“Living By Faith In Jesus Above”
March 30, 2012
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“Living By Faith In Jesus Above”
About 25 years ago I served as a Civil Air Patrol chaplain and periodically flew along with the pilots during training, sitting in the back seat as a non-pilot. Our squadron was based out of St. Marys in northern Pennsylvania. My role was to provide moral and spiritual support and encouragement. Among my responsibilities as chaplain was to notify and update family members about the condition of their loved ones aboard a missing or crashed plane. However thankfully I never had to do this.
I recall one time when we were flying to an airport in Clearfield Pennsylvania (in the Allegheny Mountains) where there was a steep drop off at the end of the runway. The pilots were practicing their instrument rating skills but didn’t tell me till I got on the plane! After taking off both pilots placed hoods over their heads to block their visual view outside the airplane, forcing them to focus solely on the plane’s instrument panel (simulating conditions such as fog when their vision would be greatly impaired).
I could see from my seat, but certainly I had no control of the flight. Each time I looked toward the front of the plane and saw the pilots in their strange-looking hoods I grew a bit uneasy. I wanted them to see where we were going! It wasn’t so bad when we were high in the air, but when we began our descent to the landing strip I couldn’t take my eyes off the drop-off at the end!
I began thinking about Brooksyne at home and visualized a police chaplain showing up, at our front door, to notify her of a downed aircraft with her chaplain husband aboard. I was so relieved when, just prior to landing, both pilots lifted their hoods and of course we had a safe landing!
Ken is a friend of ours who is also a pilot. He lent me his instrument flight rating clip-ons which have the same function in limiting vision as the hoods mentioned above. I tried them on in our van (while it was not moving) as Brooksyne snapped the photo. However I don’t have an “instrument only” rating for driving! I don’t think we’d have any Daily Encouragement readers who’d volunteer to ride in the empty passengers’ seat if I actually attempted to drive wearing these clip-ons.There’s a spiritual lesson here. We like to see where we are going don’t we? We like to know what’s going on, and we especially like to be in control of our circumstances. Much of the time we believe we actually are. We’ve think we’ve got it all figured out. But Scripture reminds us that it is imperative to remember the Proverb, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
“We live by faith, not by sight.” Not seeing the full picture runs counter to our natural instincts. God wants each step of our earthly journey to be a step of faith so that our eyes are not focused on the troubling situation but rather that they are focused on Him. He wants us to trust Him for the continuing work He is doing in our lives and also in those who may be a part of that troubling circumstance.
I consider a phrase from a great old hymn that expresses my heart today: “When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace.” Do you recognize this hymn?
Oh, for that blessed rest to be upon each reader today is our prayer as you live by faith in Jesus above!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, help us to have the kind of faith prescribed in Hebrews 11:1 where “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” It is the kind of faith that is triumphant in the worst of circumstances because our faith in Christ is the victory that overcomes the world. We will not be overcome by life’s circumstances but we will overcome life’s circumstances by the blood of the Lamb. If we fully forsake this world, if we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, and if we saturate our hearts in prayer, I believe we can experience a faith view of heaven that is nearly as real as a physical view of our home here on earth. Help us to pursue such a spiritual goal in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Living By Faith” Video Homecoming series This is an old hymn that’s been on my heart the last several weeks; I suppose in part due to the transition in our lives in as we have ended our role in pastoring a small country church and now more fully focusing our ministry on Daily Encouragement Net and Business Chaplaincy. You rarely hear it sung in churches anymore but some of you our age will recall the following hymn text:
Trusting, confiding in His great love;
From all harm safe in His sheltering arm,
I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.
“The Solid Rock” Video Sovereign Grace Music ”When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace.”
“Step By Step” Video This was among our congregation’s favorite songs in New England, although I don’t recall singing the verses.
“In Your Arms” Video Oslo Gospel Choir
“Voice Of Truth” Video Casting Crowns
What a Civil Air Patrol chaplain does. Military type chaplaincy has changed a lot in my lifetime with more emphasis on tolerance and diversity and an expectation to soft pedal convictions about Christ and the Bible.
I did not take the photo of today’s Civil Air Patrol plane, although observant readers can tell where it was taken! Click here for a larger version.
Ministry Update (Revised 12/11)
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“By Streams Of Water”
March 29, 2012
Wispy Willows along Donegal Creek
3/28/12
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“By Streams Of Water”
Last night before sunset we took our long walk along Donegal Creek, a beautiful trout stream that meanders through a meadow about ¼ mile from our house. We begin on an old tractor trail across the street from our home which leads to the clear stream.
The early sign of spring during our walk was the vibrant green ground sweeping branches of the weeping willows along the creek. (This is visible in the featured photo.) The stately old trees have thrived through the years and benefit from the excellent soil and their proximity to the creek.
Psalm 1 describes a righteous man who is thriving in his spiritual walk: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water.” Certainly trees grow virtually everywhere, but the Psalmist makes a special observation about trees that grow along streams of water.
My mother’s only brother, Uncle Gentry, had a farm in southern Missouri. He was a colorful man who brings a smile as I recall his many antics. As newlyweds he gave Brooksyne and me some pecans and stressed that they were “bottomland” pecans, having a characteristic of being especially oily and tasty. These are from trees that grow along streams of water which provides optimum growing conditions.
Vernon County, Missouri, where he lived is at the heart of pecan production in Missouri. These pecans grow naturally in the rich river bottom soils in the northernmost region of pecan production. Although slightly smaller than pecans grown in the south, the unique sweetness and higher oil content of these pecans result in extremely flavorful nutmeats. I can almost taste them as I type out this message and it sure makes me wish I could smell Pecan Pie baking in the oven! It’s one of Brooksyne’s and my favorite desserts.
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” This colorful phrase describes the man who is blessed because:
The blessed man is firstly characterized by what he does not do.
1) Walk in the counsel of the wicked or
2) Stand in the way of sinners or
3) Sit in the seat of mockers
The blessed man is secondly characterized by what he does do:
1) His delight is in the law of the LORD, and
2) On his law he meditates day and night.
We encourage you to read all of Psalm 1 (only 6 verses) and receive the wonderful blessings of God through His Holy Word. Read, study, meditate and apply these timeless truths. May the foundation of our lives be like a tree which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. In this sense may we all live “by streams of water”!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Jesus, our source of nourishment comes from You. You are the Living Water and, as we draw our sustenance from You, we bear healthy and fruitful actions which reflect our Heavenly Father. Our dependence is on You, Lord, which is vital for growth, health, and vitality.
We have been watching a pair of geese for several weeks now, awaiting the future sight of the pair gliding in the water with a trail of gosslings. As of last night the female was still nesting and her mate was in the water nearby carefully watching us as we walked by.
A portion of our walk is between two rows of trees along the edges of farm fields. The area is teeming with small critters so our dogs are in animal scent heaven!
Brooksyne’s Note: Speaking of pecans: I have fond memories of shelling pecans while growing up in Oklahoma. Mom would buy unshelled pecans and take them to the feed mill to be cracked. We children then had the job of picking them out of the shells using crochet needles. Of course our reward was Pecan Pie for dinner. Many years later my sister married and bought a house that had 10 or 11 pecan trees in her yard. Daddy was retired by then so he picked up gallons of fallen pecans and took on the big job of picking the pecan meats out of the shells. At Christmas Mom would send me about 10 pounds of pecans in the mail that he had shelled. That made it extra special, because Daddy had been a truck driver for about 40 years and this kind of tedious work was certainly never in his line of work. He did it out of love for his children.
Here are some songs based on Psalm 1
“Psalm 1:1-3″ Video from the Integrity Scripture Memory series About twenty years ago this was a popular series and we learned a lot of Scripture through hearing them repetitively.
“Psalm 1″ Video Kim Hill
“Psalm 1″ Video Singer not specified
“Psalm 1″ Video read in Hebrew, the original language of the Old Testament. Powerful!
“Psalm 1 teaching” Video Mark Hall of “Casting Crowns” This video has an interesting perspective about the first part of the Psalm.
“Slow Fade” Video Casting Crowns Used in “Fireproof” and a great message!
“Who Am I?” Video Casting Crowns This is to my recollection, the first Casting Crowns song I heard.
Ministry Update (Revised 12/11)
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“The Book of Life”
March 28, 2012
Listen to this message on your audio player.“Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life” (Philippians 4:3).
I recently purchased a “smart phone.” I tend to be a late adopter when it comes to technology, likely due to the required expense and learning curves. But I am enjoying the new features and actually find it beneficial, especially for the business chaplaincy aspect of our ministry. But my fingers are just too klutzy with the tiny keyboard for doing any writing for daily encouragement net!
We certainly live in an information-loaded age. One aspect of the phone’s “smartness” is that it knows right where I am by using GPS. I’m not sure what else it knows about me, but I do know that technology is increasing the amount of information made available to others about you and me. Many are now expressing privacy concerns, and I can understand why.
There will be a certain limitation regarding how much this technology can know about you, however, that will not be overcome, regardless of how brilliant the Google engineers and other tech people are. Any information retrieved from our phone or computer is limited to this side of eternity.
Conversely, there is a book invisible to mortal man nor the contents revealed.
This book is referred to throughout the Bible and is of utmost importance, far surpassing any other book in human or angelic history. It has never been to a printing company. It would undoubtedly be classified as the best seller of all time. If sold, it would bring about a sale of the century media blitz! It will never be indexed by Google, though I suppose you could imagine that its contents are in the “cloud”.
This book is referred to throughout the Bible beginning in Exodus 32:33 at the time of Moses and is also mentioned in the Psalms (Psalm 69:28) and the Prophets (Daniel 12:1) and today’s Scripture verse from the epistles. But it is especially prominent in the final book of the Bible, “The Revelation”.
This book is the “book of life”. It’s a record of all who have lived by faith in God and trusted Jesus Christ as their Saviour. This book is not accessible for human observation; its vast data base is known only to God.
In the daily text the Apostle Paul expresses a simple truth that can be very encouraging to us. Referring to Clement and some other “fellow workers” he expresses confidence that their names are “in the book of life.” These followers of Christ had contended at Paul’s side for the cause of the gospel.
Today we, as followers of Christ in our own generation, are also called to spiritually contend for the cause of the Gospel. Like Paul expressed, we are thankful for the many who contend at our side as our fellow workers. We contend for the Gospel as we unashamedly stand up for the claims of our Lord Jesus Christ, living our lives for Him.
Let us faithfully contend for this same Gospel today by the grace of God as we await that glorious day when the Book is opened. And let us rejoice that, all who come to Christ by faith, have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Jesus, I am greatly humbled and deeply grateful that my name has gained entry in the Lamb’s Book of Life! I sometimes find it very hard to believe that I am there alongside the great deliverer Moses, the former persecutor of the church, the Apostle Paul, and scores of other faithful believers throughout the generations. When the book is open and I personally see my name I know that I will experience unspeakable joy and eternal gratitude for the grace You’ve poured out on my life. It is only because of Your redemptive grace that my name has been added. And it is only because of Your sustaining grace that I will remain faithful until You call me to my heavenly home to hear my name read from the Lamb’s book of life!
Brooksyne’s Note: On Sunday evening Ester and I went to Strasburg to see Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames. For those unfamiliar with this ministry it’s a ministry team who uses local Christians to dramatize about ten skits where the persons featured eventually meet with an untimely death. There’s about an equal number of those who lived for God and those who did not. All who passed from this life were first greeted by the angel who searched the book of life for the name of the person standing before them. It was a vivid reminder of the setting we will all someday face. What wonderful warmth and assurance filled my heart as I considered all that Jesus did for me so that my name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. I trust that yours is as well!
“A New Name In Glory” Video Homecoming series
“Glorious Day” Video Casting Crowns This Friday evening Brooksyne and Ester will be working as volunteers at a Casting Crowns concert at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA so we will use some of their music the next couple of days. We have appreciated this group for many years now. This song is based on an older hymn best known as “One Day” and retains the powerful chorus.
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever:
One day He’s coming—O glorious day!
We learned it from Honeytree but apparently it goes back way farther than that, as you can hear from our video below! How many of remember this simple and happy song expressing how grand it is to be a Christian?
“Ain’t It Grand To Be A Christian!” Video Blind Willie McTell
Ministry Update (Revised 12/11)
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“The Danger Of Lingering”
March 27, 2012
Lebanon County Pennsylvania farm
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“The Danger Of Lingering”
“And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city” (Genesis 19:16).
Do you ever come across a news item and say, “Did I really read that right?” “You’ve got to be kidding me!” “This is crazy!”
But… you really did read it right.
That happened to me yesterday. In the course of reading a news story a detail jumped out and I called it to Brooksyne’s attention. As it turns out she had already made the same observation. It was woven into the story as if it was no big deal and apparently to the person writing the story it wasn’t.
I find it helpful to filter current events from a historical perspective and applied this to yesterday’s news item trying to imagine it just ten or twenty years ago. I think it would have been a national scandal.
Periodically in this series I have observed the tendency for the slide into immorality to be incremental. By incremental I mean the sense of small steps, although the steps are turning more into downhill slides all the time.
Offensive, abnormal behavior such as sexual immorality and perversions are such examples. This doesn’t happen all at once, but with repetitive exposure, what once shocked our senses and offended our ears becomes tolerated, and then acceptable.
The next step is that the once shocking, abnormal behavior even becomes preferable and the behavior that had been normal may very well be recognized as abnormal! Amazingly, this is now happening in our lifetime.
I believe Lot’s story is instructive here. Lot made a critical choice when he chose the more lush grazing land in the valley for his flocks (Genesis 13:10). This led him to pitch his tent near Sodom (Genesis 13:12). Even at that time the Scripture gives this indictment: “The men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord” (v.13). Yet Lot did well and in time married, had two daughters, and by Genesis 19 he had a house in Sodom.
Sodom had become his home and he had gotten used to it. Leaving was very difficult. But God’s appointed time of judgment had come and, in answer to his Uncle Abraham’s fervent prayers, he and his family would be delivered.
But it was painstakingly hard for Lot to leave. As destruction of the city loomed, consider two telling words in the daily text, “he lingered” (NASV “he hesitated”). Matthew Henry’s commentary notes, “Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under convictions about their spiritual state, and the necessity of a change, defer that needful work.”
Lot had grown very comfortable in Sodom. Had he grown so accustomed to the wickedness that it dulled his spiritual senses and he no longer saw sin for what it was? It would seem that one concession led to another until his long held spiritual convictions no longer mattered to him. His prosperity and prominence at the city gate had prevailed over his piety.
His moral values were wretchedly twisted and later in the chapter we see this twisted condition in his wife and daughters as well. Genesis 19 is one of the saddest chapters in the Bible, showing man’s pathetic condition in apostasy. Lot’s wife’s body remained as a pillar of salt, the lasting visible monument of rebellion toward a holy God. Then the sordid account involving his daughters followed their departure to safety.
I don’t want to get comfortable in “Sodom”. I don’t want to linger when God directs me to leave. I don’t want to cling to that which God tells me, “Let go”. A great command in the New Testament states: “Flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). What about you?
Rather than lingering like Lot, let us be among those who have “fled to take hold of the hope offered to us” (Hebrews 6:18).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, I pray that You will guard my heart so that I am not lured into reckless desires that originate from worldly thinking and godless behavior. I know, in my heart, that these worldly desires lead to ruin and destruction as they gradually lead me to abandon godly principles and holy living. May godless trends and philosophies be evident to me as I reject the enemy’s plan to gradually dull my senses to what is falsely called knowledge and the enlightenment of our age. May I always pursue righteousness through a vibrant faith in You, through Christ Jesus, my Lord and my Master. Amen.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary Note: “Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under convictions about their spiritual state, and the necessity of a change, defer that needful work. The salvation of the most righteous men is of God’s mercy, not by their own merit. We are saved by grace. God’s power also must be acknowledged in bringing souls out of a sinful state. If God had not been merciful to us, our lingering had been our ruin. Lot must flee for his life. He must not hanker after Sodom. Such commands as these are given to those who, through grace, are delivered out of a sinful state and condition. Return not to sin and Satan. Rest not in self and the world. Reach toward Christ and heaven, for that is escaping to the mountain, short of which we must not stop. Concerning this destruction, observe that it is a revelation of the wrath of God against sin and sinners of all ages. Let us learn from hence the evil of sin, and its hurtful nature; it leads to ruin.”
Ester’s Personal Note: We direct this note from Ester to those who read or commented on her story related to her 23rd birthday: ”I am blessed to have you all as my friends. I am grateful and blessed to be alive. Thank you all for the birthday wishes on my birthday. God has been great to me over the years. Twenty three years old and I am still here, not perfect, but no one is except Jesus Christ. Thanks for your prayers and support toward me. You all mean a lot to me. May you be encouraged today. – Love, Ester Weber
“Depraved Indifference” Video Eric Ludy I appreciate this man’s visual sermons, very well produced with outstanding content.
“The Gospel” Video Eric Ludy An interesting, gripping video presentation of the Gospel.
“I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel” Video Heritage Singers
Ministry Update (Revised 12/11)
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“Faithful To Provide Strength For Today”
March 26, 2012
Listen to this message on your audio player.blessings all mine with ten thousand besides.”
“O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress” (Isaiah 33:2).
A little over three years ago we began pastoring a small country church that has a rich spiritual heritage going back to its beginning in 1878. Located in the small hamlet of Mastersonville, Pennsylvania whose only school and general store were closed years ago. The church has been afflicted in recent decades by troubles and instability forcing its closure about ten years ago. Though it reopened a couple of years later it never regained the stability of a growing, viable congregation over the next five years, and was once again slated to close at the end of 2008.
After being informed of the situation we agreed to a short-term interim role in hopes that a longer-term pastor might eventually serve the church. That did not come about and, due to our over-filled schedule, we made the difficult decision to resign from the church early this year. Once again the doors to the church were closed after a final bittersweet service yesterday morning.
We closed with dignity as we acknowledged the scores of believers, both ministerial and lay persons, who had served Christ in that location for over 130 years. A number of folks visited the final service who had grown up in the church and told of the spiritual impact it had made on their lives; one man pointing to the altar where he had given his heart to Christ in 1974. Another spoke of her wedding and that of her 3 sisters that took place in this church. One spoke of the years that she, as a young girl, learned to play the organ for congregational singing. A teen-ager stood to her feet and recalled the time she spent in the nursery and directed her appreciation to the now elderly woman who was her nursery attendant, forever endeared to this teen’s heart.
Preparing for a local congregation’s final service is something we had never done before and have no intentions of getting good at, but it was a moving service followed by a potlock dinner and lingering fellowship through midafternoon. I feel I can state that God was glorified and His people were edified.
In my sermon I reminded the congregation that we are called to faithfully serve Christ every day, particularly in times of distress and uncertainty, as we live by faith. We, as believers, must have the faithful resolve of Simon Peter who in, a distressing and confusing time, stated: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68).
What songs do you pick for the last service? Our concluding hymn medley was, “Blest Be the Tie That Binds/God Be With You Till We Meet Again”. We also purposely selected a hymn that speaks so powerfully of God’s steadfast faithfulness, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”. What a blessing to hear the acapella voices blend in full harmony as they sang this familiar hymn with deep and special meaning. Indeed God has been and ever is faithful!
In a letter dated 1941 Thomas Chisolm, who penned the song wrote: “My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me until now. Although I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant keeping God and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness.”
Some of you are dealing today with a distressing and confusing season in life. You may be as the Apostle Paul testified, “hard pressed on every side and perplexed” (2 Corinthians 4:8).
But let us focus on this portion of the petition in today’s text: “Be our strength every morning.” That is our ongoing need. Yesterday’s strength is inadequate for the challenges of this day.
“Our salvation in time of distress.” God is always our present help in the time of any trouble or distress. Today be encouraged by these truths as you join me in crying out “O Lord” to the One who is able and willing to provide for all our needs because He is forever faithful.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we look to You this day to bring us word of Your unfailing love, for we have put our trust in You. You are our strength every morning and our security at night. Your steadfast love reaches to the heavens and Your faithfulness fills the skies. There is no one like You that provides for our every need. You are our salvation in times of distress, so it is under Your protective wings that we find refuge and safely abide. Amen.
Personal Note: We have known for several months this day was coming. Our schedule was becoming increasingly difficult to adequately maintain. We will now focus on this daily encouragement writing ministry and our business chaplaincy. We’ll still keep plenty busy since we are seeing growth and expansion in both areas, but we’ll now have time for a day off from our daily duties and will also travel some over the weekends.
Yesterday I was joined at the pulpit for a photo with Jesse Dourte, who had served the church as a pastor about 40 years earlier, and preached from behind this same pulpit. He and his wife, Wilma, came to the church a few months after we began pastoring and became our “unofficial” visitation pastors, as they were very faithful in making visits to people in the community, inviting them to church.As Brooksyne was cleaning and preparing the kitchen for our fellowship meal on Saturday she reached up on top of a cabinet to clear away a couple grocery bags. In so doing she also picked up an aged magazine tucked into the recessed area of the cabinet. She was prepared to toss it but then saw a lengthy article and photos of the Dourte family written nearly fifty years earlier. Some of our readers are very familiar with the Dourtes and will find the article (pdf) very interesting.
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” Video Selah
“He’s Been Faithful To Me” Video Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
“God Be With You Till We Meet Again” Video Selah The moving song was sang at the conclusion of our service yesterday. This is a beautiful version.
“Blest Be The Tie That Binds” Video Unknown
I shared on Friday that we had quite a time dealing with a stopped-up kitchen sink drain line. Even though we worked on it together as a family till late Thursday night, getting frustrated and messy in the process, we just couldn’t clear the drain line.
It’s a blessing to have capable friends with the right tools. Our friend Ken Pierce came over Friday and opened the line making us very happy! When you don’t have something (a properly fuctioning plumbing system) you really realize how easy it is to take for granted.
Mystery Photo: I should have known the answer since we had a bumper crop of readers who wrote! Friday I shared this photo from a farm sale and here’s what Zane, who apparently has a lot of knowledge of cider presses informed us, “This photo is that of an apple/fruit press. The press is in a down position (meaning that it would have smashed the fruit to the bottom of the container with a hand crank). Typically, 2-3 types of apples are placed inside the barrel and pressed down with a fitted lid. The juices flow outside of the bin into a pan that leads to a retention container. Most people from generations past consider this to the best apple cider you can find. I agree.” We received many well-written, informational letters and appreciate your participation.
Ministry Update (Revised 12/11)
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“The Freedom To Turn Away, The Will To Stay Faithful”
March 23, 2012
Time for home-made ice cream again.
Isn’t this an interesting contraption!
Listen to this message on your audio player.
“The Freedom To Turn Away, The Will To Stay Faithful”
Earlier this week a highly respected young man from our community here in Mount Joy was killed in Yemen which made the national news. He was working there teaching business skills to Yemenis. According to a statement by al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula he was slain for this reason, “It was God’s gift for the mujahedeen to kill the American Joel Shrum who was actively proselytizing under the cover of teaching in Taiz.”
According to the news article I read (see below) this is disputable, but as a Christian, I’ve no doubt that he sought to be a visible and effective witness for Christ. There are Christians who reach out to unbelievers in non-traditional ways as they seek to let their light shine.
Even in a very dark country dominated by a hate-filled religion it was heartening to read this report, “Hundreds of youth activists and other protesters marched Tuesday through Taiz demanding justice for Shrum. They carried photos of Shrum as they marched through the city’s streets chanting, ‘Yemen is not a place for terrorism. We love you Joel!’”
We remember Joel’s family in our prayers. It seems that he was willing to pay the ultimate price since that region of the world is notoriously dangerous. But we want to take the message in a different direction as I consider the plight of people who live in these regions of the world.
Countries that have anti-conversion laws are practicing one of the most oppressive forms of human oppression imaginable, the root cause of much blood shed over the centuries to present day. Freedom of religion is a blessing most of us take for granted. It is something that Jesus taught by example and it was consistently practiced by the early church. No one can be forced to be a Christian in a legitimate New Testament sense. Any religious system that seeks to do so is not genuine Christianity.
Freedom of religion is the freedom to practice or not practice any of the scores of faith systems out there. And really, any outlook on life is a faith system in one way or another, unless one believes they really know everything!
Consider the probing question that ends our daily text, “Do you also want to go away?”
Jesus believed in freedom of religion. He didn’t coerce or chase after the departing disciples forcing them to follow Him. No, following Christ must always be a matter of the individual will. In the New Testament, preaching was persuasive but the decision to follow Him was voluntary. (See Acts 17:4.)
Surely our daily text is one of the saddest expressions in the Bible. This was the response by many who, upon hearing the teachings of Jesus, said: “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” (John 6:60). This response remains the reaction of many when confronted with the teachings of Christ.
“From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him” (v.66). When the disciples (at large) came to realize the sacrifice of following Jesus was greater than they were willing to make, they turned back. This is the context of Jesus’ question to the disciples, “Do you also want to go away?”
Peter spoke up to answer this question and uttered one of the most profound and yet simple statements of belief in the Bible. He replied: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God” (vv.68,69).
Amen! That’s also my sentiment today and I hope every day! May we, like Peter, consecrate ourselves to God and continue as His follower. As the hymn states, “A faithful follower I would be, for by His hand He leadeth me.” By the grace of God I am determined to never go back! But the amazing thing is, due to both the political freedoms I enjoy and the free-will that God has given me, I have the privilege of making that choice.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, there is no one nor anything that deserves our complete allegiance, but You, our Lord, who holds the words of eternal life. Though others may refuse to listen or turn away from the message of salvation we choose to persevere, for to Whom else could we turn? We persevere in trial and in victory, in the ups and downs and in the in-betweens of everyday circumstances. We seek to do Your will in all things so that we will be richly rewarded at the end of this life.
We thank you for devoted followers like Joel Shrum who serve You in hard places. We know that some of them, like Joel, will pay the ultimate price. We pray for his grieving family and friends. Grant them comfort and assurance in Your steadfast love and care. May his life’s testimony and his love for the people of Yemen be a lasting witness to that troubled region of the saving power of Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.
Article regarding Joel Shrum. He went to the same high school our daughter, Ester, attended.
Additional study & comments:
Some of Christ’s teachings are not easily understood. Some teachings make sense to us, others we accept by faith, not fully understanding with our mind. However I have learned that there are many previously hard teachings that become easier to grasp after a period of maturation and experience as a Christian.
But some of His commands are hard and require sacrifice. When in college I read a book titled “True Discipleship” by William McDonald dealing with discipleship that, uncomfortably and with deep conviction, expressed the teachings of Christ with no soft-pedaling. Now I’m approaching the other end of life’s spectrum and realize how many ways I come short in being His disciple. Thank God for His abounding grace!
True Discipleship (online version), written in 1962, was a popular book when I was in Bible College. McDonald lived his faith till called home in 2007. You can read an interesting article concerning his devotion titled “A Visit to Bill MacDonald’s Apartment”. It ends with this paragraph, “Of course, if you were to visit Apartment #7 now, you wouldn’t find Bill there. On Christmas Day, 2007, Bill went home to be with Jesus. He left little of earthly value. The former investment analyst, you see, had no stock portfolio, no property, no investments of any kind on this earth. Everything he received beyond what was necessary for his basic needs, he gave away. We still have the books he wrote. We can thank God for that. We still have precious memories of the example he left us. But Bill is no longer with us, and we already miss him terribly. He reminded us so of Jesus.”
Stephen’s Personal Note: Thanks to our many readers, including our international readers, for your prayers and kind words. I have grown much stronger today and expect to be out and about in my chaplaincy role.
Yesterday we had quite a time dealing with a stopped up kitchen sink drain line. Even though we worked on it together as a family till late last night it’s still stopped up! We ended up washing the dishes with me under the sink swapping out buckets for the drain water. Sure makes you appreciate a properly working drain as well as the plumbers who assist us in such essential matters!
This large cast iron pot was steaming with chicken corn soup. It was piping hot when we purchased bowls of this deliciousPennsylvania Dutch Soup, very popular in our area.
We enjoy the farm animals especially those with flashy earrings!
I posted this photo yesterday. Of course it’s an old tractor but, not as common, is the attached covered wagon used to haul benches from house to house where the Amish have their church services!
“He Leadeth Me” Video Acapella
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful foll’wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
Ministry Update (Revised 12/11)
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“Don’t Forget!”
March 22, 2012
Brooksyne enjoyed looking at the flower wagons at the Penryn Mud sale last weekend in Penryn, PA.
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“Don’t Forget!”
Brooksyne and I are entering that stage of life when we tend to be more forgetful. Sometimes it’s humorous, other times a bit scary and and still at times it is downright aggravating
I tease Brooksyne about her collection of dollar store reading glasses which she has in each room. Even then she may not be able to find a pair when she needs it!
But she teases me about the multiple cameras I have stashed on the desk, the car and in carrying cases (a result of my Ebay purchases of an old Kodak camera model I happen to like, in part due to my preference for a viewfinder). I need to have several so I can always find at least one!
Our daily Scripture is a matter of remembering that which is of utmost importance, a solemn warning from Moses to the people of God camped on the east side of the Jordan. We do well to take heed. They were poised to enter the Promised Land and Moses gathered them in one place. That must have been quite a sight! He knew he was not to lead them into the Promised Land and that he would soon die. He gave the people he had faithfully led through the wilderness journeyings one last rousing sermon.
Notice the phrase, “Be careful that you do not forget the Lord.” Moses knew the blessed life in which they were about to enter would carry with it the risk of forgetting how they got there in the first place. Due to our sin nature every child of God is high risk for falling prey to forgetfulness, apathy, or self-aggrandizement. Our greatest temptation to fail, fall and forget may very well be the prosperity and blessings we have received from God.
A.W. Pink, wrote about this long ago. He went to be with the Lord sixty years ago but we so often find his writings so deeply helpful. “If adversity carries with it a measure of menace to the spiritual life, the perils of prosperity are far greater. If through our unwatchfulness the former leads to discontent and murmuring, the latter will, unless we be doubly on our guard, issue in self-complacency and self-sufficiency. It is when we are brought low, by losses and trials, that we are the most cast upon God. However, when success crowns our efforts and our barns are well filled, we are the most apt to walk independently of Him. Little wonder, then, that the Lord entrusts few of His people with this world’s goods. The same applies to spiritual blessings: if earnests of a coming rest are granted, they will be regarded as realities instead of foreshadowings, and then we shall rest before our time—instead of continuing to press forward.”
Today, and everyday, my friend, let’s not forget the One from whom all blessings flow. Let us be faithful in crediting and thanking Him for our earthly and spiritual blessings!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, our houses are filled with all kinds of good things that come from Your generous and loving Hand. Our water reservoir is replenished daily, the oxygen we breathe is not depleted, the ground springs up healthy and life sustaining vegetation for our pleasure and good health. The list is unending but most importantly, as high as the heavens are above so great is the measure of Your unending, immeasurable love toward us. We are filled to overflowing and we thank You in Jesus’ name! Amen.
Stephen’s Personal Note: As regular readers know we didn’t post a message for the past three days. Sunday evening I came down with a very painful stomach condition which kept me down for the past two and 1/2 days with not a bite of food. Finally, about noontime yesterday I began to have a breakthrough and am slowly regaining my strength. I want to thank the many readers who wrote asking about why the messages were not being updated, indicating that they are a regular part of their day. I just didn’t have the strength to put out a message and Brooksyne is unable to perform the technical duties necessary to get our messages out to readers! (She is capable of learning this but strategically refuses to do so!) It is heartening to both of us to know that our messages are an important spiritual component to your day. Thanks for your prayers and kind personal expressions of concern.
Note: When we are unable to send fresh messages we seek to update the website with a brief explanation.
A ”mud sale” is so named because the grounds are often muddy during the season in which the sale is held. These are Lancaster County sales to benefit local volunteer fire departments and are quite a cultural experience. Last Saturday we went to the Penryn mud sale where the local volunteer fire company is celebrating its 100th anniversary! However it wasn’t muddy at all, rather a gorgeous spring like day!
The Amish boys had quite a business assisting buyers as they hauled their newly acquired purchases to their cars.
The girls tended to get together in groups. Didn’t see any this time but at other gatherings I have seen them puttering with their cell phones just like teenagers everywhere!
These little boys were thoroughly enjoying their french fries!
You tend to see folks you know at these types of sales and on the way out we saw long-time friend Mike Book who was impressed by the largemouth bass mailbox!
For a fuller collection of this year’s Penryn mud sale photos see our friend Doris High’s large photo collection here, here and here.
I posted this photo last Friday. Several local readers informed me that the steam engine is used to create steam which is used to sterilize the beds in the greenhouse before planting.
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Ministry Update (Revised 12/11)
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“A Clean Heart”
March 16, 2012
Our friend Lee Smucker took this photo from an attic window of his home. He is overlooking the Amish gathering for a church service in a member’s home, as is their practice. I don’t suppose too many of us will see our church parking lot look like this!
For a larger photo see here.
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Brooksyne and I serve as workplace chaplains in an HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) company. I enjoy visiting with the servicemen as they arrive early in the morning to get their assignments for the day. They’re very devoted to their work and often talk “shop” for a few minutes, discussing work related issues that they are encountering.
Usually I don’t understand much about what they’re discussing but the other day one of the servicemen brought in an air filter and showed it to the other men, commenting on how extraordinarily dirty the filter was (see left photo for contrast of dirty filter vs. new filter).
Filters are important in HVAC not only for our comfort and health but also for functionality. A dirty filter can starve the unit for air and make it work much harder causing it to use more energy and wear down more quickly. Well, as you might imagine my mind started considering a spiritual application!
Generally speaking, a filter is a device for removing impurities or solid particles from a liquid or gas passed through it. Physically speaking, the coronary arteries pump blood that is essential to the heart. If cholesterol and fatty deposits (called plaque) attach themselves to the inner walls of the arteries this restricts blood flow to the heart which can lead to coronary heart disease, sometimes resulting in instant death.
And there’s yet another heart disease that is not physical but spiritual instead. The seasoned believer will quickly recognize our daily Scripture verses. I suppose many have memorized the second and a few the first. These verses speak of repentance, renewal, and rightness of one’s heart.
The first verse is part of David’s great prayer of repentance following his sin with Bathsheba. “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” A clean heart is a work of redemption. David realizes this and makes his appeal to God.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” It’s one of those remarkable truths in the Christian life that form a fundamental principle. It describes the wonderful means that our gracious God has provided for us to receive a spiritual cleansing from sin in our lives.
The apostle John is writing late in the first century, perhaps sixty years after he had walked with Jesus. Peter, Paul and many of the other notable apostles had been martyred about thirty years prior to this writing.
John is surely very mature now. If anyone was ever expected to have reached his fullest spiritual potential and earned the right to point his finger and use a preachy “you” it would have been John. But I find encouraging significance in the personal pronoun he uses throughout the passage. It’s known as the first person plural. John does not say, “if you confess your sins”, rather “if we confess our sins.”
Is your spiritual heart dirty, clogging the work of the Spirit within you? Just as coronary heart disease can go undetected for years because the patient looks healthy and doesn’t heed the occasional symptoms, we too can ignore or hide sin that is invisible on the outside. The spiritual image we want to portray to others may be different than the sinful “plaque” that is building within our hearts. In our personal assessment it’s important to remember that “Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart” (I Samuel 16:7).
God wants to thoroughly cleanse us. He has provided a means for spiritual cleansing, a straightforward promise based upon the character of His forgiveness. “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This really is good news and the best kind of cleansing. Search your heart, seek His forgiveness, and accept His thorough cleansing today.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God. Thank You for bearing them all and freeing me from the accuser’s condemnation. I confess my sins to You, the big and small, so that my crimson stains are washed white in the blood of the sinless Lamb of God. Thank You for being the Sinbearer that lifts me from the slimy pit of mud and mire that blocks the flowing of Your Spirit within me. You are faithful and just; You forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness as I seek Your forgiveness. You put a new song in my mouth and a hymn of praise and thanksgiving for Your wondrous love and forgiveness. Thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Last night we had our friend George Blizzard over for dinner and following our meal we went on the long Donegal Creek trail walk we often mention here on Daily Encouragement Net. We passed lots of wildlife and George snapped this photo of a muskrat in the creek. We passed an electric fence and George reminisced about a childhood experience involving an electric fence and unheeded advice!
It’s a bit dreary today but signs of spring are abounding in our area with many blooming flowers and budding trees.
Mike, a friend from the HVAC company, seeks to get in a witness for the Lord using a whiteboard.
We passed this interesting contraption at our Amish neighbor’s farm yesterday. It appears to be some type of steam engine used in his greenhouse operation. Notice how the chimney is hinged to fold down. Do any of our readers have any idea how this is used? Share here.
“Create In Me A Clean Heart” Video Maranatha Singers
“Jesus Paid It All” Video A Capella
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Ministry Update (Revised 12/11)
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“The Lamb Of God”
March 15, 2012
Ewe with lamb on a farm we visited this week.
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“The Lamb Of God”
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
A couple of days ago we visited our friend’s farm and, not surprisingly, a ewe had recently given birth to twins. Brooksyne grew up on a farm where they had lots of goats so she has a special place in her heart for these playful animals. Sheep are much the same way, though I would consider them a bit more timid. We were especially delighted when the family introduced us to a pet lamb and invited us to hold and feed her.
There is a distinct degree of softness when petting a lamb’s ear! The lamb on Brooksyne’s lap is a twin to the lamb seen in the photo above our message, but has been outright rejected by her mother. So she’s been adopted by the family! She has become very domesticated while being bottle fed and is quite comfortable around the children. She came right up to us wanting to be petted and given attention, and was happy snuggling with the dogs as well. It’s pretty hard to observe a lamb for any length of time without considering how it was used in such a powerful way throughout the Bible.
In the Old Testament the word “lamb” is used almost exclusively in a literal sense in relation to the sacrificial system of the Law of Moses. In the New Testament the word “lamb” is used almost exclusively to describe Jesus Christ. The one notable exception in the Old Testament is a remarkable prophecy by Isaiah, in which he speaks of the Messiah being “brought as a lamb to the slaughter” (53:7).
I believe John had this prophetic statement in mind when, upon seeing Jesus, he declared, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” It’s interesting that this statement was made before Christ even began his public ministry or had given any teaching regarding His forthcoming death. John seems to be speaking with revelation from God, for indeed the main reason that Christ came to this earth was to take away sin.
The greatest concentrated use of the word “lamb” in the Bible is found in the book of Revelation and all but one of them is a reference to Christ as the “Lamb of God.” Today, let us remember this glorious Lamb who was sacrificed once and for all for the sins of this world and let us commit ourselves fully to His cause!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Lamb of God, I worship You for all You are and thank You for all that You have done. Only You could appease the heart of the Father to bring loving reconciliation and eternal hope to the human race. The curse of sin was lifted when You became the Sacrificial Lamb. Thank You for Your complete obedience and unending compassion. Amen.
At times I’ve wondered if John, cousin to Jesus, ever talked with Him about spiritual things during their childhood. Did Jesus tell him when they played together as children, “When I grow up I’m going to die for the sins of the world”?
Ester also enjoyed feeding the lamb but didn’t care to hold her. (I suppose that’s the difference of not having a farm background.)
We visited with Jesse, our friend, for a few minutes before he ran an errand and took what is known as the “Spring wagon” to a neighbor’s house to get some eggs. (Our friends consent to our using these photos for our daily encouragement ministry. In fact they are always pleased when we print out our Bible messages and deliver them upon our visits to their home.)
“Worthy Is The Lamb” Video Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir What a joy to listen to and watch this choir! It surely is a glimpse of heaven. The Brooklyn Tabernacle is an excellent example of a church remaining faithful in the city.
“Lamb Of God” Video Twila Paris
“Jesus, Lamb Of God” Video An unspecified choir with soloists. Nice job!
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Ministry Update (Revised 12/11)
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“Are You Clinging To Worthless Idols?”
March 14, 2012
After we walked out of the Sight and Sound Theater
we were blessed with an outstanding view of the sunset.
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“Are You Clinging To Worthless Idols?”
In the late afternoon yesterday we attended “Jonah”, a new show that just debuted this past Saturday at the Sight and Sound Theater. The theater produces epic live performances based on Bible themes here in Lancaster County and Branson, Missouri. Many of our readers have attended these shows and, if so, you don’t forget the experience! Last night’s show was outstanding and we were most heartened that, though extra-biblical creativity was used to enhance the story line, the Bible message, which is true of all Sight and Sound performances, had a clear presentation of the Gospel of Christ.
The shows always have a “Wow” factor and this one includes the sense of being underwater with Jonah, even observing him from inside the whale (great fish). But I suppose the highlight for both of us was a song called “Now I’m Free” which I predict would go viral if placed up as a YouTube video! It’s one of those that makes you want to stand up and praise the Lord! It recounts the joy the Ninevites experienced when they turned from worthless idols to the Living God who extended His grace to them when they repented and called on Him for mercy (Jonah 4:11).
It may surprise some that today’s text is from the brief four chapter book of Jonah. It is part of the prayer Jonah prayed inside the whale prior to his “deliverance” in chapter 2:10.
I’m not sure what kind of “worthless idols” Jonah was referring to in the daily text: “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” Likely he meant the objects of worship that we normally associate with idolatry in the Bible. Barne’s considers worthless idols as “all people’s idols, idols of the flesh, idols of intellect, idols of ambition, idols of pride, idols of self and self-will. People ‘observe’ them, as gods, watch them, hang upon them, never lose sight of them, guard them as though they could keep them. But what are they? “lying vanities,” breath and wind, which none can grasp or detain, vanishing like air into air.”
I also believe that trying to attain righteousness with God through good works is a “worthless idol” that many cling to and thereby “forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” The clear New Testament teaching on this matter states, ”For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9). This leads to truly resting in the all sufficient grace of Jesus and having an assurance of our salvation!
The Bill Gaither Vocal Band sings a great song, “Child, You’re Forgiven” which has a powerful expression in it. “I’ve traded performance for amazing grace. What a relief, I can’t earn my way.” Do you identify with the expression, “What a relief, I can’t earn my way?”
Jerry Bridges notes, “God’s grace does not supplement our good works. Instead His grace overcomes our bad works, which are our sins.” Erwin Lutzer observes, “When the mask of self-righteousness has been torn from us and we stand stripped of all our accustomed defenses, we are candidates for God’s generous grace.”
Good works are an outflow of God’s amazing grace, not a replacement! Accept God’s generous grace today and proclaim with the Palmist, “But with You there is forgiveness” (Psalm 130:4). Then as the repentant inhabitants of Nineveh were portrayed as doing last night we can also sing, “Now I’m Free!”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, as we experience amazing grace through Your forgiveness of our sins it compels us to show compassion to others who have not yet applied Your grace to their lives. As Jude writes, we are to “Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” In reaching out to others who are still living in sin help us to be discerning, wise, and cautious, always loving the sinner but never embracing the sin. May our redeemed lives be living examples of the freedom we enjoy in this life after we forsake worthless idols in exchange for the grace that is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord, in whose Name we pray. Amen.
Whale or great fish? Whatever it was, God provided it (see Jonah 1:17)
A funny moment and meeting a need: When the show ended last night they announced that the actors would be along the front of the stage as well as the exits if anyone would like prayer. (Which we thought was a nice gesture and not done in the past.) As I departed I saw a distinguished looking older black man whom I thought was one of the actors. I went up to him and expressed my appreciation but it turns out he had been in the audience! However he was looking for someone to assist him with the gps (which he was not familiar with) so he could get home to Philadelphia. He was “hopelessly” lost and I was happy to help him, of course, and trust he made it home OK. As it turns out he was a fellow pastor originally from Haiti who didn’t have a full grasp of the English language.
In the course of our travel through rural Lancaster County yesterday we passed many one room Amish and Mennonite schoolhouses and the kids were having a great time being outside on a lovely spring-like day at an Amish school near New Holland. Brooksyne managed to roll down the window and take this photo of Amish children playing baseball during recess. The girls were playing in the infield while the boys (not seen) were in the outfield.
This scene on an Amish farm makes me smile but Brooksyne tells another story: Every summer my brothers and sisters (5 of us in all) stayed a week with my grandparents in Arkansas. They lived on a large, remote mountain in Arkansas and had no indoor plumbing. On Saturday night Grandma would bring in a large round washtub like the one hanging on the fence and heat up water on the old wood cooking stove. Then she would pour the heated water in the tub, close the kitchen door, and we would scrub off the farm dirt so we’d be clean for church Sunday morning.
I tried to find a video of the song “Now I’m Free” that moved us so last night but was unable to do so. It also has the theme of God’s forgiveness and “East to West” so we will share these songs!
“From The East Unto The West” Video Odes of Solomon project
“East To West” Video Casting Crowns
“Jesus Saves” Video Tony DeRosa
Information about the Jonah show at the Sight and Sound Theater.
Jonah, a sneak preview of the show. Video
Finally today:
We showed yesterday’s sunset at the top of our post today. We were up at 5:00 this morning and due to the change in time it stays dark till about seven. I was out for a few minutes and witnessed today’s sunrise from our backyard! See Psalm 113:3Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
Ministry Update (Revised 12/11)
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
