“Will You Be The One?”
May 23, 2013
Dew-laced Purple pansies
(Photo by our friend Doris High)
Listen to this message on your audio player. Note: Due to my quality microphone not working with Windows 8 the sound is rather poor and occasionally has a very annoying feedback type noise. A new microphone has been ordered!
“For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness (Romans 12:4-8).
To answer to His call
And will you stand
When those around you fall
Will you be the one
To take His light into a darkened world
Tell me will you be the one
On Sunday we heard an interesting message in our church that began with a powerful testimony. We first met Debbie Hollinger and her husband David over ten years ago when I served as chaplain for several years at Four Seasons Produce, the company David started. In fact we recall joining them for a meal shortly after we moved to this area in 2001. It turns out that Debbie is a longtime friend from childhood with Faithe Keefer, our Pastor’s wife.
Debbie shared about “Home International” a ministry she started in India due to a burden God placed on her heart for orphaned girls. A recurring theme in her message was, “Will you be the one?” as she encouraged the congregation to step out in faith in serving the Lord in whatever way He may be leading them.
In illustrating this concept she shared about a little girl named Emily who grew up in the coal region of Pennsylvania during the great depression in a home steeped in sin, which gave no consideration whatsoever to God. Mrs. Coons, a neighbor lady, invited five year old Emily to attend her church where she got saved. She stood alone in her walk with God throughout her childhood and teen years persevering in her faith. Emily grew up, married a preacher and became mother to Debbie and her siblings. She raised her family to serve the Lord.
Debbie was sharing the transmission of her faith going back to Mrs. Coons. All who believe have a similar story although perhaps not as dramatic. In our church I have a friend who can trace back his spiritual heritage for many generations but at some point a believer reached out to someone in his family and led them to faith. I suppose there may be some who have an unbroken chain of faith in their family all the way back to the establishment of the church but I’ve never heard that testimony!
The work of the Lord certainly includes some famous preachers. But I believe the greatest part of God’s work is due to devoted lesser-known people like Mrs. Coons, who faithfully serve God in their sphere of influence. That’s something we all can do. Today we need to heed God’s call. Al Denson wrote the song “Will you be the one?” It begins with this thoughtful verse,
Where the truth is hard to find
For every promise that is kept
There are many left behind
Though it seems that nobody cares
It still matters what you do
Cause there’s a difference you can make
But the choice is up to you
The difference you make by taking a bold, unswerving stand for Jesus may not be fully disclosed in your lifetime. Before Emily passed away she could not have foreseen that her daughter, Debbie, would raise up three Christian homes where 61 orphans would find refuge from homelessness and abuse as well as the gift of salvation through her missionary endeavor.
May the Lord help us to be faithful to God’s calling in whatever specific way He leads us. “The story of the Gospel is simple. The grace of the Gospel is glorious. The sacrifice of the Gospel is incomprehensible. The victory of the Gospel is eternal. The core of the Gospel is Christ.” (unknown source)
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer:Father, You’ve called us all to a life of obedience. This includes the command that we are to raise our families in such a way that they will come to know You and grow in godliness in accordance to their individual faith. We also have opportunity to influence others for Jesus as we follow the great commission in reaching out to those who don’t know Him, whether it’s our neighbor, co-worker, team member or the homeless living on the streets. We want to make a difference in our world, one person at a time, since You touch individual hearts for the kingdom one at a time. We want to faithfully do our part through Christ Jesus our Lord in whose name we pray. Amen.
“Will You Be The One?” Video Al Denson This song came to mind when I heard Debbie speak this last Sunday. I haven’t heard it in years but managed to find an original Al Denson version.
“Little Is Much” Video Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
“Going Home” Video Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Note: We actually prepared this post earlier this week and have set it to deliver to our email list on Thursday morning. I am attending a “Watchmen On The Wall” briefing in Washington, DC along with my Pastor, John Keefer, and my brother, Pat Weber, who is a pastor in the Lehigh Valley about 100 miles northeast of us. We do not expect to post on Friday.
The “Watchmen On The Wall” pastor’s briefing in Washington DC encourages pastors to be a “watchman pastor”, standing up for Biblical values against the tide of evil that is sweeping our land. The conference is so very important due to a sense of urgency regarding the state of our land. This conference will challenge pastors to take a strong, uncompromising stand for Biblical truth.
Our basic commission in this regard is to:
2) Preach the Bible without apology.
3) Partner with those who also hold Biblical values.
Pastor friends: I urge you to examine this ministry and join me in being a “Watchman Pastor”.
Lay people: Consider sending this message to your pastor with a note asking him to look into this.
What is a Watchman Pastor? The name is from Isaiah 62:6: “I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest.” A Watchman Pastor is called to do the following:
* Watch what is going on in the culture.
* Pray for wisdom to engage Biblically, courageously, and winsomely.
* Sound the alarm from the pulpit.
* Take a bold stand with others to defend and advance faith, family, and freedom.
The music at the briefing will be led by Charles Billingsley, a musician I have long enjoyed. Here is a song I expect we will sing: “God Of The Ages” Video
To receive the “Daily Encouragement” each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the WordPress rss feed or through a WordPress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)
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 Refuge In Times Of Trouble”
May 22, 2013
Geese family in Donegal Springs
Photo taken by Ester
Listen to this message on your audio player. Note: Due to my quality microphone not working with Windows 8 the sound is rather poor and occasionally has a very annoying feedback type noise. A new microphone has been ordered!“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7)Like many of you we were stunned and deeply saddened by theloss of life and widespread destruction in Oklahoma from the massive tornado Monday. Being Brooksyne’s home state and having many relatives from both sides of our family who live there we have an even more personal interest. At times like this especially we wonder how this all works together with the goodness of God. Why, we wonder do these things happen.Of course in reality every day things like this happen somewhere in the world many times over in various scales. It just really hits us when it’s either personal or on a scale such as the tornado that is very newsworthy. Actually events of a similar or on a larger scale in a remote location may not even make the news. Yet, regardless of the amount of publicity or lack thereof great sorrow remains for those left behind.
Today we share a word of hope and encouragement from one of the most obscure Old Testament prophets. Nahum served and spoke for God during very troubling times, as Assyria was tormenting the people of God. This oppression caused a troubling, yet frequently asked question; How could God allow such evil and inhumanity to go unanswered? Now of course we make a distinction between human-caused evil like the Boston bombing last month and natural disasters like the tornado but both result in “times of trouble”.
In different ways we may ask the same question, particularly during “times of trouble”. We often consider our Christian brothers and sisters throughout many parts of the world who are being persecuted or are otherwise suffering. On a personal level you might be in the heat of a difficult trial and you may wonder, “Where is God when I hurt?”
We are reading a powerful book by Randy Alcorn titled, “If God Is Good” which delves into many of these issues and we recommend it to our Daily Encouragement readers who may want to go deeper. Of course no book we’ve read ever satisfies all our questions but this one has some interesting perspective. In today’s message let us consider our refuge in times of trouble.
The prophet Nahum speaks through the Holy Scriptures, the inspired and inerrant Word of God, with a great message for us and our brethren around the world.
1) “The Lord is good!” This attribute is insufficiently pondered today. It is so well assumed that it’s taken for granted by most. But what if the Supreme Being of the universe was not good? That’s a thought that I find hard to even comprehend and have no desire to ponder in depth just how dreadful life would be if it were true. But Psalm 100:5 reminds us, “For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”
2) He’s “a refuge in time of trouble.” The text does not teach that there will not be times of trouble for such has always been the experience of the human race. The Hebrew word for refuge conveys a fortified place; a defense: force, fortress, rock, strength. What a great assurance during the inevitable times of trouble! Jesus is the rock in a weary land. He is an anchor in the times of storm. “The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil” (Proverbs 10:29).
3) “He cares for those who trust in Him.” Here’s our part; we must trust God. When we are in the middle of a tunnel, with darkness behind us and darkness before us, God still calls us to trust, to lean hard on Him. When we’re in the valley of deepest despair we must trust. When we’re on the spiritual mountain we still must trust! A very familiar New Testament verse many have memorized instructs the believer not to carry the heavy burdens of life in our own strength but to “cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7). Our Lord Jesus is the great Burden Bearer.
Finally today, hear the word of the Psalmist, “Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8). Today let us lean hard on our steadfast refuge!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer:Father, we want to trust You at all times – in times of rejoicing and times of trouble. You promise to be our refuge who will rescue us from danger. Certainly we don’t read anywhere in Scripture that we will not face danger, for it is in these intensely dangerous situations that we find refuge in the shadow of Your wings. Daily we witness Your rescue from dangerous situations on this side of eternity, but we also daily witness (by faith) Your rescue that takes place on the other side of eternity. We consider the children who perished during the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma as well as scores of believers who, through other circumstances, passed on from here to eternity. Everyone of them found You to be their refuge as You rescued them from the many dangers, toils and snares that will always be a part of this life. Comfort those who remain. Give strength, hope and a determined faith to those who must rebuild their lives in the wake of the Oklahoma tragedy. May our faith increase and our devotion deepen as we lean hard on You. Amen.
Note: Due to chaplain work from early morning and returning home in the afternoon we were unable to post a message yesterday (Tuesday, 5/21/13).
“Cares Chorus” Video Kelly Willard
“You Are My Refuge” Video Shannon Wexelberg, Matthew Ward
“You Carry Me” Video Shannon Wexelberg
“Lay Your Burdens Down” Video Not specified
“Lay Your Burden Down” Video Chuck Girard
“Learning To Lean” Video Blackwood Brothers
Note: Today through Friday afternoon I will be attending a Watchmen On The Wall briefing in Washington, DC along with my Pastor, John Keefer and my brother, Pat Weber, who is a pastor in the Lehigh Valley. We expect to have a message prepared for tomorrow but do not expect to post on Friday.
The “Watchmen On The Wall” pastor’s briefing in Washington DC encourages pastors to be a “watchman pastor”, standing up for Biblical values against the tide of evil that is sweeping our land. The conference is so very important due to a sense of urgency regarding the state of our land. This conference will challenge pastors to take a strong, uncompromising stand for Biblical truth.
Our basic commission in this regard is to:
2) Preach the Bible without apology.
3) Partner with those who also hold Biblical values.
Pastor friends: I urge you to examine this ministry and join me in being a “Watchman Pastor”.
Lay people: Consider sending this message to your pastor with a note asking him to look into this.
What is a Watchman Pastor? The name is from Isaiah 62:6: “I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest.” A Watchman Pastor is called to do the following:
* Watch what is going on in the culture.
* Pray for wisdom to engage Biblically, courageously, and winsomely.
* Sound the alarm from the pulpit.
* Take a bold stand with others to defend and advance faith, family, and freedom.
The music at the briefing we be led by Charles Billingsley, a musician I have long enjoyed. Here is a song I expect we will sing. “God Of The Ages” Video
To receive the “Daily Encouragement” each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the WordPress rss feed or through a WordPress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)
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.
“Bravely Run The Race”
May 20, 2013
Eagle statue on Hawk Mountain
This is made of rusted metal parts with dimensions of 14 x 9 x 9
It was formerly at the Wannemaker’s Department store originating in Philadelphia
Listen to this message on your audio player. Note: Due to my quality microphone not working with Windows 8 the sound is rather poor and occasionally has a very annoying feedback type noise. A new microphone has been ordered!“Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God’? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:27-31).
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ.
One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race till we see Christ.
This last weekend I had the opportunity to share three messages at a men’s retreat. On a side trip Saturday afternoon we went up to Hawk Mountain, a remote area along the Appalachian ridge which is a major flyway for migratory birds. The Appalachian Trail also runs along this ridge and I had the opportunity to walk alongside it (very briefly). It was great to be with a group of committed men seeking to please the Lord.
In my messages I used the theme of our Christian journey being like a race, a theme frequently used in Scripture, such as the portion in our daily text that states, “They shall run and not be weary.” Of all the types of races the marathon is most like the Christian race.
I want to share in today’s encouragement the major points made this last weekend, condensing the three teachings into one daily encouragement message:
1) The Christian race must have a start. We are not in the race by default regardless of our upbringing. This start begins when we place our faith in Christ and accept Him as our Lord and Saviour. Paul wrote, “For now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11). For all of us there is a time when we “first believed”. For some it’s a very distinct memory; for other not so much, if they came to faith early in life. You are not in the race unless you’ve started and if you haven’t done so we encourage you to accept Christ as Your Savior today, and begin your starting point! Like songwriter John Newton wrote may we with joy proclaim, “How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.”
2) The Christian race is characterized by ongoing strict training by practicing spiritual disciplines and self-control. Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:7: “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” Surely the apostle Paul is speaking here of the spiritual development and disciplines we volitionally participate in that contribute to a growth in godliness such as Bible reading and study, Scripture memorization, prayer and praise, church participation, Christian virtues and service along with other forms of spiritual discipline. In 1 Corinthians chapter 9 Paul uses the athletic analogy and urges that we “Exercise self-control in all things” (9:25). The writer of Hebrews instructs us to, “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us” (Hebrews 12:1). Speaking at a men’s retreat I had the opportunity to challenge the men regarding specific sins so many men deal with.
3) The Christian race is characterized by endurance and overcoming inevitable trials. As I type this line I consider John, a young friend who for several months now has been enduring an affliction and is again in the hospital. Many readers are undergoing trials as they read this and any of us who have been in the race for awhile can sing,
T’was grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.”
The writer of Hebrews continues in the latter part of Hebrews 12:1, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Endurance is especially needed due to trials which give opportunity for maturing in our faith. In the only recorded message quoted from Paul’s first missionary journey, he “strengthened the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God’” (Acts 14:22).
4) The Christian race is characterized by encouraging and being encouraged. This is a gifting available to each one of us and we need to conscientiously practice it. “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). In 2000 I attended the Boston Marathon as a spectator and watched the race along what is known as Heartbreak Hill. Running up the gentle grade along the race course at the top of the hill near Boston College, the runners get their first glimpse of the Boston skyline where they will cross the finish line. We caught sight of one viewer’s encouraging sign that gave runners a reason to stay in the race, “Heartbreak is over, you’re on your way home”. What a powerful spiritual reality we can share as we help our fellow runners focus on the finish line, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2,3).
5) The Christian race is characterized by a very specific and spectacular finish. This finish will be at the time of our death or, if we are alive at the time of Christ’s return, we will be caught up in the rapture. In the apostle Paul’s sermon to the Ephesian elders he stated, “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24). Notice especially that phrase, “if only I may finish the race.” Our goal is to finish well and stay faithful to the end. At that point may we be able to sum up our life’s story like Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
Fellow runners let us bravely run the race till we see Christ!
Wherever my lot be cast, teach me Thy way!
Until the race is run, until the journey’s done,
Until the crown is won, teach me Thy way!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer:Father, the spiritual journey may have its twists and turns, its potholes and inclines that obscure the finish line, but by faith I will stay the course because You give me power when I feel faint and strength when I am weak. Everlasting Father, Creator of the ends of the earth You do not grow weary or faint; Your understanding is vast beyond measure and Your might gives me strength when I grow weary and hope when I become discouraged helping me to rise as though I have wings as eagles. Help me to soar above my troubles and give flight to those worries that would otherwise weigh me down. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Rise Up O Men Of God” Video Titan Men’s Chorus or here Palos Verdes Quartet
This was our theme song throughout the men’s retreat and the men sang it in their church service on Sunday. Hymn Background told by the songwriter: This song was written specifically for men by William P. Merrill in 1911. “Nolan R. Best, then editor of The Continent, happened to say to me that there was urgent need of a brotherhood hymn. The suggestion lingered in my mind, and just about that time I came upon an article by Gerald Stanley Lee, entitled ‘The Church of the Strong Men.’ I was on one of the Lake Michigan steamers going back to Chicago for a Sunday at my own church, when suddenly this hymn came up, almost without conscious thought or effort.”
“Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord” Video Gary Chapman The first time I recall ever singing this hymn was several weeks ago in our church. My brother Pat shared that he had also recently heard it and thought the last verse which we quoted at the end of today’s message was especially moving.
“It Will Be Worth It All” Video Musicians not identified
“It’ll Be Worth It After All” Video Terry Terrell
“Bloodline” Video Dallas Holm
For the geographically curious here is a map of where the men’s retreat was held along with Hawk Mountain (Google map)
Information about Hawk Mountain
The story of the Hawk Mountain eagle statue.
Last year we shared a five part series of messages on “Lessons From Life’s Marathon” beginning with this message. Use “next message” link to read each message.
To receive the “Daily Encouragement” each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the WordPress rss feed or through a WordPress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)
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.
“Sowing In Tears”
May 17, 2013
Signs of “seedtime” are all over our area.
Listento this message on your audio player. Note: Due to a microphone issue the sound is rather poor and occasionally has a feedback type noise. A new microphone has been ordered!“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease” (Genesis 8:22). “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:5). “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:7-9).
We’re tempted to complain, to murmur and despair.
But Christ will soon appear to catch His bride away!
All tears forever over in God’s eternal day!
This is a very busy time for the farmers in our area. A drive through the country reveals a buzz of activity on farm after farm as it’s planting time or “seedtime”. We came up behind the buggy in our lead photo yesterday near New Holland PA. We see a lot of different farming methods in our area from modern hi-tech such as the huge sprayer that just prepped the field across the road from us this morning to old order methods using horse (or mule) teams. It sure makes for some colorful sights as we go about our work.
The word “seedtime” is used only once in the entire Bible (in most commonly used versions). “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease” (Genesis 8:22). This is known as the Noahaic covenant, the promise that God gave to Noah following the great flood. The flood occurred many thousands of years ago but this covenant promise has and will continue unabated “as long as the earth endures.” Seedtime is otherwise known as sowing or planting as a physical phenomenon and we see this promise being faithfully fulfilled all around us.
But there is a great spiritual truth as well in seedtime and harvest, in sowing and reaping. The second daily verse states, “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:5). I don’t believe farmers typically “sow in tears” but as they sow they are sure aware of the many dangers that face their growing crop till harvest (drought, flooding, disease, insects, etc.). It’s sure that way for us, also, as we sow in a spiritual sense. Many reading this devotional have sown their faith seeds in the midst of sorrowful experiences.
1) There may be some matters in your life that you have committed to the Lord but they aren’t yet fully resolved. At times we may cry out to God in tears petitioning for His help. Yesterday I spoke to a young man who shared that he is overcoming a particular matter in his life but it remains a source of temptation for him. He is earnest in his desire to follow the Lord and live by His commands. I encouraged him to press on in faithfulness and gave him several specific tips. As he stays faithful I am confident that he will overcome based upon this wonderful Scripture, “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
2) You are seeking to faithfully follow the Lord and sow His seed in the lives of others. You have such a burden for loved ones who are not following the truth. But they are unreceptive, perhaps even hard, and you see no evidence of a forthcoming harvest. You continue to sow, at times in tears. For some of you this has gone on for years and years. You are weary and perhaps discouraged. But God’s Word states, “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.”
Let me share with you a great, great promise. Read it slowly and accept it by faith. Brooksyne and I memorized this passage early in our marriage and have so often drawn strength and much needed perspective from it: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:7-9).
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ.
One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race till we see Christ.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer:Father, there have been many times that we acted in faith when it seemed futile in doing so. When we get our eyes on the challenge it takes our eyes off of you, the One who heals the sick, raises the dead and casts mountains into the depths of the sea. Father, we choose to walk by faith and not by sight. Since all things are possible with You, we choose to believe in those things impossible with man. We do believe and choose to walk in faith until the invisible is made visible either here below or in the eternal heavens. It is in the name of Jesus that we come to You in prayer. Amen.
Stephen’s Note: This weekend I have the opportunity to share three messages at a men’s retreat in the Poconos. I will share with the men the importance of remaining faithful as we “bravely run the race till we see Christ”. I expect there will be men in various stages of overcoming life’s trials including those who have sown in tears.
In our visit earlier this week with Mike and Kathy Matangelo, longtime friends from the seventies, we were considering those we impacted for Christ in our years of service in Northern Pennsylvania. We saw many through hard times and recalled the names of those we had worked with. Prior to receiving our evening meal a man emailed me who had seen Mike’s photo on Daily Encouragement earlier that day. This was a young man whom we mentored during a major crisis he faced about twenty five years ago. What a joy to see him faithfully serving Christ all these years since then.
Some folks we met in the course of our chaplaincy ministry yesterday.
Randy works at the front desk at a hotel where we serve as chaplains. We actually serve in two motels and our service is primarily to the hotel staff but we are also available if a hotel guest would care to speak to us. Randy is a very outgoing, friendly man easy to engage in conversation with. I appreciate the way he treats the guests as I observe him at work. He is a follower of Christ and a thoughtful student of Scripture. He shared with us that his favorite verse is Psalm 89:9: “Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.” Randy is one of those people who passes on encouragement not only by what he says, but also because of his positive outlook!
Elvin has worked at the same company for many years, and is celebrating his 51st service anniversary today! For several years I have enjoyed my visits with him at the toolshop where he works and several years ago he and his wife had us over for a meal. He is a member of one of our old-order Mennonite groups and his normal mode of transportation is by horse and buggy.
Several years ago we shared a message about Elvin and an interesting work friendship that is also quite distinct.
Elvin and Mary are proficient canners, especially apple sauce. They put up 250 half gallon jars of home-made apple sauce annually! It’s a staple food in their diets everyday. So… they practice the adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Each and every day he has about three cups of apple sauce with his meal. Based upon his fitness at 71 years of age I think he may be on to something!
We stopped by Martin’s Bike Shop near Hinkletown PA along RT 322. We are considering purchasing bikes suitable for our age. They have an interesting museum of bicycles including this display of antique bikes. An interesting feature is their outspoken witness for the Lord including a sign in front of their business.
We devote today’s selection of songs to those who are sowing in tears.
“When I Cry” Video Gaither Vocal Band What an honest heart-felt song!
“Blessings” Video Laura Story
“Field Of Souls” Video Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
“Tears Are A Language” Video Heritage Singers
“He Understands My Tears” Video The Isaacs
“When There’s No Hope, There Is Grace” Video The Dunaways
“It Will Be Worth It All” Video Musicians not identified
“It’ll Be Worth It After All” Video Terry Terrell
To receive the “Daily Encouragement” each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the WordPress rss feed or through a WordPress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)
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.
“I’d Rather Have Jesus”
May 16, 2013
Fallingwater
Listento this message on your audio player.“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29,30). “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8).
Several years ago we visited Fallingwater, a luxury home in the mountains of western Pennsylvania, most famous because it was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It is in a gorgeous setting built over waterfalls, thus the name. It was the getaway home for Edgar Kaufmann Sr., a successful Pittsburgh businessman. It is listed among Smithsonian’s Life List of 28 places “to visit before you die.” Although quite interesting I wouldn’t go that far! Actually at 6 foot 2 inches I found the ceilings and doors way too low for me in addition to the damp, clammy feel due to the proximity to the water.
Built nearly eighty years ago it was the ultimate home of the time and a symbol of worldly wealth, or in the words of a poem, “riches untold”.
We mentioned several weeks ago that George Beverly Shea passed on to his eternal reward in April at 104 years of age. He was associated with the Billy Graham organization for many years. He is perhaps most famous for a song he wrote the music to that used the words to a poem his mother had given him; a song he calls his testimony.
I’d rather be His than have riches untold
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or land
I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hands
“But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” This is a familiar verse that we quote often. It seems we often quote it in a humorous way when called up to the serving line at a church meal. If you are not selected in the first grouping and wait and find you are the last to be called up someone in your group will inevitably quote this verse with a smile. I suppose being last in this case can make you feel sort of “spiritual”!
It’s a serious verse though and worthy of much meditation. It follows the stunning verse, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” I still recall hearing a guest preacher share this verse in a sermon in Bible College and recall that he specifically shared how in his personal experience he really wouldn’t miss the “farms”. Since he was from the inner city it was just not something he could identify with! But we have several farmer friends and, in the case of the agriculturally-based Bible era, it is very purposefully placed here by our Lord.
This verse describes a price for following Christ that very few reading this have ever had to pay. Many have left a more comfortable life to serve in an area of great need. We consider Dr. John Spurrier, a physician who has served many years in a very needy area in Africa. Almost certainly he would have had a more prosperous and comfortable life had he practiced medicine here in the states.
Yet throughout history and even in our modern day many have made such a sacrifice in regard to worldly comforts. Some have also paid the price in regard to their family relationships. Consider the tremendous price paid by converts to Christ from the Islam religion. In many cases they are completely estranged from their family as a result of their conversion to Christ.
The point of the verse is not that we will necessarily have to leave that which we cherish so much on this earth, especially human relationships in our families, but also our houses and farms. But, comparatively speaking if we are ever called to do so, it will definitely be worth the price. We “will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.”
Today we urge you to place your faith in Christ and hold firmly to the Word of God. Whatever worldy things you might have pales in comparison to the eternal benefits and blessing of following Christ.
We end with the Apostle Paul’s powerful perspective: “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause
I’d rather have Jesus than world wide things,
I’d rather be true to His holy Name
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, forgive us when we seek after temporal solutions to meet the deep yearnings of our heart. Your eternal solution was to send Jesus, Your Son, to give us life – a life that is no longer empty or imprisoned by sin’s chains. Thank You for Jesus who came that we might have abundant life through His substitutionary death on our behalf. Nothing on earth and no person dear to our hearts deserves our allegiance more than our Savior. Thank You for coming; thank You for giving and thank You for saving us from our sin. Amen.
“I’d Rather Have Jesus” Video George Beverly Shea along with the story behind it’s writing.
“I’d Rather Have Jesus” Video Dallas Holm I happen to really like this version
This beautiful poem was written by Rhea F. Miller of Brooktondale, NY. One day in 1922, at 28 years of age, while walking the fields of their Brooktondale home, Rhea began to reflect on her father’s testimony of how he had been delivered from alcohol, and how he had said he would rather have Jesus than all the gold and silver in the world, and all the houses and land that money could buy.
“Does Jesus Care” Video George Beverly Shea singing at over 100 years old along with Guy Penrod.
“Save Me A Seat” Video Brian Free & Assurance
“Forgiven Again” Video Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
“Knowing You” Video Kathy Troccoli
To receive the “Daily Encouragement” each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the WordPress rss feed or through a WordPress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)
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 Blessing Of The Watchman”
May 15, 2013
World War 2 Watch Tower on Cape Henlopen, Delaware
Listento this message on your audio player. Note to email recipients: Yesterday’s link to the podcast was incorrect. If you care to listen it is here.
Along the Delaware shore there is an interesting historical feature. Eleven large concrete watchtowers still stand that were used during World War II to protect the Delaware Bay and the vital industries up in the bay, including the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. From these towers watchmen scanned the sea for German submarines while large artillery was available to provide defenses.
These watchmen had a very important role. The Germans were sinking an average of one ship per week along the coast. There were four huge guns located at Fort Miles, which is located in the Cape Henlopen State Park near Lewes, Delaware. Two of the guns had a 16″ wide barrel and could shoot a 2,700 pound shell about 25 miles. The “spotters”, as the watchmen were called, used a telephone to advise the artillery gunners as they targeted enemy ships. These towers remind us of a perilous time in our nation’s history and the many ways people were involved in the war effort. Can you imagine if those within our own country had tried to hinder their efforts! Of course that would be treason.
The Scripture uses the term “watchman” to describe a vital spiritual role.
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from Me” (Ezekiel 33:7). Ezekiel was called to be a watchman for the house of Israel, to hear God’s Word and to give His people warning.Today true servants of God still have a watchman role. Yet a strategy of the “progressives” who are bent on reshaping America and rejecting God’s ancient laws is to present these spiritual watchmen and their message as hateful. On the short-term this strategy appears to be working. Many have been silenced and those who do speak increasingly face ridicule and persecution.
This strategy is amazing and indicates the growing spiritual blindness in our land. Two issues are at the very forefront in the current “culture war”; the sanctity of life and the sanctity of marriage. Both strike at the very foundation of God’s design for the human race established in the earliest chapters of Genesis.
Today I especially consider sexual morals and marriage in regard to this point. For thousands of years marriage was recognized as a union between a man and a woman. That is what our parents, grandparents and ancestors believed. In fact any other understanding would have been unimaginable to them and even to many my age and older just a few years ago. In recent years the homosexual movement has demanded redefinition of marriage and in many states is succeeding with the goal of completely redefining the institution ordained by God nationwide and worldwide. Those standing for traditional marriage are blasted as hateful people or bigots.
I have an old Study Bible written long before these things were even imagined that makes this stunning point in a comment on Romans 1: “Any nation that justifies homosexuality or lesbianism as an acceptable lifestyle is in the final stages of moral corruption”* Now that is a sobering thought.
Our second daily text speaks so powerfully to the watchman of our age. It was written during the final stages of Judah prior to the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah was fulfilling his role as a faithful watchman in his time. “To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it” (Jeremiah 6:10).
1)
“To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear.” Jeremiah served in one of the darkest periods of human history. God’s judgment was imminent upon His apostate nation. Jeremiah, although maintaining his faith, also presents honest despair. We may have to fight off despair as we see the rebellion against God intensify.2) “The word of the LORD is offensive to them.” Isn’t that the case of most in our society? The message and the messenger are a source of offense. Attempts are made to ridicule and silence these voices but the faithful watchman must continue to speak out: “We must obey God rather than man” (Acts 5:29). “On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen; All day and all night they will never keep silent” (Isaiah 62:6).
3) “They find no pleasure in it” (the Word of the Lord). Contrast this with the earnest believer and follower of Christ who can proclaim with the Psalmist, “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:8) and “I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word” (Psalm 119:16). A longer passage that expresses this is Psalm 19:7-14.
I want to you to stand as a watchman today, whether you’re a faithful minister or a faithful layperson; men and women who stand up unashamed for Biblical truth, “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) against the sweeping tide of unbelief and rebellion against God.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, as we review the passages in Jeremiah 6 we read of the pending disaster that was soon to be inflicted on Jerusalem and its impenitent people. But you raised up Jeremiah as a faithful prophet who called them to repentance. If the people would only turn to You they would be saved. Yet they refused to listen and judgment was imminent. It’s such a stark reminder that our nation is going down the same road. Though messengers of the inerrant Scriptures warn of pending judgment people refuse to listen. They prefer to listen to those who teach a false message of “peace, peace when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14). What we know is that we must continue to preach truth as presented in Scripture even when people say, “We will not listen.” Our message must not change due to current opinion polls and we must live that which we preach. We cannot change our message to bring it into conformity with the moral teaching or lifestyle of those with whom we seek favor. Scriptural teaching is not just for a lab discussion or seminary setting; it is to be lived out in our daily lives even in the midst of the hostile society in which we live. Help us to be faithful watchmen during our watch in this brief journey in which we sojourn here below. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
* Full Life Study Bible note (page 1709)
Last night I was discussing this message with my friend Mike Matangelo and we considered Watchman Nee. “Nee Shu-tsu was exceptionally intelligent. From his entrance into elementary school through his graduation from the Anglican Trinity College in Foochow, he ranked first in his class as well as in his school. With many grand dreams and plans for his future, he could have been a great success in the world. In 1920 at the age of seventeen and after considerable struggle, Nee Shu-tsu was dynamically saved while in high school. At the moment of his salvation, his plans for his future were entirely abandoned. He testified, “From the evening I was saved, I began to live a new life, for the life of the eternal God had entered into me.” Later, when he was called by the Lord to carry out His commission, he adopted the English name Watchman and the Chinese name To-sheng, which means “the sound of a watchman’s rattle,” because he considered himself to be a watchman raised up to sound out a warning call in the dark night. See here for more.
Ester holding Dottie, who turned twelve today, with Tina who’s visiting from North Carolina.
Yesterday afternoon we took our out of town guests for a tour through Lancaster County, including a visit with our Amish friends Jesse and Anna Ruth, along with their five children. I wore myself out playing catch with their oldest son Moses, who really, really likes baseball. I told him I would take his dad and little brother to a ballgame for the first time and he is really excited about that! We passed the children’s school and saw this lettering on the fence made of bunched up grass. We often see the Amish children playing baseball during recess.
We enjoyed a very full meal last night at Miller’s Smorgasbord. The hostess (host) called our name and assigned our seating from this antique car in the lobby!
Next week I will be attending a pastor’s briefing in Washington DC along with my pastor John Keefer and my brother Pat Weber, who is a pastor in the Lehigh Valley in eastern PA. The “Watchmen On The Wall” pastor’s briefing in Washington DC encourages pastors to be a “watchman pastor”, standing up for Biblical values against the tide of evil that is sweeping our land. The conference is so very important due to a sense of urgency regarding the state of our land. This conference will challenge pastors to take a strong, uncompromising stand for Biblical truth. Our basic commission in this regard is to:
1) Pray for our nation.
2) Preach the Bible without apology.
3) Partner with those who also hold Biblical values.
Pastor friends: I urge you to examine this ministry and join me in being a “Watchman Pastor”.
Lay people: Consider sending this message to your pastor with a note asking him to look into this.
What is a Watchman Pastor? The name is from Isaiah 62:6: “I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest.” A Watchman Pastor is called to do the following:
* Watch what is going on in the culture.
* Pray for wisdom to engage Biblically, courageously, and winsomely.
* Sound the alarm from the pulpit.
* Take a bold stand with others to defend and advance faith, family, and freedom.
The music at the briefing we be led by Charles Billingsley, a musician I have long enjoyed.
“Lord Have Mercy” Video Charles Billingsley
“This Little Child” Video Scott Wesley Brown This song was written in the mid-eighties and maintains a practical prophetical perspective in light of today’s topic.
“Faithful Men” Video Twila Paris Note: We referred to Watchman Nee, a faithful watchman. The very first recipients of a daily encouragement in 1996 were Nigel and LaiFong Lee who attended our church in New England. Nigel is a Chinese American and LaiFong is from Malaysia. They met at Princeton. As I recall Nigel was related to Watchman Nee and his favorite musician at that time was Twila Paris. She wrote the following song:
All the kingdom seekers
Laying down your life
To find it in the end
Come and share the harvest
Help to light the darkness
For the Lord is calling
Faithful men
“When I Cry” Video Gaither Vocal Band
Listen to a short sermon by Watchman Lee. Video
Info about the Delaware coastal watch towers
Extremely observant readers may recall that last year we developed another message using the Delaware watch towers as an illustration.
To receive the “Daily Encouragement” each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the WordPress rss feed or through a WordPress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)
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.
“Order My Steps In Your Word”
May 14, 2013
We saw these Columbines yesterday afternoon along our walk on the Donegal Creek trail.
Listento this message on your audio player.Lead me, guide me everyday
Send your anointing Father, I pray
Order my steps in Your word
Please order my steps in Your word
We did a lot of walking during our shore trip this last weekend. In fact we walked the entire length of all the boardwalks along the Delaware and Maryland coastline. The photo to the left shows Brooksyne and Ester at the end point of the Ocean City boardwalk which runs 2¼ miles along the shore.
As we get older we like to walk more and more, especially since we seem limited in regards to some of the more strenuous activities we enjoyed when we were younger. Several years ago we both walked the entire width of the Appalachian Trail. A good walk brightens our outlook, gives us opportunity to talk together, increases our appreciation for God’s creation, and certainly is a great health advantage.
Brooksyne wears an Omron device that pretty accurately keeps track of her steps. Once she reaches her daily goal of 10,000 steps a little fellow shows up on the screen and starts applauding her accomplishment. She was quite pleased to see that on Saturday she had doubled her goal and walked over 20,000 steps (8.8 miles)!
This brings to mind an even more vital need in regard to our steps as expressed in the daily text by the Psalmist. I want to have an earnest, ongoing, daily desire that my steps be ordered by the Lord and based on the truths, principles, and spirit of God’s Word. Other versions translate the phrase, “Establish my footsteps in Your word” (NASV) and “Direct my footsteps according to Your word” (NIV).
The Bible often uses the example of walking to describe how we are to live out our Christian life in step with God. The very first use of the word in a spiritual sense is in regard to Enoch who “walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” Enoch’s great grandson, Noah, was “a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.”
A wonderful reassuring promise we can lean upon is from Leviticus 26:12: “I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people.” In Moses’ final message to the children of Israel he often uses this same theme: “Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess” (Deuteronomy 5:33).
As I studied for this message I was blessed with the abundance of references all through the Bible related to this theme; far too many for this short message, but certainly worthy of study. The final Bible writer, John, uses this theme often in his letters. “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
“Order my steps in Thy word.” Certainly one aspect in the personal application of the brief but power packed daily verse is having a submissive heart to learn more about God and to obey His Word. Surely we cannot merely pray this portion without have a growing knowledge of the Word and a determination to obey. Earlier in this very Psalm we read, “I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes” (v. 59).
Today may the Lord God help each of us to truly consider our ways and direct our steps according to His statutes. Let us be careful not to get ahead of Him nor fall behind but walk in step with Him!
Trying to follow our Savior and King;
Shaping our lives by His blessed example,
Happy, how happy, the songs that we bring.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, because I love Your commands more than worldly pleasures or temporal possessions I despise the paths that lead me astray like a lost sheep. You have gone before me and cleared the way so that I might follow in Your steps and the steps of other righteous, godly saints. I am comforted in knowing that I don’t walk alone, but I walk hand in hand with You as my Guide. Through eyes of faith I see a great cloud of witnesses, those spoken of in the Bible and those I’ve known in my lifetime, who’ve already finished the race cheering me on as I persevere on this path of righteousness. May I willingly endure hardship as it disciplines my commitment to walking in Your ways. I want to wholeheartedly seek You above everything else, for You are a Rewarder of those who diligently seek You. Amen.
Longtime friends Mike and Kathy Matangelo along with their daughter Tina joined us last night for a long walk along Donegal Creek Trail. They are returning from a trip to Rhode Island where Mike saw his mother along with his sister and her family. Today we expect to show them some of the sights of Lancaster County before they return to their home in North Carolina tomorrow. You might have noticed the ear muffs on the ladies. The temps really dropped yesterday and we had a light frost last night so we had to cover plants. The weatherman on the radio just said that we’ve seen the last of cool temps till fall. We’ll see. (Mike did a great job handling our rascally Mollie. Roxie doesn’t run off so she was running ahead of us.)
A few more photos from our trip to the Delaware/Maryland shore
We took a horse and wagon ride in the quaint village of Berlin, Maryland.
A photo of us along the windy boardwalk. The large body of water in the background is the Atlantic Ocean or as our young Amish friend Eli James calls it, “the big pond”.
We not only walked along the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach but we rented a bike for Ester and she shared with Brooksyne the last few minutes.
We were blessed with a beautiful place to stay during our shore trip, a blessing from some friends. It was in a resort community near the ocean but away from the busyness of the area. I took this photo from a loft area where Ester slept.
“Order My Steps In Your Word” Video Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
“Never Walk Alone” Video Brian Free & Assurance
“Show Us The Ancient Path” Video Hillsong
“Step By Step” Video Rich Mullins
“Walking in the Light of God” Video African Childrens Choir
“Stepping in the Light” Video Homecoming
“Heaven On My Mind” Video Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
“I Want To Be That Man” Video Brian Free and Assurance Men especially listen to this song!
To receive the “Daily Encouragement” each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the WordPress rss feed or through a WordPress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)
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.
“Honoring Parents”
May 13, 2013
Like many people this farmhouse is in need of some loving restoration!
During our trip to the Delaware and Maryland shore area this last weekend we passed this abandoned farmhouse.
Listento this message on your audio player.We returned home from a long weekend trip to the Delaware shore last night and regardless of how long or short a trip is it’s always great to be home! Our pets were sure pleased to see us.
Yesterday we attended New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Lewes Delaware and were blessed to hear a sermon for Mother’s Day based upon Moses’ mother and characteristics of a good mother gleaned from her life. The pastor boldly spoke out concerning the falling moral standards in our country. Delaware is the most recent state to reject Biblical marriage. I was able to visit with him for a few minutes at the conclusion of the service and affirmed him in speaking up for the truth.
An interesting feature of the special service honoring mothers was a huge bucket of beautiful long stemmed red roses on the platform. During the service congregants were encouraged to go up, select a rose, and then give it to their mother. It was a neat way to get everyone involved in one way or another, either as a recipient or giver or both. Ester went up to get a rose for Brooksyne. (The rose is just barely visible in the photo on left.)
Following my Mom’s death in 2005 I received an encouraging note from a very close friend of my folks in Missouri. She made this observation concerning my Mom, “We’re assured she’s continuing her ministry of loving and serving her many friends, and they’re blessed with that adorable smile and twinkling eyes. Freedom from pain and earthly cares are now hers to enjoy.”
Mom lived with us for several years prior to her passing and we took care of her physically up to the end. In some areas I have personal regrets since I know I fell short in my patience and understanding of her needy condition as she aged. I’ve had to deal with this and it has not been easy on my conscience.
What will matter the most when we are old and look back over life? Of course our faith in Christ and our steady walk with Him will be most important. After that I’m confident that the way we honored our family will be especially considered. How did we treat our folks, spouse, siblings, our own children? Life’s accomplishments and earthly accumulations pale in comparison to this vital question.
Many of you are at work as you read this. Some of you are a “boomer” like me and some are younger. You’re busy and you have your own family to take care of. You also have worthy goals and aspirations in regard to your career and some are intent on climbing the corporate ladder.
“Honor thy father and mother”, is the first commandment dealing with human relations and yet it is continually violated or virtually ignored by many in America and in other parts of our world. Many of the elderly sit in nursing homes who have not heard from their busy children in weeks, months, or years. I hear these sad stories when I make visits. Brooksyne regularly visits, leads the residents in hymns, converses and prays with them. In fact this afternoon she will conduct a funeral service for a 90 year old resident she knew over the eleven years she resided in the Personal Care Home. The facility originated as an Assisted Living Center but those who only needed some assistance in the beginning aged over the years which increased their level of needed assistance. Wisely, the Longwood Home grew with the residents and stepped up their level of care.
Have you told your mom and dad that you love them lately? If not, will you please do so and let them know of their powerful input in your life. I believe God’s command that we honor our parents is in effect all our lives. Don’t procrastinate! As life progresses and we look back this will never be something we regret.
Some of you have strained relations and communication is difficult at best. Maybe you’ve not felt appreciation or love toward your parent(s) for more years than you can remember. It’s not something you can easily stir up due to deep hurts or, for some readers, you have been painfully rejected over the years. May God give you grace to be obedient to His command in spite of your experience. Do it as unto God and He will bless your obedience. It will also serve as an example to your own children and others whom you seek to influence.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, Your perfect design for creating a family started with Adam and Eve. You gave them tremendous responsibility as parents to raise their children to be responsible individuals who would in turn raise their children in the same way. And so your order continues to our own generation. At the heart of our family relations the fifth commandment indicates that we’re to honor our father and mother which includes a promise that we’ll live long full lives. When we honor our parents, Lord, we also honor You and show appreciation for Your marvelous workmanship in our lives. We acknowledge that You ordained the family of our origin and we give thanks to You for our mother and father, brothers and sisters. Make us a blessing to them as the fruit of the spirit continues to grow in our lives and is played out in our relations to them. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Stephen’s Note: As I have done so for many years, let me again take this opportunity to challenge readers to prepare a written, personalized tribute to their parents.
A few photos from our trip to the shore
(more the next couple of days)
We had just sat down for church when a friend from here in Lancaster County came and sat down beside us. I knew he was going to be there and we had prearranged to meet at his “vacation” church. After the church service we joined Rick and Jackie Steudler for lunch at the Crackerbarrel. They have a summer home in Rehoboth Beach and were getting things ready for the busy summer season. Since it was Mother’s Day we had a half hour wait but that was perfect for Jackie and Brooksyne to do a little browsing in the Cracker Barrel gift shop. Rick and I sat in the porch rocking chairs as we fellowshipped during the wait.
Among our activities was a Surrey ride on the Ocean City MD boardwalk.
We passed this church sign in Ocean City
“When You Come Home” Video Mark Shultz
“Mama’s Bible” Video Jeff and Sherri Easter
“Mother’s Day Tribute” Video
“Family Prayer Song” Video Maranatha Singers
To receive the “Daily Encouragement” each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the WordPress rss feed or through a WordPress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)
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.
“Thank God For The Lighthouse”
May 10, 2013
Harven of Refuge Lighthouse, near Lewes Delaware
Listen to this message on your audio player.
that overlooks life’s sea.
When I’m tossed He sends out a light,
a light that I might see.
And the light that shines in darkness now
Will safely lead me on
If it wasn’t for the lighthouse
This ship would sail no more.
We are at the shore for several days here in Bethany Beach Delaware. We both grew up in the middle of the country far from any ocean. I (Stephen) saw the ocean twice in my childhood while Brooksyne saw it for the first time after we had been married a couple of years. We have a photo somewhere of us from that visit in 1979 taken very near the Bethany Beach area we are now visiting.
When we lived in New England we were near the coast and frequently saw the ocean. Presently we live about three hours from the nearest shore point and try to get out about three or four times a year.
We enjoy many features of the coast as I suppose millions do. Last night we walked along the Bethany Beach boardwalk before sunset and enjoyed watching and listening to the powerful rolling tides washing up on the shore. Old shore towns have a special flair as craftsmen (women) display their wares and stereotypical boardwalk shops carry the latest in swimming gear. Of course the eateries line up along the boardwalk and streets with every delectable smell from Italian foods to the sweet smelling gourmet fudge in the candy window. Of course we plan to enjoy some seafood before leaving the area!
But I suppose our favorite shore sighting is the lighthouse. If there is a lighthouse anywhere near where we are visiting we try to go see it. Our views of lighthouses are generally from the land looking out to sea. We see them for their architectural and historical value. It’s also an inspiring sight to see a structure whose foundation is laid in or near the deep sea that has weathered many a storm and yet stands erect.
But first and foremost lighthouses were built for a specific function; to give warning.
Jesus told a powerful story in Luke 16:19-31. Since only Luke tells this story it may not be as familiar to many as the other stories repeated in the remaining three gospels. Jesus tells the story as an event that actually took place, although it is interpreted as a parable by some.
Essentially two men live out their lives: the first, an unnamed rich man had a wonderful life, “dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.” He is traditionally named “Dives”, which is actually the Latin word for “rich” used in the Vulgate translation. The notion that this was the name of the man emerged in medieval times.
The other was a poor beggar named Lazarus who lived in physical affliction and abject poverty, “covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.” Could the contrast be any more stark?
In time they both died. Lazarus ascended to “Abraham’s side” and the rich man descended to hell where he was in great torment. After seeking some relief from his torment he pleads in the daily verse for Lazarus to go back to earth to warn his five brothers of their impending doom.
The rich man’s perspective had drastically changed. What once seemed so important now meant nothing and what once held no importance now was vital. “Warn them”, was the urgent plea from the suffering rich man as he pondered the fate of his brothers who were presumably living in the same earthly manner as he.
This story provides us with a perspective of what really matters in life. Although I am aware that most receiving this encouragement message are followers of Christ, having accepted His forgiveness through the plan of salvation, I feel compelled to warn all. At the heart of Peter’s Pentecost message was, “With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation”’ (Acts 2:40). A powerful verse in the book of Hebrews states, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (2:3).
I urge you all to examine the state of your soul today. Are you saved from your sin and living to please the Lord? If so, are You shining your light for Jesus as He has commanded, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify Your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:17). Today’s text is abundantly clear: we must warn the lost in this life. It will be too late in the life hereafter since the kingdom of earth and the kingdom of heaven are eternally separate. Let’s spread the life-saving message of salvation to all who will hear, here and now.
I owe my life to Him
Jesus is the lighthouse
Upon the rocks of sin
He has shone a light around me
So that I could clearly see
If it wasn’t for the lighthouse
Then where would this ship be.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer:Father, the story that Jesus shares about the rich man who took no thought for his life after death is a picture of so many who live only for the “here and now”. They gather treasures that have no eternal value and dismiss the treasures that lasts for all eternity; those which can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for the believer who will later claim their treasure trove. May this Bible teaching bring comfort and peace of heart to those who suffer in this present life, much like Lazarus in the story Jesus told. May they be reminded of the joyous life yet to come where there is no pain, sorrow, or alienation? Help us to be faithful in warning others to prepare not just for this temporal life, but for all of eternity. Amen.
Further thought: Warning is an essential part of Biblical Christianity but it seems increasingly warnings in the form of seeking to persuade people to repent of their sin and turn to Christ is being seen as insensitive and even hateful. Yet such warnings are at the heart of the Gospel message as seen in our second daily text. This is a thought I hope to develop in a future message.
Thank You! Our hearts were warmed by the congratulatory notes we received from readers both from this site and our facebook site in regards to our 37th anniversary. We celebrated with a “famous” Gene Wenger hamloaf dinner at our home along with longtime friends, Mike and Kathy, who passed through on the way up for a visit to Rhode Island with his mother. We expect to see them again early next week on their way back home.
Brooksyne’s Note: We are enjoying our extended weekend as guests at a very nice beachhouse here in Bethany Beach with lovely accommodations, thanks to kind-hearted friends of this ministry. The location is within walking distance from the shore but is quiet and secluded with a tree-lined canal behind it (we have the benefit of staying before the large crowds arrive in a few weeks). Today we have an absolutely gorgeous day and hope to travel down to Assateague Island to see the wild horses, visit the quaint town of Berlin, Maryland and probably enjoy some seafood!
We started our podcast reading this morning and had to stop due to competing noise outside. Stephen went out to talk with a grounds worker who was trimming the hedges with a very loud gas-powered hedge trimmer just below our deck. Turns out he only speaks Spanish so I observed their interesting “conversation” as Stephen was kindly requesting that he hold off ten minutes from his noisy project until we could finish our podcast recording. Finally, after Stephen held up ten fingers he came up with the word “momentos” which should have been “minutos” but the worker still caught on. He very pleasantly halted his work until Stephen later went out, thanked him and he resumed his work project. It was rather amusing to hear Stephen say, “danke schon” for “thank you”. He eventually realized he was speaking German for thank you, instead of the Spanish “Gracias”. Oh, well, it ended up with smiles exchanged and a cooperative attitude from the worker.
Peaceful canal behind our beach house.
“The Light House” Video The Crabb Family
“Tell Them” Video Andrae Crouch
“I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel” Video Heritage Singers
We’re a harbor for those who are lost.
“Let The Lower Lights Be Burning” Video Haven Quartet Video J. Ashley Milne In this song believers are represented as the “lower lights”.
A brief commentary on today’s passage.
“Throw Out The Lifeline” Video Table Singers (Has a silent intro to 12 seconds)
Throw out the lifeline across the dark wave;
There is a brother whom someone should save;
Somebody’s brother! Oh, who then will dare
To throw out the lifeline, his peril to share?
Refrain:
Throw out the lifeline! Throw out the lifeline!
Someone is drifting away;
Throw out the lifeline! Throw out the lifeline!
Someone is sinking today.
Throw out the lifeline with hand quick and strong:
Why do you tarry, why linger so long?
See! he is sinking; oh, hasten today
And out with the life boat! Away, then, away!
Throw out the lifeline to danger-fraught men,
Sinking in anguish where you’ve never been;
Winds of temptation and billows of woe
Will soon hurl them out where the dark waters flow.
Soon will the season of rescue be o’er,
Soon will they drift to eternity’s shore;
Haste, then, my brother, no time for delay,
But throw out the lifeline and save them today.
This is the lifeline, oh, tempest-tossed men,
Baffled by waves of temptation and sin;
Wild winds of passion, your strength cannot brave,
But Jesus is mighty, and Jesus can save.
Jesus is able! To you who are driv’n
Farther and farther from God and from Heav’n,
Helpless and hopeless, o’erwhelmed by the wave,
We throw out the lifeline—’tis, “Jesus can save.”
This is the lifeline, oh, grasp it today!
See, you are recklessly drifting away;
Voices in warning, shout over the wave,
Oh, grasp the strong lifeline, for Jesus can save.
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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.
“Ministry Marriage”
May 8, 2013
May 8, 1976
Listen to this message on your audio player.
many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife
making the sorrowing glad.
Sunday I visited with Clarence and Alverta, who will soon celebrate their 71st wedding anniversary, A colorful couple and especially vibrant is Alverta, they end up refreshing me as I seek to bless them with chaplain care. See below for a photo of Clarence reading the Bible.
Today is a special day in our home. Thirty-seven years ago Brooksyne and I were married in her home church in Sapulpa, Oklahoma and we began our journey together as the Weber family. For this we are very thankful. We had both committed our lives to Jesus Christ years earlier and have served the Lord together in our 37 years of marriage.
We’ve had our victories. We’ve had our disappointments. And we still have them. We were unable to have our own biological children and we’ve had several of the inevitable heartaches associated with ministry. Raising our daughter, Ester, though a tremendous blessing to us, has presented numerous challenges as well.
Like any issue of life we have a choice whether to focus on the positive or negative. We choose to focus on the positive and God’s many, many blessings. God has blessed us with a very fulfilling marriage along with a fruitful ministry. Today we have chaplain ministry and expect to encounter those navigating their way through this broken world. The old song “Make Me A Blessing” is a lifelong outlook.
Tell of His pow’r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
true ev’ry moment you live.
We’ve always admired the joint ministry of Aquila and Priscilla and have preached messages together based upon their lives. They are referenced seven times in Scripture in five separate contexts of ministry. Their names are always mentioned together and every reference to them is positive.
Most of you can probably think of ministry couples who have impacted your life for Christ. Brooksyne and I thank God for the ministry couples who have enriched both our marriage and ministry. Some people come to mind as a couple rather than individual, and when we speak of them we tend to refer to them both rather than as individuals.
Take a moment to thank God and pray for these couples today. As you have opportunity let them know of the blessing they have been to you! Sometimes the very people who inspire us along the way lose their spiritual focus or become wearied by life’s struggles and need a fresh touch from the Lord. Is Christ asking you to be His messenger of encouragement today?
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen and Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer:Father, what a joy it is to walk along life’s pathway with a loving companion who is present during times of celebration as well as times of disappointment. It seems that You make him strong when I am weak, and when he is weak You make me strong. You blend our strengths and weaknesses to make us an effective spiritual team and a genuinely committed family. Thank You for your countless blessings that far outnumber the difficulties and heartaches of our lives.
Father, I pray that you would encourage our readers who are presently going through marital strife. Remind them that they will experience future blessing as they endure and work through their present difficulties. When we cut short the permanency intended in a marital relationship we miss so much of the blessing that comes years later after many of the earlier struggles are but a memory. Thank you for the spouse of my youth who remains my constant companion as we grow old together. What a marvelous blessing! We thank You as we come to You in prayer through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Brooksyne’s note (I shared this note about eight years ago): As Stephen and I shared together in our encouragement today I am very sensitive to the people we visit and the emails we receive from regular readers regarding marital difficulties. Some of you write about the deep wounds you feel as a result of your spouse’s unfaithfulness in marriage. I want to share with you personally an example from my own childhood that perhaps will serve as a reminder of the importance of long-term marriage commitment.
My parents struggled a lot in their marriage – they were very different in personality and both had quick tempers which led to lots of serious arguments over the years. It was very unsettling for me and my four siblings. We rode out the fiery storms and their very short-term separations over the years. While I was a junior in Bible College (200 miles from home) they showed up one day unannounced to let me know they were planning to divorce. It was certainly a horrible and upsetting announcement since my wedding with Stephen was scheduled only a month later.
Instead of divorcing, somehow they chose to stay together but sadly they continued to deal with marital strife over the next 20 years. Of course none of us could know what the future would hold for both of them as Mom first dealt with cancer and then Dad, a year later, would find that he, too, had cancer. Only a couple years previous to their dealing with cancer they both recommitted their lives to Christ. Though it was terribly difficult to see them suffer with such poor health it was a blessing to see them tenderly care for one another during life’s greatest storm they would weather together. Dad went first in 2000 and Mom’s death followed the next year. They came to realize just how much they really did love each other.
When the five siblings gathered around both parents toward the end of their lives on earth I remember thinking about “What if?” What if they’d chosen to go their separate ways and hadn’t had each other during their most difficult days? What if they’d chosen other mates? I considered how complicated the setting would be for “others” who were not our flesh and blood to be making crucial decisions at such an intimate family time. I know many of you reading this are a blended family so you know personally of what I write.
Many things in life happen that are completely out of our hands, but when it is up to us, let us consider the long-term effects of our decisions and realize “God’s way is the best way!” He wants to give us a hope and a future that will bring untold blessing! For some of you God is turning the wreckage of your home into a place where trust is being reinstated. Wherever you are in your journey keep your foundation firmly established in God’s Word and His sufficient grace will be constant supply.
Stephen’s note: Monday we purchased a new computer for our ministry; a Windows 8 edition so we are having some adjusting to the new system, including issues with the regular high quality microphone we use for the podcast. We are temporarily using a lower quality mic till we can get another one.
Today we expect an overnight visit from our longtime friends from North Carolina; Mike and Kathy Matangelo along with their daughter Tina. Tomorrow following our chaplaincy visitation we will head to the Delaware shore for several days.
Due to our busyness we do not expect to get a message off tomorrow (Thursday) but will attempt to prepare one Friday.
Clarence is reading his Bible on a special magnifier. Thank God for those who don’t give up when facing major obstacles such as their failing eyesight. What diligence, patience, and dedication Clarence conveys as he reads the Word.
Several of these touching songs came to my attention and they may just be a blessing to you. Several are ballad style and have a tender message.
“Hug Him Once For Me” Video A heart-touching song written by a mother who lost an infant son.
“Somebody Died For Me” Video Triumphant Quartet What a powerful song!!!
“The Broken Ones” Video Lauren Talley
“Broken World” Video The Talleys
To receive the “Daily Encouragement” each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the WordPress rss feed or through a WordPress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)
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.
