we press toward the goal to win the prize for which You have called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. In Your appointed hour our bodies will be transformed so that they will be like Your glorious body. We eagerly await that transformation when anticipation becomes reality for the faithful! Amen.
When, as a boy, Albert Brumley was out in the cotton fields picking cotton, he knew that wasn’t the life for him. He wanted to write songs for the Lord. So he did (“I’ll Fly Away” among others).
Albert had grown up in poverty and witnessed two world wars and the Great Depression. Life wasn’t easy, but he saw that it became a lot easier when you had Jesus as your friend walking alongside you.
Two themes seem to pop up in Albert’s songs over and over again. One is the theme of heaven. Life here may be rough, but glory is up ahead. The second theme is that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. Establishing a personal relationship with Him now can bring a touch of heaven to earth.
For the Christian, our citizenship is not ultimately here on earth, but in heaven. It’s the plain teaching of Scriptures: ”This Word is Not My Home.”
“Come We That Love The Lord” Video Rowley Baptist Church
“O Savior Of Our Fallen Race” Video Keith and Kristyn Getty Originally a 6th Century Latin carol, Kristyn Getty made alterations to the translation with the aim of turning the song into a prayer that emphasizes the return of Christ.
“Be Thou My Vision” Video
“When I Survey The Wondrous Cross” Video Kathryn Scott
to enrich the spiritual impact of the Thanksgiving holiday.
We will post these resources through Thanksgiving Day here in the US (November 24).
“Thankful For The Thorns”: A family reading and exercise that is a wonderful way to give a thoughtful focus around your Thanksgiving Table. The Thanksgiving celebration typically includes family coming together for a huge meal and hopefully a heartfelt prayer of thankfulness. However it can often be difficult to have a spiritually oriented conversation. Why not add some stimulating discussion about the ways God has worked in your life over the past year! Some of you are not in charge and are only visitors at your Thanksgiving gathering, but if it is possible share together around the table the theme of “Thankful for the Thorns” (printable webpage).
“A Thanksgiving family exercise” (pdf). We have used this questionnaire as a stimulus for discussion among family members in the past in our home. We encourage you to share results around the table at Thanksgiving before or after the meal.
A Thanksgiving prayer: Written by Joe Sherer, a pastor friend of ours and shared as the benediction at our community Thanksgiving Eve service several years ago. (printable webpage) For those who enjoy written prayers this would be a beautiful prayer to read together at the Thanksgiving table.
A Thanksgiving Scripture reading: A selection of Old and New Testament readings dealing with thankfulness appropriate for church, family and personal readings. (pdf) (Suitable for printing out and copying.)
Please help us continue this free encouragement ministry
Sign up here for the free daily email encouragement.
Ministry Update (Revised 10/21/11)
