“Lessons From Plowing”
June 29, 2012
Ester works the old water pump at the
Longenecker Farm in Lancaster County
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“Lessons From Plowing”
Our friends Don and Kathy Eaton joined us for dinner last night. Don and Kathy came down from New England twenty years ago to start Eaton Farms, a family run business north of Reading PA, that grows trees and plants for the wholesale market. The farm covers some 200 rolling acres where one can view tens of thousands of growing trees and other plants in various stages of development.
They are both committed Christians, seeking to live their lives and operate their business in a manner that pleases the Lord. I have assisted them with their chaplaincy service and work with Keith Rodriques their farm chaplain. Due to the distance and many Hispanic laborers we are unable to provide direct care.
Don loves plants and brought us a couple of trees last night along with his pruners and some good growing advice. We walked through our yard and picked his brain!
I am blessed whenever I receive an email from Don. As a tag line he quotes a Scriptural concept based on today’s second verse. “Keep your hand to the plow.”
Jesus used this agricultural illustration to teach the vital importance of staying focused, persistent and faithful. “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). The apostle Paul seems to share this same concept in Philippians 3:13: “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.”
Many of you who know me personally have often heard me say farewell with one of two phrases; “Stay faithful” or “Keep your hand to the plow.” I’ve done this for many, many years and now people often anticipate and reciprocate. One time I was working in a large printing plant and a man jumped off the catwalk around a huge web press, walked right up to me and asked, “Are you staying faithful?”
God said regarding Moses, “He is faithful in all my house”. What a gratifying affirmation to receive from God Himself!
In a parable in Matthew Jesus gives us a glimpse of what we’ll hear when we finish the race:”Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23). And in the book of Revelation we have a recognition of His “called, chosen and faithful followers” (17:14).
Indeed let us keep our hand to the plow and “stay faithful”!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we desire to remain faithful to You all the days of our life. We join with others of the Christian faith who hold unswervingly to the hope we profess even as we spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Disappointments, seemingly unanswered prayers, loved ones who oppose us, spiritual lethargy, temptations and trials pull at our hearts and tempt us to look back just like the Israelites who were freed from slavery. They who greatly rejoiced at their new found freedom found themselves longing to return after the going got tough. Give us strength and firm resolve to plow through the hard soil and bumpy rocks of life all the while fixing our eyes on our eternal dwelling place as we hold unswervingly to the hope we profess in Christ Jesus our Lord. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.
This week we have featured photos of Bill and Peggy Longenecker’s farm here in Lancaster County. This is where we took the photo at the top of our message of Ester working the water pump. Our last photo in this series indicates the meticulous detail of Bill and Peggy as the entire grounds are so well groomed demonstrated by this photo of the bridge.
“I Know Whom I Have Believed” Video A great hymn based on 2 Timothy 1:12.
Eaton Farms Our association with Don is through Convene.
Ministry Update (Revised 5/12)
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.
“Covered Bridge Kisses”
June 28, 2012
Covered Bridge on the Longenecker Farm in Lancaster County
A replica of the Risser’s Mill Bridge, Mount Joy
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“Covered Bridge Kisses”
One of the great delights of driving through Lancaster County is viewing the covered bridges. When we moved to this area in early 2001 from New England we lived in a rental farmhouse with a view of the Risser’s Mill Covered Bridge right from our front porch.
We often passed through the bridge since it was the shortest route to Lancaster. Once we had to wait for another car to pass before going through the old one lane covered bridge. I expected the car to make its way right through so I could be on my way, but instead it stopped right in the middle of the bridge for just a moment. After the car resumed and came through to my side of the bridge a portly, sixtyish looking man stopped his car, rolled down his window and said with a big smile, “Sorry for the delay, but you just gotta stop and kiss your Valentine when you’re in a covered bridge”.
After that reminder you can be sure I kissed Brooksyne as we proceeded through the bridge that day and continue to do so to this day whenever we go through a covered bridge. In fact covered bridges are known as “kissing bridges” as courting couples were prone to stop and steal a kiss before exiting the bridge.
The first daily text is the first occasion in the Bible where we are specifically told of a husband’s love for his wife Rebekah, “So she became his wife, and he loved her.” Genesis 24 is a lengthy account of Isaac’s arranged marriage, facilitated by Abraham’s chief servant. Theirs is love at first sight and is demonstrated when he prays for her on the occasion of her barrenness (Genesis 25:21). Later, after their twins were born we find the two in a passionate embrace (Genesis 26:8). Still later we find the old couple agonizing over decisions their children had made (Genesis 26:35, 27:46). Sound like your marriage? Yet his love for her endured.
Many years ago I heard Josh McDowell speak at a marriage conference in Boston. He encouraged us to authenticate our faith by modeling lasting relationships, particularly in our marriages. A great witness for Christ is marriages and families that function well and endure. I encourage you all to again commit yourselves to this goal. The apostle Paul said, “Husbands, love your wives” and the world is watching for demonstrations of this love in the home.
I still marvel at marital love and hope I always will. Of course the institution of marriage is under severe attack in our time on many fronts. How vital to again ponder a simple command of Scripture, “Husbands, love your wives.” The underlying Greek word for love is that wonderful word “AGAPE”, which is in the present active, calling for continual, habitual action.
Let us again remember God’s call to marital love. Gary Chapman shares these five essential characteristics of a healthy marriage in his book “The Five Love Languages.” Please apply!
1) Affirming Words
2) Quality Time
3) Thoughtful Gifts
4) Cooperative Service
5) Physical Intimacy
Now with thirty-six years of marital experience Brooksyne and I will add two more. Tease each other and have fun and if you ever find yourself driving through a covered bridge, brake the car so you can share a kiss!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, You teach us that we are to love one another unreservedly. The love You give us for others goes beyond our own natural inclinations. It is a love that motivates us to give without expecting anything in return. More often than not we fall short of extending this kind of love to our spouse and other loved ones. Only with Your continued help can we set aside our own expectations and learn to love the way You intend by always protecting, always trusting, always hoping, and always persevering with those You’ve brought into our lives. Amen.
Last night we joined our friends Rick and Rachel Caldwell for dinner in their home in York County. Our association with Rick is through Convene, a businessman’s group which seeks to teach godly values in operating a business. Many of our American readers have likely seen products made by White Oak Display, which designs and makes Point of Purchase displays for major retailers like Lowes, Home Depot, Bass Pro Shop, Cabellas, etc. We have the privilege of serving this company as chaplains. White Oak Display Video of operation and products made by White Oak Display.
This week we are featuring photos from Bill and Peggy Longenecker’s farm here in Lancaster County. The covered bridge in today’s photo was made from wood salvaged from the Risser’s Mill covered bridge (shown on left) which was burned by arsonists in July 2002 after we had moved from the rented farmhouse to our present home so this replica is of special sentiment to us.
Our story in Lancaster County begins with difficulty in finding housing when we were preparing to move here in February 2001. We had come down prior to moving and really wanted to live out in the country but could only locate apartment type housing for our temporary living quarters. The night before we were to return to Massachusetts we saw a small ad in the paper for a rental farmhouse and we called right away. I kiddingly asked the owner, Ernie Sweigart, if it was near a covered bridge and he said, “As a matter of fact you can see a covered bridge from the porch!” And we enjoyed that special privilege for just over a year.
Here is a description of the replica bridge
“The Marriage Prayer” Video John Waller
“Flesh Of My Flesh” Video Leon Patillo This was a popular wedding song when we got married in 1976
Ministry Update (Revised 5/12)
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 Roofing Ministry”
June 27, 2012
A country porch scene at the
Longenecker Farm in Lancaster County.
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“A Roofing Ministry”
This week we are having our metal barn roof painted. A previous owner made the barn made from materials salvaged from a larger barn that had been demolished about 20 years ago. The roof had a galvanized type finish with splotches of green from a previous paint job. I have a workshop downstairs and a large storage area on the second level where I sometimes go when it’s raining since I like the sound of rain on a metal roof!
The brief account recorded in our daily Scripture reading describes a roofing job and a colorful description of caring friends; the kind of friends we would like and indeed we do have. For the sake of our opening illustration we’ll say they had a “roofing ministry”. Let’s examine several characteristics of their roofing ministry:
1) They had a friend with a need – These men were determined to do something about it. He was a paralytic and, although the degree of his paralysis is not specified, he was immobile so he had to be carried from place to place. Consider today those you know who may be in need due to their immobility or otherwise. How can you help them?
2) They had a plan – They wanted to get their friend to Jesus. Word was spreading concerning Jesus’ ability to heal the sick. These men had a plan to get their friend to Jesus where they believed he would receive healing. That should be our goal as well, to get people to Jesus.
3) They had obstacles – The healing service was likely in the daytime since they didn’t travel in vehicles and nighttime would be very difficult, They likely sacrificed some pay for taking off time from their day job. After carrying their friend to the healing service they met up with a big crowd and a house with limited access. In one way or another it seems there are always obstacles of some sort in any type of ministry. Genuine, lasting ministry is characterized by overcoming obstacles, one by one.
4) They had innovative determination – In spite of the obstacles they made a way. I can just see these daring men each presumably holding a corner of the mat. Surely they were throwing out wild ideas as to how they could get their friend through the mass so that he could be within the touch of the Master’s hand. Perhaps one threw out the idea just for a joke, “Let’s just cut a hole through the roof!” Of course we don’t know the circumstance but we do know that’s just what they did. They lowered their friend down in the middle of the crowd right smack in front of Jesus (see Luke’s account in Luke 5:18-20). I wonder what the other people thought who had arrived earlier and been waiting a long while to see Jesus. Did they feel like we do when a person crowds in front of us in a grocery line?
5) They had roofing skills – Now I presume it was some type of thatch roof. They had to know where to make the opening so as not to impact the structural integrity of the entire roof. I also assume, although it’s not specified, that they repaired the roof afterwards!
6) They had faith – But onto a more important and essential detail here: “When Jesus saw their faith.” Note the plural pronoun, “their faith”. These men had faith that their friend would receive help from Jesus and he did! We are so thankful for those people of faith who have instructed and encouraged us in our journey.
7) They had a caring Savior – Jesus did not let them down. A wonderful verse states, “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). What a powerful assurance that we always have a caring Savior in Jesus!
Now your roofing ministry may not be as literal as this but most of these points will apply to any type of ministry endeavor.
We hope you have lots of friends like these. There are times when we simply do not have enough faith that God will intervene in a matter. We are so grateful that we can enlist others to pray for us when we’re in the midst of the “blues” of a difficult circumstance. Their faith is a source of encouragement to us and it strengthens us when we are weak, whether emotionally, physically or spiritually or sometimes all of the above!
In the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” I’m always touched at the end when George Bailey receives a note from the angel Clarence reminding him, “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.” Clarence’s message is also a reminder to each one of us. Friends are of tremendous blessing, especially when we are enduring hardships of any kind.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we are grateful that Jesus is the High Priest who hears our prayers, knows of our troubles and intercedes on our behalf. But there are times when we are in need of the compassion of a caring friend; one who will pray, listen, lend support, and interject thoughts, experiences or suggestions that help us to bear our troublesome burdens. Instead of casting judgment they speak to our need, whether it’s emotional, spiritual, financial or physical. Thank you for caring friends who bear with us, lift us up out of despair, and help us discover solutions that we, by ourselves, cannot find. Help me to be that kind of friend, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The rest of today’s story: “But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, ‘Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?’ Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, ‘Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’ He said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.’ And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this’” (Mark 2:6-12).
Personal note: As our internet ministry has grown through the years the vast majority of our readers of this encouragement series are not personally known to us. Most have signed up on the web page or perhaps after reading a forwarded message they received. Others know about us due to our 1 minute radio broadcasts or after reading about our web ministry in a news article. However there are so many of you that we have personally met and know. You are part of churches we served, business associates, relatives, chaplaincy contacts, fellow pastors and missionaries. You’re all our friends and we are grateful for such a blessing. It’s amazing how many people you meet through life’s journey and each one has something to offer. If you think about it, it’s the same for you!
Mike Fisher, a man we met in one of the companies we serve as chaplains, is doing the painting on our barn roof. Mike is a roofer who has an Amish background and is comfortable with heights (he used to build silos). In the photo you can see the new red finish at the top and the previous look on the lower overhang.
Mike works for Sam S. Smucker & Sons, Inc. using a special skill set in a very specific type of roofing. Mike is a specialist in installing and repairing slate roofs, which are found on many of the old stone farm houses and barns in our area. Slate is a premium roofing material and has a lifetime way beyond ours! Mike told me he worked on a farmhouse here in Lancaster County built in 1768 with the original slate roof. The slate was still in good shape but the original nails had worn out!
Here is a piece of roof slate and the some of the tools of the trade.
Slate is a natural quarried material.
Last night as the sun was setting we noticed how beautiful the sunflowers were with the sunlight filtering through them. We gave our garden a break this year, but the birds were not content and decided to plant sunflowers for us. They did a great job! As you can see Mike has completed painting the roof on the overhang area on this side of our barn.
“Old Friends” Video Bill Gaither and his many friends (more than a few who are now with the Lord!)
“The Cares Chorus” Video Kelly Willard A great song reminding us of God’s care for us.
“I Must Tell Jesus” Video Not identified This song always blesses me and I suppose I recalled the line, “He is a kind, compassionate Friend.”
“Friends” Video Michael W. Smith Each church we served had this song sung during our farewell (in 1993 when we moved on from northern PA and again in 2001 when we left New England to move to Lancaster County). Thankfully we have many friends from each of these churches to this day and have collected many more along the way!
“Old Friends” Video Growing up in the sixties in the Kansas City area, I enjoyed listening to Roger Miller songs along with my dad when we were in his work truck. He had a 65 Blue Chevy truck with “E.C. Weber and Sons” on each side even though my two older brothers had left home by then and I wasn’t old enough to drive! This is not a spiritual song but has an interesting sentiment. I can still recall the old men sitting out on the benches visiting with one another in front of city hall in Belton Missouri, the little town I grew up in.
Ministry Update (Revised 5/12)
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 Supremacy Of Christ”
June 26, 2012
A country porch scene
Longenecker Farmhouse in Lancaster County
Living in Lancaster County one can easily understand the fly swatter presence! Even in the nursing home many residents have them attached to their walkers. Flies are plenteous in this agricultural area.
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“The Supremacy Of Christ”
Ron and Bonnie Hoover, 50th wedding anniversary celebration
Ron and Bonnie Hoover are friends of ours who serve as spiritual mentors to the business community here in Lancaster through a group known as Convene. We met Ron over five years ago through his leadership at our local Convene group. He has been very encouraging and supportive to us in our chaplain ministry through his many contacts.
Last Saturday we attended their 50th wedding anniversary celebration at Lancaster Bible College sponsored by their three daughters and their families. It was a joyous time as they renewed the vows they committed to each other fifty years earlier to the day. (We notice that couples celebrating their 50th anniversary seem younger to us all the time!)
Bill and Bonnie both have a dynamic faith in Christ, with a knack for finding ways to witness in the midst of life’s circumstances.
Ron told a story illustrating this. He’s an engineer and in fact has a doctorate in electrical engineering. He was in a meeting discussing a quality control issue with several others. There was some frustration in the room (not uncommon in the business world) and one of the exasperated engineers said, “Jesus Christ couldn’t keep this tolerance.” Ron said, “Oh…I didn’t know that Jesus Christ worked down at our lab.” Of course this quieted things down a bit and then Ron solemnly said, “As a matter of fact Jesus Christ could keep this tolerance” and went on to testify of his faith in Christ to the group.
I treasure our daily text that asserts the supremacy of Christ in all things. For several years I have been blessed by a song, “God Of The Ages” based on this text.
Note the four times in these three verses we read the words “all things”. But today let us focus on the final one. ”In Him all things hold together.” Similarly Hebrews 1:3 declares that He is “sustaining all things by His powerful Word.” From the sub-atomic level to the farthest reaches of the universe Christ is upholding and sustaining all things, from the micro to macro.
The word sustaining is translated “upholding” in the KJV. The Amplified Bible seeks to bring out the richness of the Greek by stating “upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power.” The Greek word (pheron) is in the present active indicating a concept that is dynamic, not static. The Son’s work of sustaining involves not only support, but also movement. He is the One who carries all things through on their appointed course.
Warren Wiersbe tells a story about a guide who took a group of people through an atomic laboratory. During the tour he explained how all matter was composed of rapidly moving electric particles. The tourists studied models of molecules and were amazed to learn that matter is made up primarily of space. During the question period, one visitor asked, “If this is the way matter works, what holds it all together?” For that, the guide had no answer.
But the Christian does have the answer: Jesus Christ! Because “He is before all things,” He can hold all things together. Again, this is another affirmation that Jesus Christ is God. Only God exists before all of Creation, and only God can make Creation cohere. To make Jesus Christ less than God is to dethrone Him.
There are many things in our lives that will bring us anxiety and distress. It may be a personal health issue or a family matter. It may be our finances or the condition of the world with all the turmoil and uncertainty.
At the present we don’t know how these and many other issues will all work out. But we can experience great comfort in this eternal truth: God is sustaining all things by His powerful word! God is sustaining every single microchip and every single cell in my body and everyone else’s. “Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:15).
The God who is sustaining all things is also sustaining each one of us. He speaks through the prophet Isaiah to the ancient people of God and thus through the Scriptures to all of us: ”Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth” (Isaiah 46:3).
Let us rest in the wonderful assurance of this powerful truth and raise our eyes heavenward to declare: “You are sustaining all things by Your powerful Word and You will accomplish what concerns me for You are my Sustainer; Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting” (Hebrews 1:3, Psalm 138:8).
So here’s the word of encouragement today, fellow believer. He who sustains all things will surely sustain you. He is ever dependable. Troubles that weigh you down today are under His absolute authority and as they run their course Jesus calls us to trust Him – yes, even in the midst of them. Let’s do that!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we thank You for sending Jesus who came as God in the flesh, revealing to us Your character and personhood. You created all things and sustain them by Your powerful hand. That includes us, Your human creation. All that You created You also test. The plant life has tests of stress and endurance in the harsh elements and we, Your human creation, must endure the tests of endurance common to the flesh; whether it is relational, physical, spiritual, emotional or financial. We will endure these tests and turn them into a testimony as we rely on You, for “You will accomplish what concerns me; for You are my sustainer”. You existed before anything else and You hold all creation together. We are immensely grateful. Amen.
look to Jesus who holds everything together.
A photo of the Hoover family
A family of two expands to a family of twenty-two over 50 years.
God is good!
This week we are featuring photos of Bill and Peggy Longenecker’s farm here in Lancaster County. Bill was our neighbor when we first moved to Lancaster County in 2001. I saw him several weeks ago in a hardware store and he shared about a wagon he had restored. He invited me to come over and take a look and it was quite a sight. But what impressed me the most was just how clean his ban was!
“Indescribable” Video Chris Tomlin, Laura Story
“Laminin” Video (snippet) Video (full message) An interesting teaching by Louie Giglio from his message titled “How Great Is Our God” that relates to Colossians 1:17 and the phrase “in Him all things hold together.”
“How Great Is Our God” Video Chris Tomlin
Ministry Update (Revised 5/12)
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.
“Proclaiming The Unknown God”
June 25, 2012
Longenecker Farmhouse in Lancaster County
Listen to this message on your audio player.
“Proclaiming The Unknown God”
Thirty-five years ago we began our ministry right out of Bible College relocating from Missouri to Pennsylvania, as a very young married couple, to plant a church in Saint Marys Pennsylvania.
At the time I was an ardent student of New Testament Greek which led us to name the church AGAPE’ (pronounced a ga’ pa,) the Greek word for the highest quality of love. The church is still called AGAPE’, though it has required some explaining over the years since there are plenty who mispronounce the word. It’s spelled the same as the English word, agape (rhyming with a cape), but the definition is vastly different meaning “mouth wide open”. We certainly wanted the people to come to church with their hearts open to the Spirit, but not with mouths wide open!
I find church names interesting. Some churches have geographical names such as the Belton Methodist Church (which I attended as a child). Some now are using what I suppose are attempts to sound cool, contemporary and even unchurchy such as a church named “The Power Place”. (I would think this would be a gym). Now many just use initials, such as a large church in our area known as LCBC.
But my favorite church names seek to also convey a Bible truth such as Faith, Calvary or Grace, etc. Whenever naming a church using a word in the Bible it’s important for the leaders to know the meaning behind the particular Bible word. Years ago I heard of a church that sought to be creative and used a Hebrew word from the Old Testament. They named their church “Ichabod”.*
Yesterday we heard Mike and Lori Cassel, a missionary family to Mexico, who are involved in church planting ministry. Mike shared concerning the naming of churches in Mexico and one particularly intrigued me. The Spanish name is “Al Dios No Conocido” which means “The Unknown God” Church. The earnest Mexican pastor was naming it after our daily text and Mike shared that he had some reservations about the name but didn’t want to interfere with the nationals. It occurred to me a name like this can create a compelling witness opportunity!
In Acts 17 Paul preached to the Athenians, the intellectually elite of that age. An interesting parenthetical description in verse 21 states “Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.” (SCW note: It seems to me that’s what a lot of intellectual elites do to this day!)
Paul sought to connect by appealing to an altar with this inscription, “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” Apparently the Athenians just wanted to make sure they had all the bases covered so they erected a generic altar for a god they didn’t know just in case. Paul used the situation to his advantage and proclaimed this God in one of the great sermons of the New Testament, “Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.”
The Mexican church with the name “The Unknown God” may very well use this same approach. People enter the church building intrigued by the name and hear the pastor make known the mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Today we appeal to a world where so many do not know Jesus personally. Yet God created within our inmost being the need to follow after One greater than ourselves. Of course He desires that we worship Him not in ignorance, but in Spirit and in Truth. And the way we follow the True God is to open His Word to our hearts making it a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we thank You for those who go to the uttermost parts of the world and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, making known the “unknown God” to the people of that land. From the very beginning You created a hunger within our hearts to serve you, but far too many misfeed that hunger and instead “worship gold, silver or stone, images from by the art and thoughts of man”. Instead we are to feed that hunger by loving You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. As we draw near to You, You promise to draw near to us. We are grateful for the wooing of the Holy Spirit that convicts us our sin and reveals Your great love to us. Thank You for making Yourself known to us in Your Word as we immerse ourselves in Your truths. Amen.
Here is what Paul proclaimed following our daily text: “The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’ Being then the children of God,. Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:24-31).
* Ichabod means “the glory has departed”!
Mike and Lori Cassel with their son Ben
Yesterday we visited Bill and Peggy Longenecker’s farm. I saw Bill, who was a neighbor when we first moved to Lancaster County, in a hardware store several weeks ago and he told me about an old wagon he had restored and welcomed me over to see the wagon and visit his farm, one of the most beautiful in Lancaster County in our view. All this week we will share photos from our visit including the farmhouse photo at the top of today’s message.
“Jerusalem” Video
“Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin” Video
“I Will Serve Thee” Video Acapella with testimony
“Yaweh” Video
“God Raised the Ransom” Video
The concert was held in an outdoor amphitheater type setting with a very large crowd.
At the concert we saw our friends Gary and Fran Tryon among a number of other friends we ran into. I worked with Gary about ten years ago when we first moved to this area.
Ministry Update (Revised 5/12)
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.
“Healing For The Brokenhearted”
June 22, 2012
Little Chiques Creek in Lancaster County, PA.We often pass this swirling creek and enjoying its winding view.
The large white rocks covering the bank makes this setting even more appealing.
Listen to this message on your audio player.
“Healing For The Brokenhearted”
Today’s story is written with sensitivity as I share a sad chapter from my own family’s story. It’s also a little longer than usual but I’m hopeful that it will be of some comfort to those who struggle with their past from deep wounds and be a reminder that forgiveness is key to moving forward in our personal lives and upward in our walk with Christ.
I had two grandfathers: Elbert and Elmer. Their names are similar but their lives stood in great contrast. The name, Elbert, brings a smile from deep within my heart while the name, Elmer, stirs up sorrow and heartache from past memories.
My dad was raised in the Arkansas mountains by Elbert and Faye Sherrell. Elbert was a very godly man from whom I trace my spiritual heritage.
On the other hand my mom was raised in Colorado by a very ungodly man, Elmer. He was an avowed atheist who wouldn’t allow any household member to speak the name of God unless it was accompanied by an expletive. Elmer was a vile, immoral man who was physically and sexually abusive driving a great deal of fear into his wife, my grandmother, and his seven children. He was also an alcoholic and a gambler.
Mom rarely spoke of her painful childhood experiences but there was one that she told me several times. Being the oldest child she would accompany her father on some of his trips to town. He’d park outside the bar and tell her, “I’m going in for a drink. You wait in the car.” Well, one drink led to another and the obsessive gambling often accompanied the drinking. Many hours later my mother would still be sitting in the car shivering into the late, cold, dark night.
Mom spent her childhood in Fraser Colorado where a compassionate local physician, “Doc Susie”, repeatedly saw the horrible effects from the physical and sexual abuse my mother endured over the years so she reported Elmer to the authorities. He fled with his family to Oklahoma to escape the police, and from that time on my mother resided in the Tulsa area.
Elmer ran from the police but he never ran from his sin. He continued to abuse and was turned in to Oklahoma authorities where he eventually paid for his crime. I never met him because he was in prison by the time of my birth and was released only a couple years before his death.
To her dying day Doc Susie was endeared to my mother’s heart. Ten years ago we were in Colorado for a family reunion on Stephen’s side and on the way to the resort we passed through the small town of Fraser. My Mom had passed away less than a year earlier so I was unable to talk to her about our trip. But when I saw her home town I wanted to explore my mother’s roots and also see if I could find more information about this heroic doctor whom Mom spoke so highly of.
Doc Susie was well-known throughout the Fraser Valley. As we were walking about the small town we saw a poster advertising that Virginia Cornell, author of a book written about “Doc Susie” was giving a lecture and slide presentation that very evening at the Fraser library! Interestingly, the doctor happened to be quite a pioneer, as she was a female doctor in the mining camps and to the railroad workers in the early 1900′s.
We jumped in the rental van and quickly found the library, only to be greeted by the friendly folks of Fraser with a delicious community potluck supper! After the presentation I privately shared with the author the story of my mother’s background and her great esteem for the doctor. The author related that such compassion was very typical of Doc Susie’s character and she especially cared deeply for the children of the county.
My mother had deep lasting pains from her childhood but after settling in Oklahoma she met and married a man from the hills of Arkansas. Brooklyn had a Christian background with godly parents, a great contrast to Mom’s atheistic father. Mom and Dad raised us in the ways of the Lord, but sadly they spent a large portion of their adult years in a backslidden condition. About six years before their deaths they both recommitted their lives to Christ and demonstrated a growing faith in Christ until He called them home.
My heart reaches out to those of you reading this who have deep pains from your past. Though each of us have experienced some form of brokenheartedness, I have especially observed the ongoing struggles and serious forms of brokenheartedness among those who have experienced abusive childhoods, both in regard to my mom’s background and in the course of our ministry. This is particularly painful when the abuse comes from the very hands of the one in whom God appoints as our protector.
I consider the comforting aspect of Christ’s ministry that “He heals the brokenhearted”. How inspiring it is to read of those who have experienced Christ’s healing from an abusive childhood or abusive relationship of any kind. Tragically, my mother found peace about her father’s abuse only months before her death. Her biggest struggle was learning to forgive him for the irreparable harm he did her. There’s an interesting quote that serves as a powerful reminder of why it’s important to forgive: “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for it to kill your enemy.”
Today I encourage each reader to turn to the One who “heals the brokenhearted” and allow the ointment of His Holy Spirit to bind up your wounds enabling you to forgive your offender and pray for him or her. God may very well want to use you as a conduit for His compassion to be extended to one in need. He uses us to funnel His love to others in pain. We can look back at what we’ve learned on our faith journey and share it with those in pain.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, it is under Your wings that we find You to be a refuge in sorrow! How our heart yearningly turns to Your rest! Often when earth has no balm for our healing, there we find comfort and there we are blest. Under Your wings, there is precious enjoyment! There we will hide till life’s trials are o’er; sheltered, protected, no evil can harm us, resting in Jesus we are safe evermore. Under Your wings our souls shall abide, safely abide forever. Amen.
(Adapted from the hymn, “Under His Wings” written by William O. Cushing)
PS: Prior to posting this message Stephen and I prayed for readers who are overcoming a painful childhood, that you will experience God’s mercy and the healing of a broken heart.
Note: Due to a very long (and very hot day) of chaplain service we were unable to get a daily encouragement message off yesterday.
Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
“Under His Wings” Video Slim Whitman
“You’ve Been Mercy All The Way” Video John G. Elliott
“He Will Carry You” Video Scott Wesley Brown
“Rescue The Perishing” Video Billy & Cindy Foote
“Blessings” Video Laura Story
“Doc Susie” by Virginia Cornell.
Ministry Update (Revised 5/12)
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“Mistaken Assumptions”
June 20, 2012
Amish open cart, Lancaster County, PA. It was a beautiful day yesterday and we came up behind this Amish cart leaving Costco. We followed for awhile since we were unable to pass but somehow their means of conveyance helps me to slow down as well! Ester was with me and I asked her to snap the photo using her cell phone.
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“Mistaken Assumptions”
We were recently walking through a company in the course of our chaplain visitation and Brooksyne had a rather unusual experience. I usually don’t carry anything unless I’m distributing some literature but Brooksyne always carries her day-timer that also serves as storage for literature, business and note cards, etc. Occasionally she will lay her day-timer down at a work site if she needs to free both hands. On this visit she had the following experience she’ll tell you about:
I had made my visits with all the ladies in a factory and was preparing to leave the building. Before doing so I was saying good-bye to the supervisor when I noticed that I was carrying a plastic shopping bag alongside my day-timer and couldn’t figure out why I had an extra bag on this day. I held the bag up to eye level to examine the contents and saw two or three large unopened bags of candy (M&M’s, Miniature Candy Bars, etc.).
Feeling very foolish I asked the supervisor, “Why am I carrying this bag of candy?” as though she would know the answer. She erupted in laughter and responded, “I don’t know but I sure enjoyed watching your face turn various shades of red.”
Embarrassed all the more I asked, “Do you have any idea where I picked up this candy?” ”Yes,” she responded. “You would have picked it up from the workstation where Sandy, Marlene and Mary Ann sits.” Shaking my head in dismay, I lowered my flushed face and headed right back to where I had picked up the stash of candy.
As I entered their workstation they all looked up as though they might be expecting me. I stammered, “I am so sorry, I must have put my day-timer next to your candy and unknowingly picked up your bag of candy as well.”
They burst into laughter as they told me, “We watched you do it, but we didn’t know what to say. We figured you’d bring it back, but when you didn’t we just said, ‘Well, she must be hungry.’” The next week I came through and dropped off pieces of candy at their workstation without saying a word. Each of us smiled with a knowing look of why I was distributing candy that day.
The above story illustrates one of the many reasons for faulty assumptions and misunderstandings in life and Numbers 32 has an interesting lesson this.
The background: The new generation is camped east of the Jordan positioned to cross over and move into the Promised Land. The leaders from the tribes of Reuben and Gad made a request to Moses to settle and consider as their inheritance the lands east of the Jordan, which were suitable for livestock.
But Moses initially misunderstood their request, assuming they were attempting to dodge their responsibilities in assisting their brethren in the conquest of Canaan. In reading the text, we see he sternly rebuked them for his assumption that they were shirking away from fulfilling their responsibility as part of the new nation.
However, they further clarified their proposal indicating that they would indeed be sending their fighting men to assist the other tribes and pledging that they would not return until the conquest was complete.
Moses’ tone changed with the clarification and he accepted their proposal, but reminded them of the consequences of failing to keep their word in our daily verse: “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out. Build cities for your women and children, and pens for your flocks, but do what you have promised.”
Tracking through the history of the conquest we see they did indeed do what they promised and were commended by Joshua for their faithfulness in Joshua 22, “You have done all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded, and you have obeyed me in everything I commanded.”
There’s a lot of good teaching in this chapter but let me just focus on the initial faulty assumption and reaction by Moses. I believe it typifies situations that occur frequently in life and lead to problems in relationships in the home, church, work and elsewhere. Moses initially made a faulty assumption and based his response on that assumption. (Perhaps the leaders of the eastern tribes also erred in not being clearer in their initial proposal.)
Have you ever been like Moses and made a faulty assumption? I sure have. Communication, clarification, and when necessary, confrontation can help bring healing and understanding in relationships. May God help us to listen carefully to others and clarify as needed. Be careful with assumptions or you might just find yourself “barking up the wrong tree!”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, help us to be slow to speak, quick to listen, and eager to give the benefit of the doubt to others. We often jump to conclusions that are erroneous due to our own preconceived ideas or based on past experiences. Give each of us an understanding heart, a forgiving attitude, and a discerning spirit as we relate to those who intersect our paths from day to day. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Joshua 22 (These tribes are commended by Joshua for keeping their promise.)
Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
Ministry Update (Revised 5/12)
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.
“Never Stop Growing”
June 19, 2012
This postcard picture home is on Breneman Road in southern Lancaster County.
We noticed a “For Sale” sign for anyone who may be interested!
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“Never Stop Growing”
Throughout this spring we have been making some maintenance and home improvements to our home. We’ve lived in our present home ten years now, the longest we have ever lived in one place and Brooksyne is in the process of updating the wall coverings. She (mostly) provides the labor but we have thus far been unable to find a way to make our own home-made paint!
So we spend a lot of time at Lowes (a large home improvement store). Both in the store and through ads we have become familiar with their present marketing slogan which states, “Never Stop Improving.” If you go into a Lowes store you can’t miss this slogan or the catchy jingle that goes with it. It’s a neat strategy for persistent and repeat business. It’s also a great slogan for us to apply spiritually.
Most of us have seen books with titles like “Windows for Dummies”. Someone sure has made a lot of money with this series and frankly I have several different copies. They usually have more than enough information for whatever it is I’m trying to learn about. I’m sure glad that some “Christian” marketer hasn’t picked up on the theme with a book called “Discipleship for Dummies”, although if there’s money to be made it wouldn’t surprise me! After all, we like any shortcuts we can take, and books like these sell fast.
But growth in the transforming grace and infinite knowledge of Christ is a lifelong process. It begins the moment we believe and continues till we go to be with the Lord. It’s not for dummies!
Healthy living means growing. God’s Word tells us that we should continue to grow in our faith. Peter completed his final epistle with a powerful challenge. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The word translated “grow” means to enlarge or increase. It’s in the present, active, and imperative, which means this call to growth is ongoing, non-optional and we have a part in it.
Today’s verse records the final written words of the Apostle Peter. It was a challenge to his initial readers and now we apply it to our spiritual growth. This verse seems to have been modeled by the Lord Jesus Christ, “And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:40). “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).
Today let us encourage you to continue to grow in your faith as you dutifully carry out the spiritual exercises that nurture your spirit; Bible reading and study, prayer, fellowship with the other Christians, Christian service, witnessing for Christ, standing up for Biblical truth, enduring hardship and overcoming trials, etc. And, painful as it is, we also grow through our mistakes – if we’ve learned the lesson that will keep us from repeating them.
At times your spiritual growth is rapid, while at other times it’s very slow and practically indiscernible. But growth, stability and faithfulness over the long term are what really matters. Let us stay faithful as we, step by step, walk in the footsteps of Jesus! Indeed, let us never stop growing!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we want to grow in the grace and knowledge imparted to us through the teachings of Jesus and Your faithful servants who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. We know this involves much more than simply reading the Scriptures, but it includes meditating and memorizing principles and portions of the inspired text. It includes saying “no to ungodliness and worldly passions and living self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” As our world continues the slide into decadence and self-indulgence, it means that we, with great intention, set our heart’s desires on that which is pure and holy so that we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.
Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
Ministry Update (Revised 5/12)
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 Father’s Love”
June 18, 2012
Yesterday we drove along the Susquehanna River and passed this view near Turkey Hill point.
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“A Father’s Love”
Lee drove all the way back to Bethany Beach and did some dumpster diving. (Now Lee is my age so you have to get the picture here!) He reported that the dumpster didn’t have much more in it than when he left so he was able to easily retrieve the bag with the toys much to his granddaughter’s delight. And the lack of added garbage to sort through was much to Lee’s delight! (Maybe clear garbage bags are the way to go since I also recall a woman in our former congregation who accidentally threw away her very best dresses she had set aside for the dry cleaners.)
Lee went to a great deal of time and effort to please his grandchild. What a tremendous blessing it is to experience the love of a (grand)parent. Yesterday was “Father’s Day”, a day set aside here in America (along with Mother’s Day in May) to honor our parents. My father died in 1998 but recollections of his love abound in my memories as do recollections for Brooksyne concerning her dad.
Many reading this have an assurance of their earthly father’s love but certainly not all do. In fact we meet more than a few who share sad stories. This last week as I greeted people within the companies we serve as chaplains I made inquiries about their fathers. One man told me he had not seen or heard from his father for many years and had no idea where he was.
Yet each of us, even when disappointed with our earthly father, can have a deep assurance of our Heavenly Father’s love!
Jairus is one of my favorite dads mentioned in the Bible. Although he had a leadership position in the synagogue his role as a father took prominence in the brief story written about him. Jairus demonstrates three qualities needed today by godly fathers:
1) Love. We aren’t told whether Jairus had any sons, but Scripture indicates that he had only one daughter, twelve years old, and tragically, she was dying. We’ve seen the anguish of loving parents whose child is critically ill or whose debilitating disease is beyond the skill of the medical profession. We had our own share of agonizing distress when Ester, as an infant and child, experienced complications during her heart surgeries or endured long, grueling recoveries.
My mother was one of seven children who lived into adulthood; in fact, they all lived well into their senior years. But her parents lost an infant son and young daughter. I recall how to his dying day the loss of these two children was a painful memory for my grandpa, especially Evelyn, the daughter who died around 1930 when she was twelve years old. Recalling this memory nearly forty years after my grandpa’s death indicates that it had a profound effect on his life and my own.
2) Desperation. Help was desperately needed and Jairus, likely overcoming pride, prejudice, and panic, (especially as a synagogue ruler) very publicly approached Jesus for help. He went to the right Person. He came to the Master and “fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with Him to come to his house.”
The same desperation observed in Jairus pleading with Jesus, on behalf of his daughter, needs to be demonstrated by caring fathers today. His daughter was dying physically and Jairus needed Christ to intervene. Today our children face a spiritual onslaught from the one whom Jesus warns, “comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” We desperately need Christ to intercede for the hearts of our children. Our world is sick and dying. Sin and wickedness know no bounds. Our children are at the edge of a slippery precipice. They’re flooded with appeals to “Jump!”
3) Faith. It took faith to approach Jesus and faith to hold on. They were delayed when the woman who had bled for twelve years touched the hem of the Master’s garment. It was at this point that Jairus received word that his daughter had died and was told, “Don’t bother the teacher anymore” (v.49). But Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed” (v. 50). They indeed went to Jairus’s home, a great miracle was performed, and the account ends with her parents being astonished at the miracle of their healed child.
Today, Dads, Moms, and Grandparents too, let’s follow the example of Jairus. Critical problems demand a serious response. Let’s boldly stand up, persevere, and fight for our children and grandchildren as they battle the evil one. We can make a difference as we faithfully pray, lead by example, and instruct our young in the ways of the Lord!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we are given a tremendous trust when You permit us to raise a child. What begins as a privilege and blessing can also turn into a challenge or desperate situation. No circumstance is too difficult for You. Your arm is not too weak to save, nor Your ear too deaf to hear our heart’s cry. We pray for our children as they seek to overcome life’s difficulties and battle the enemy’s schemes. Help us to properly provide for their physical and spiritual needs as they journey into adulthood. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Yesterday we attended Connie Hess’ baptism at her invitation. She is one of the women we see in the course of our chaplain ministry. It was held following a church service in a swimming pool surrounded by the beautiful southern Lancaster County countryside. The pastor reminded us in this very public baptism of what baptism meant. He also pointed out the potential deadly consequences for those who take this stand for Christ in those countries where Christians are persecuted.
Several were baptized and I recall a particularly touching moment. Holly, one of the women baptized, had apparently had some serious overcoming. With tears she expressed the joy of finding a place where she was accepted. Spontaneous responses rose up from the folks who had gathered round the pool as one by one they told her, “We love you Holly”.
Connie read her testimony and gave us permission to share it with our readers (Connie’s sister in the background lending support and her pastor in the foreground).
June 17, 2012
My introduction to Jesus began as a little girl when my mother took my siblings and me to Sunday School. I learned that God saw everything I did so I thought of Him as someone to be afraid of. He couldn’t be very happy with me since I was bad at times. Forgiveness through Jesus Christ was never explained to me. Also, my childhood was not always happy, as I grew up in a home with an alcoholic father who often lost his temper.
Then in Junior High School I began going to Sunday School and church with my best friend, Wendy. She grew up in a Christian home with wonderful loving parents. It was at their church that salvation was explained to me and in 9th grade I gave my heart to the Lord.
At home, however, things continued to decline and my father’s drinking worsened. Even though I continued to go to church and got involved in the youth group, I experienced little spiritual growth. I still had my childhood Bible but no one encouraged me to read it. I did pray but most of the time it was just a list of requests.
I was a shy, unpopular girl and around the age of sixteen I met my first real boyfriend. He wasn’t a Christian and came from a troubled home. This relationship put a strain on my friendship with Wendy so I stopped going to church and started hanging out with my boyfriend and his friends. They weren’t a good influence and it became easier to ignore God than face Him in repentance. At a young 19 years of age I entered into a troubled marriage only to divorce two years later. I continued to push the Lord away convinced that I was so far beyond His grace.
Living at home again with my parents, I started going out with friends to parties and bars. I was so unhappy, feeling guilty and ashamed. I felt that God was surely disgusted with me. I chose to avoid Him rather than face my sin problem.
I met my future husband, Glen, during this time. He was a good guy; faithful, honest, a nondrinker who also didn’t do drugs. We were engaged not long after we started dating. Glen wasn’t raised in a Christian home yet his mother wanted us to get married in a church so we started attending a church where we could marry. However, we stopped going about six months after the wedding.
At the invitation of a friend I started back to church about a year later. Eventually I got tired of going without Glen and dropped out until three years later when our son was born. I was not at a good place spiritually but I wanted more for my child.
Glen began attending church with me. It became important to us that our children know the Lord. As we grew spiritually we began to recognize that the sermons we were hearing were not in accordance to the Bible so we began looking for a Bible based church.
We found a solid biblical church and I was able to stay home with our son and daughter at this time. It gave me opportunity to attend Bible Studies where I grew and matured in my faith. I repented and asked God to forgive me for the years I’d wasted.
I am truly the happiest I have ever been. During times of hardship and struggles God has been my anchor. It amazes me that anyone would go through life without Him. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband, loving children, godly friends who encourage me, a supportive sister and a new church family that has made us feel very welcome. I am excited to see what He has planned for me. To God be the glory!
After the baptism we conducted a service at Longwood Manor, a personal care center where we serve as chaplains. We honored the fathers and I am pretty sure Clarence would have been the oldest. He and Alverta recently celebrated their 70th anniversary and have a 69 year old daughter.Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
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.
“Godly Fathers – An Endangered Species”
June 15, 2012
Red and White Petunias in a Hanging Cone basket in front of our home. As summer is just around the corner our flowers are maturing and adding lovely splashes of color here and there.
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“Godly Fathers – An Endangered Species”
It is unlikely, due to Zach’s young age, that he will recall the specific lesson but it certainly was part of a father’s formative discipline and instruction, one of many thousands that Zach will learn through his childhood. Scripturally, fathers have a very specific commission in this regard: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
This coming Sunday is Father’s Day here in the USA which provides a good opportunity to honor our fathers (Exodus 20:12) and issue a challenge to them. Today I primarily issue a challenge and reminder.
Several years ago I saw a bumper sticker that caught my attention with a powerful message. It stated, “Godly parents – An Endangered Species”. Now that would also be a good title for a Father’s Day sermon! (The sign to the left is illustrative.)
A decreasing number of fathers consider bringing their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord as a major priority in life. We need to see an increase in godly fathers!
“Bring them up” is in the present imperative meaning this is a command to be carried out as the father’s lifestyle or habitual practice. In a sense, he should always (even when he is old and gray) be teaching them the wisdom God has taught him.
“Of the Lord” indicates the primacy of Biblical and spiritual training. We have lots of duties in regard to the discipline and instruction of our children. We teach them how to tie their shoes, hold dinnerware properly, say “thank you” and scores of other lessons. These are all important.
But of utmost importance is “the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” This is training children Biblically and spiritually.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, the Psalmist wrote that you “set the lonely in families”. It is a joy and privilege to love and to be loved, to care for others and to be cared for. Today we especially pray for our readers who are fathers attempting to raise young children in the ways of the Lord. May their walk and talk be exemplary and reflect that which is taught in Your Word. Grant them wisdom and endurance as they undergo the testings common to fathers who train and discipline their children to live responsibly, respectfully, and obediently toward the teachings within Your Word. May they equip their children with the example and teachings needed for their present life, for their adult years and for their life eternal. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
James Montgomery Boice offers the following thoughts for those parents who have done the right thing and yet still have seen the child grow up rebellious… “Yet I must say a word on the matter of the child’s own responsibility, as I promised. Children are their own people, and they have their own set of responsibilities both before God and others. Consequently, although they may be taught wisely and raised morally and that instruction be supported by parental example, they nevertheless sometimes do go astray, and that is not necessarily the parents’ fault. The first example of child-rearing in the Bible should teach us that. We know that Adam and Eve were a sinful man and woman after the Fall, as we all are. But they were undoubtedly model parents nonetheless. They were highly intelligent and knew God intimately. Moreover, they are numbered in the godly line of the age before the Flood, the line which contained such outstanding spiritual giants as Enoch, Methuselah, and Noah. There is no question but that they raised their children to know and honor God. Yet in spite of this their first child, Cain, turned out to be a murderer. Why? The Bible says it was the result of the outworkings of his own sinful heart. So I say to parents: If your child has abandoned the Lord and is living a worldly life, it is not necessarily your fault. It may be, but not necessarily. Do not abandon hope. God has called many such children. Your duty is to continue to live as Christians and pray for your child regularly. The Bible says, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). (Boice, J.M.: Ephesians: An Expositional Commentary)
Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
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.
