“The Remedy For Spiritual Arteriosclerosis”
October 21, 2011
The view from our home office window early this morning.
It is a bright blue sky with lots of sun and the feel of a crisp autumn morning. This morning Brooksyne sliced some freshly picked tomatoes from our own garden, sprinkled a little feta cheese and bacon bits on top and placed them in the broiler. What a nice treat – to enjoy a tasty summer delight in late October! A frost is sure to arrive soon and wipe out our summer plantings!
I had initially planned to use this photo today prior to deciding to use the view outside our window. This is the old Conewago railroad grade here in Lancaster County. I am not sure whether it is still used but farther along it has been converted to a rails to trails route. I am asking for suggestions from our readers regarding a Scripture caption for this scene.
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“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13).
Today is a special day for our family and ministry. First of all it’s Brooksyne birthday so that’s real special in our household! Women are bit more hesitant to share about their age so I’ll just reveal (with her permission) that she’s 5 and ½ dozen.
This is also the day this ministry started in 1996 with a short email to two friends (both of whom still receive these messages). I had preached a sermon in the Sunday evening service the night before on encouraging one another daily and that was the leading I had from the Holy Spirit as to how I was to encourage daily. Today, October 21, 15 years later, it’s still called “Today” so here we go again!
We want to consider the word “hardened” in the daily text. This translates the Greek word “skleruno” which is the very same word from which we get the word sclerosis in English. You may be most familiar with this word in the description of a disease called arteriosclerosis, which is the hardening and thickening of the arteries.
If you’re over 40 you’ve probably had your cholesterol checked. High cholesterol contributes to the build up of gunk (note: that’s not the actual medical term) in the blood vessels and that’s not good. This is a health issue I deal with, although it has decreased and I’m still working on it. The problem is that the kind of foods I like seem to have a lot of the stuff that causes high cholesterol. It’s a constant battle due to the abundance of great food.
Taking care of your physical health is important (see 1 Timothy 4:8) but it’s even more important to take care of your spiritual health. The warning in the daily text is every bit as needed today. We all know people that have become hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Satan is a crafty, creative, and persistent foe. His specific weapons will change, but his strategy and goal are always the same. He wants to harden our hearts. And from the very beginning sin has been deceitful.
Brooksyne noticed an interesting typo when she sat down to review the message this morning under the opening caption. I had mistyped, “It is a bright blue sky with lots of sin and the feel of a crisp autumn morning.” Well, she corrected the typo but actually the statement is true. In the midst of God’s colorful creation there is sin lurking whether we see it or not – we must be be vigilant when it comes to the devil’s schemes, otherwise we’re sure to fall into a trap he has set for us.
Today, we urge you to consider one who needs encouragement. Perhaps the Spirit will bring to mind one who has been discouraged in a matter, one who may even be struggling in their walk with God and whose heart is becoming hardened. It seems from reading the text the act of encouraging is beneficial both to the encourager as well as the one being encouraged. Let us be vigilant in the fight against spiritual arteriosclerosis caused by the cholesterol of sin!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we want our hearts to remain soft and pliable so that we do not lose our spiritual sensitivity to hear and obey Your voice. We think of those who once had softened hearts that became hardened over time. They no longer hear You or sense Your presence in their life. Their spiritual vision has darkened. Help us, Lord, once again on this day to taste and see that You are good. You are the Bread of Life that does not spoil. You satisfy our hunger and forever quench our thirst as we drink from Your springs of living water. The world only has temporary substitutes that can entrap and draw us away from Your eternal pleasures. We want to remain vigilant to Your Word and heed Your ways so there is no build up of sin in our lives that eventually hardens our heart toward You. In Your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Tommy & Nelma Carpenter photographed in our front yard last Wednesday, Oct. 12. Just as we prepared to publish this message we received word that tempers the joy of our day with the reality of life. (See Romans 12:15.) They stopped to visit with us on their return home from a mission’s conference in the Philadelphia area and what wonderful visit it was. We also mentioned them yesterday in a tribute to pastors who have been a blessing to us. We just received the tragic news that Nelma and her grandson were killed in a car accident yesterday. Another grandson was also injured in the accident. Our hearts are broken for this dear family and our prayers are uplifted on their behalf. Please join us in our prayer for Tommy and the Carpenter family. The outpouring of tributes and remembrances on their Facebook pages are so touching and full of eternality as people express their thoughts, prayers, and influence Nelma had on their lives. They clearly have touched many, many people for the Kingdom of God.
Nigel and Laifong Lee were the very first recipients of a daily encouragement message on Monday morning, October 21, 1996. They have been on the list ever since and I reckon they have received nearly 4,000 daily messages! They live in the Boston area and are shown with their son Caleb. Laifong is from Malaysia and they met at Chi Alpha, a Christian campus ministry while in graduate school at Princeton. Both have earned scientific doctorates; Nigel’s in electrical engineering and Laifong’s in molecular biology. Nigel has an interesting association for students in Christian literature. His grandmother’s sister was married to Watchman Nee. We remain in contact and rejoice that they are staying faithful to the Lord.
Andy Larrimore has been a friend since 1993 and was a part of our church in New England where he continues to serve. He helped me to secure the domain name and set up the intitial Daily Encouragement website in 1999. Andy had been in the banking industry but felt a leading to change careers. Daily Encouragement was the very first website he built but he now has his own web design business “Webs By Andy” and also works in IT for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He and his wife Joanne have two grown children, Ashley and Eric. Ashley recently graduated from medical school and Eric served in the Marines in Afghanistan. Ashley had a dream to be doctor when we first met her as a young child. Here’s a photo from 1997 of Ashley along with Ester and other friends in what looks like a birthday party! Here’s a photo of Ashley and her family at her graduation from medical school this last Spring.
Brad Park is a Canadian IT professional whom we have never met face to face! Many years ago he contacted me and offered to help with technical issues. He now hosts the website and covers the fee for the podcast. He’s always available when I have a question or technical problem. One morning the website was down and although he had a splitting headache he labored to get the site back up! People periodically inquire about the “staff” of daily encouragement. Well, actually that’s just Brooksyne and me, along with Brad at this time.
October 21, 1996 – First email sent to a married couple and developed into a list (which initially merely a group list added to manually one by one.)
1999 – Website developed
2002 – Moved to professional listserve (automated list manager for large lists)
2003 – Began one minute radio spots extracted from Daily Encouragement messages
2004 – Resigned from full-time job with EAP agency
2005 – Developed html email (formatted with photos), began podcasting daily messages, set up blogs/RSS feeds, Brooksyne “officially” joined in the message preparation.
2006 – Received official endorsement as an “internet chaplain” from chaplaincy endorsement agency (I had already received an endorsement for corporate chaplaincy and Civil Air Patrol chaplaincy.)
Note: I never learned to type right. However I peck really fast with my index fingers, which is so inefficient that Brooksyne can’t bear to watch when I’m doing it. Anyway, over 15 years, the accumulative total of words typed is now over 2,000,000. (I keep a composite file of all the encouragement messages since the first one and as many of you know Microsoft Word has a nifty word count feature.) However even this total is probably understated since as many writers know you tend to type many words that get chopped in the editing process!
Ministry Update: For those interested we direct you to this revised ministry update in light of the 15th anniversary of this ministry.
Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” Video by Fernando Ortega
“All Your Promises Are True” Video A faith-building song by Shannon Wexelburg.
“Find Us Faithful” Video Steve Green (used yesterday but still on our hearts today!) A tribute to Nelma Carpenter mentioned above.
“Perfect Peace” Video Laura Story An outstanding song I had never heard prior to seeing it posted on the Facebook page for Tommy Carpenter. Well worth the listen for anyone enduring pain and loss.
We always enjoy passing this farmhouse on Breneman Road.
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Ministry Update (Revised 10/21/11)
“More Than Conquerors”
October 18, 2011
Our friend Joe Snavely with evidence of an abundant pumpkin harvest!
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“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).
What a heartfelt plea of desperation I heard from a loving father concerning his wayward daughter. And salvaging lives is at the very heart of the gospel!
Today’s message is for those who need to be reminded of a wonderful spiritual truth. There’s a tendency to view certain people as “losers”. In fact there are some who walk about as though they had a label attached to their shirt with bold print shouting, “LOSER!” Please hear the Word of the Lord today. Although some of you will be unable to identify with the burden we share we urge you to read and pray for those who will relate.
Danny came into our church one evening, invited by a caring friend who had reached out to him, attempting to “salvage” a life. He was wracked by a series of difficult circumstances resulting from poor choices and sinful behavior. He was surely what the world would call a “loser” and that’s the way he saw himself. Addicted to heroin and dealing with deadly disease he was a sad sight to behold when he walked into that evening service.
I preached the gospel and he responded to the altar call. What a wonderful transformation took place as he put his faith in Christ! We followed up on him and since he didn’t live near us, we helped him get grounded in a local church closer to where he lived. A few times he came back to visit and once he joyfully reported to our congregation, “They made me an usher!”
Today some of you may be wearied by discouraging circumstances. Your story may be quite different than Danny’s but you really do see yourself as a loser. You just don’t know when it’s going to turn around for you. You’ve placed your faith in Christ, began the salvage process, and yet circumstances just don’t seem to be working out. You’re, like the Biblical character, who in a moment of weariness and despair said, “I have had enough, LORD.”* You are weighed down by pounding waves of trials. Life just doesn’t seem fair to you.
“All these things”, the Apostle Paul referred to in the daily text, were delineated a few verses earlier: “trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword.” The essence of any situation we’ve ever encountered or ever will is included in this list.
But the inspired Scriptures declare that “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” That’s true regardless of any circumstance we encounter, how we view ourselves or how others may view us. That’s the good news I proclaim today! God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. He continues to salvage lives, for only He can make beauty from ashes.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, Your grace is sufficient to meet all my needs in the midst of trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger and sword. I am truly more than a conqueror because of Your love for me! I choose to believe Your Word and apply its wondrous truths to my life. I reject Satan’s cunning lies that seek to convince me that I am an exception to Your redemptive power or that my troubles can never be repaired by Your almighty hand. Your power is unbiased, all-reaching, and ever merciful to those who call upon You in times of trouble. I’m so grateful that Your sufficiency exceeds my need. Thank you for salvaging my life by taking my feet from the sinking, miry clay and setting them upon the solid rock to stay. Amen.
* I like to challenge people to dig so I didn’t identify the character or the reference where this statement was made. Here’s a bit more context: “He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, LORD,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” I wonder how many can tell me who this pertains to and where it is found?
The phrase “more than conquerors” in our daily text translates a single Greek word “hupernikomen” which I have used for many years as a source of encouraging others. A couple of weeks ago we were traveling through New England when I had an inclination to call a longtime friend. Without identifying who I was (although I do have a distinct voice) I asked, “What are you?” Andrea replied w/o hesitation “I am a hupernikomen!” Andrea indeed is an overcomer having sustained severe injuries in an accident as a toddler that resulted in her being a paraplegic. However she has a sunny disposition and vibrant faith in the Lord.
Reader’s Note: Yesterday we shared concerning my Mom and Dad’s anniversary. Bev, a reader from Missouri and friend of my folks responded: “Your parents and my parents share the same anniversary except my parents year was 1947. Mom is 86 and dad 90. She has dementia and he still mows his lawn, drives, and cares for his tomatoes. But tonight we are going to the old Fun House Pizza on 40 Highway for pizza, dollar tacos and cake to celebrate with family & friends. Last minute plans! We did it up good for their 40th, 50th, & 60th and this is spur of the moment. Hope it goes okay. Why Funhouse? They used to love going there but probably don’t remember it now. I am glad I am retired and go to their house everyday. They only live 2 miles away.
I miss your folks too. I have lots of tales about your Mom’s Great Depression frugality!”
Stephen’s note: I recall that the Fun House Pizza on Rt 40 was a teenage hangout when I went to high school in the early 70′s. Interesting to hear that it’s still around!
Pumpkin Harvest!
These pumpkins will be used for decorations and in many stores are sold right out of the large boxes seen here. In fact many of you have seen these in retail and grocery stores.
Safety tip: Don’t tailgate a pickup with a load like this!
When I spoke to Joe yesterday we agreed there’s just something about seeing large orange pumpkins that brings a smile.
“In Heaven’s Eyes” Video Matt Spencer A great song reminding us that in heaven’s eyes there are no losers.
“Rescue The Perishing” Video Billy and Cindy Foote An old Fanny Crosby song with new arrangement. Nice sound!
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“Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!”
October 17, 2011
Two photos, far and near!
Fall foliage in upstate New York
Photo by our friend Doris High
This is an early morning view looking north from our driveway.
The trees are rapidly changing.
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Certain dates have significant meaning such as our own birthdate, wedding anniversary (if married), our children’s birthdates, etc. When I awoke this morning and considered today’s date (10/17) a recollection was immediately refreshed. This was my Mom and Dad’s wedding anniversary date, October 17. Today would have been their 67th, although both are now with the Lord.To the right is their wedding photo in 1944.
They were great parents! My love and appreciation for them has grown through the years and actually continues to do so since their departure. In fact I often think of things they did for me and wonder – “Did I ever thank them for that?”
There are many observations about cute things that children say or do, but have you ever considered the cute things our parents say or do? I have some memories in that category! Consider that my parents were raised during the Great Depression which gave them an interesting perspective on life and frugality. We recall two examples from the days when you paid by the minute to talk long distance.
First we recall a message they left (unknowingly) on our answering machine about fifteen years ago. When we checked our machine and listened to the message we could tell they were both holding separate phones, prepared to talk to talk to us.
Here’s the message: Dad in a frustrated tone: “It’s that thing, Georgia.” Mom: “What? What do they have now? That caller ID?” Dad: “No, no it’s that, that answering machine.” Mom with an anxious voice: “Hurry, hurry, hang up, I suppose we’ll have to pay for a whole minute”. Click.
Then we remember another time when Brooksyne and I were visiting Aunt Hazel (Mom’s sister) who lived in Davenport, Iowa. Mom had called her in the early morning when long distance rates were discounted. Well, they got to talking longer than planned and the magic minute arrived when rates returned to full price (8:00 AM as I recall). Aunt Hazel was in mid-sentence and Mom hung up on her without as much as saying good-bye. She wasn’t about to pay full price for long distance!
It’s not Mother’s or Father’s Day but it’s always time to honor our parents. One of the dominant sins of our time is the failure to honor our parents. Let me give you a positive. I just got off the phone with Mike, a long-time friend who is honoring his mother who is at a very fragile stage of life. Although he lives in a distant state he and his wife and daughter make regular trips to see her and are there now. She also has a daughter close by who is overseeing the care given to her in a setting intended to meet her physical needs.
But so many of the elderly sit in nursing homes who have not heard from their busy children or other loved ones in weeks, months, even years. I recall a TV program we watched several years ago on “Elder Abuse”. It described grown children who grossly neglected and abused their elderly, dependent parents. It was hard to stomach. The show indicated that it’s a growing problem and I believe it will likely worsen as we continue to reap the results of violating God’s holy law in this regard.
A fundamental law in the transmission of truth and order from one generation to another is the honor shown to the older from the younger and the blessing given to the younger from the older. So very often this is not the case. Parents who had no time for their children will increasingly find that their grown children have no time for them.
Do you need to call on your parents today? Are you able to visit them? Tell them you love them and appreciate all they’ve done for you! “Honor your father and mother — which is the first commandment with a promise — that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we honor our parents today, whether they’re living or deceased. You gave them to us so they could love, provide, nurture and guide us into maturity and independence. Help us to return our love to them as we thoughtfully respond to their changing needs. May they be able to depend on us even as we have depended on them throughout the years. When present circumstances make this responsibility extremely difficult give us the needed wisdom and creative means to still carry out the command to honor our father and mother. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Brooksyne’s Note: I want to commend our readers who are attentive to their parent(s) needs as they increase during the golden years or as some say the “bonus years”. As I visit the nursing home on a weekly basis I often see the same daughter or son of a resident visiting with their parent(s). I consider how much of their personal lives they put on hold so they can lovingly honor the remaining days or years of their parents time on earth. They not only bless their parent(s), but they’re also a steady presence to others in the home who look forward to seeing them on a regular basis.
We encourage our readers to write a written tribute to their parents! Here’s the tribute I (Stephen) wrote to mine. Here’s a page of tips with a link to a complete book on this topic.
Click on the link to o
“Honor Your Father and Mother” Video Steve Green a song for kids of all ages!
“Appreciating Our Parents” Video It would be great if our kids had teaching and reinforcement like this in schools today!!!
“Music Box” Video For some reason the film above brought this to mind. This is the first of four parts and well worth the time! It will make you smile. Many years ago Jim Lutton, a board member in a former church and also a music teacher, suggested this film. It always blesses me!
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Ministry Update (Revised 12/31/10
“God’s Great Faithfulness”
October 14, 2011
A horse and buggy passing in front of our house. These are the trees we now have in view!“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease” (Genesis 8:22). “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22,23).
We are entering into the peak of autumn beauty here in south central Pennsylvania. We have a beautiful view outside our home office window of the trees along our road. The maple trees are just beginning their lovely display of their bright reds, yellows and oranges. The oak trees in our front lawn have leaves with a shiny reddish brown color.
These beautiful colors have been present in the leaves all along but through the spring and summer, they are hidden by green chlorophyll. The warm, sunny days and cool nights of early fall cause the trees to produce a substance that blocks the flow of water to the leaves. Without water, the chlorophyll breaks down, revealing the vibrant colors. How interesting and mysterious is the work of the Creator!
Apart from the beauty of this season believers can receive a powerful reminder from these changes that God is in control and that He keeps His promises. Following the flood God made a covenant with Noah that is in part expressed in the daily verse. “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” God has methodically kept this promise for thousands of years and today where I live I see the evidence with the harvest, the changing trees and cooler temperatures. He will most certainly do so “as long as the earth endures.”
Be assured, dear believer, that this same care is demonstrated in us. The Psalmist expressed his assurance in a promise that can fill each one of our lives with hope and expectancy; “The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O LORD, endures forever” (Psalm 138:8). Forever is still going on some 3,000 years after David wrote these words and, praise God, His love will always endure. Indeed, He will most surely fulfill His purpose in my life and in yours. Look up today and note God’s faithfulness in the universe. Then declare and rest in His faithfulness in that which concerns you alone!
Thomas A. Chisolm wrote in the classic hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, “Summer and winter and springtime and harvest. Sun, moon and stars in their courses above, join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.”
A firm, growing grasp of God’s faithfulness is an essential source of assurance and peace in the Christian life. Are you weary today? Are you feeling “burned out”? Are you discouraged? Is there a vexing problem that seems insurmountable? If you know the hymn, close your eyes and sing, whistle, or hum the tune to “Great is Thy faithfulness”. It will help you consider afresh this wonderful attribute of God’s immutable character.
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above.
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Great is Thy faithfulness. Great is Thy faithfulness.
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we join with all of creation to declare Your praise and to celebrate Your lovingkindness as we experience Your tender compassions daily. It is because of Your unceasing mercy that we are not consumed, but rather we are saved through the finished work of Jesus Christ. We rejoice in Your faithfulness; we rest in Your unfailing love; we are restored by Your forgiveness; we are rescued from our folly; and we are reminded that You will fulfill Your purpose in our lives through Your eternal, enduring love. Amen.
We serve as chaplains at a company that had an interesting community workday yesterday. They closed down normal operations and took their entire workforce to make renovations at a local food bank and make access ramps for the disabled. JK Mechanical is a heating and air conditioning company and also installs solar panels with about 75 employees. This is the second year they have had a company-wide work day.
Crews built special platforms to be used for ramps for the disabled.
It is amazing how much work we observed that was done by noon. They had framed the walls and ceiling and were placing the drywall on the ceiling. The work also included running HVAC ductwork, insulation, wiring and by the end of the work day thay had the drywall on the walls! There was a great spirit of cooperation present.
After working hard all morning Doug and Mark take a makeshift seat and enjoy a big lunch!
Television News reports about the work day Video Video
JK Mechanical It is a joy to serve this company as their chaplains! Chris Leaman, VP challenges others, “I would encourage other businesses to do this,” commented Leaman. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to have a positive impact on your community, excellent team building, and a great opportunity to give back, which is what we should be doing.” Amen, we can testify to this!
Click on the link to open and play.
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” Video Traditional version
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” Video Selah
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” Video Fernando Ortega (newer version, same words)
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Ministry Update (Revised 12/31/10)
“Not Without Effect”
October 11, 2011
Brooksyne enjoys shopping in Goods, a popular store with the Mennonites and Amish, near the Shady Maple. I enjoyed seeing this old truck right in the middle of the store!
Listen to this message on your audio player.“Not Without Effect”
Peter is a friend in New England with a wonderful testimony. He is a living demonstration of God’s transforming grace. He’s a big man, having played tackle in college football and then working as a “bouncer” in a Boston bar. He lived hard in the ways of the world until he was 25. At that time he met Christ and at his conversion he changed dramatically. He now bears a strong, bold witness for Christ. Regarding his faith and dedication to Christ he says, “I’m no moderate.” He lived all-out for the world and now he lives all-out for Jesus Christ. What a joy to see the long-term transforming effects of God’s grace in an individual!
Last week we attended two Teen Challenge events where we met men recently converted to Christ. We also visited with some who were saved many years ago. The keynote speaker was Nicky Cruz, a former Mau Mau Gang leader, who gave his heart to Jesus in July 1958 in New York City at the St. Nicholas Arena where members of numerous gangs had gathered to hear (or jeer) “Davie the Preacher” better known as David Wilkerson.
Initially Cruz was a troubled soul who spewed hate toward Wilkerson, “You come near me, Preacher, and I’ll kill you.” The preacher agreed, “You could do that. You could cut me in a thousand pieces and lay them on the street and every piece would love you.” Wilkerson spoke these words yet inside his heart he was thinking, “And it wouldn’t do a bit of good – not with you, Nicky – there’s no love on earth that could reach you.” But the message of the hymn, “Jesus Paid It All” declares that Jesus’ power can “change the leper’s spots and melt the heart of stone.” Jesus did melt Nicky’s heart of stone and now, over 53 years later in his 70′s, he continues to live for Christ and preach the Gospel to the masses.
Today we focus on the phrase, “His grace to me was not without effect.” Here Paul is sharing his personal testimony. The biographical information we have in the Book of Acts and Paul’s letters truly indicate that the grace of God made a wonderful change in his life. This one time persecutor became the persecuted. He who had consented to the stoning of Stephen (Acts 8:1) was himself stoned (2 Corinthians 11:25). If it had been written at that time Paul surely could have sung the grand old gospel song, “What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, since Jesus came into my heart!”
I can imagine the people who, when first hearing of the Apostle Paul’s violent persecution of the church, shook their heads in disbelief as they clasped their hands over their mouths in hushed tones exclaiming, “Oh, I can’t believe he was ever like that!” In his own written testimony he states, “I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man” and “the worst of sinners” (see 1 Timothy 1:12-17).
What a dynamic transformation had taken place in Paul’s life and years later he was able to declare this marvelous truth, “His grace to me was not without effect.”
Authentic grace makes a difference in one’s life. Titus 2:11,12 states, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” For some the change is more dramatic than others, but genuine grace will always bring about transformation in every recipient.
What about you today? Do you need to submit to Him? Repent! Has Christ changed your life? Rejoice! Is He still working on you? Respond and be resolute in your walk with Jesus! I join with Paul and each of you as we proclaim together, “His grace to me was not without effect!”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, only through the death of Your Son could we know the full extent of Your grace. Though our sins bring untold loss, Your grace brings infinite gain. Your grace exceeds our rebellion and points us to the Refuge for our sinful souls. Thank You, Father! You don’t grant a partial pardon, but You extend a full pardon to all who call upon Your name. Your grace is incomprehensible, infinite, and indiscriminate to all of Your creation. Help us to extend grace to others as You have richly extended Your grace to us. Amen.
Excerpt from “The Cross and the Switchblade” by David Wilkerson describing Nicky Cruz and the Mau Mau’s conversion:
“There he stood, a grin on his face, saying in his strained, stammering way, “I am giving my heart to God, Davie.”
I couldn’t believe him. The change was too sudden. He was puffing his perpetual cigarette, the little jets of smoke streaming out the side of his mouth, telling me that something new had happened in his heart. What about the narcotics addiction? What about the stealing and the mugging, the heavy drinking, the stabbings and the sadism? Nicky must have read my thoughts, because he defended himself by the only technique he knew, curing, “—- it”, Davie, I’ve given my heart to God.”
“All right, Nicky, okay.” I wanted to give him confidence so I asked him and Israel (the other gang leader) to come with me, and I found them, and each of the Mau Maus who had come forward, copies of the Bible. There were two sizes, little pocket editions and much larger ones. The boys didn’t want the little ones.
Give us them big books, Davie, so people can see what we’re carrying.”
And with that, most of the boys lit up cigarettes, tucked their Bibles under their arms, and walked out.”
Early the next morning a phone call came. It was the police. My heart sank. The lieutenant asked me if I knew the Mau Mau gang, and when I said that I did, he asked if I’d come right down.
When I got to the Edward Street Precinct, sure enough, there were half a dozen boys from the gang. I walked past them briskly and introduced myself at the desk.
The desk sergeant called the lieutenant, and the lieutenant assembled the whole force. He stuck out his hand.
“Reverend,” he said, “I want to shake your hand.” I took his offer, and he pumped me firmly.
How did you do it?” he asked. “These boys declared war on us a few months ago. They’ve given us nothing but trouble for years. Then this morning they all troop in here and you know what they want?”
I shook my head.
“They want us to autograph their Bibles!”
I looked at Nicky and Israel and the boys who were with them. They grinned at me.
“Any time we can help you set up another street meeting, Reverend, just let us know,” said the lieutenant, and as we all stepped out onto the sidewalks of Brooklyn, I saw the sergeant sitting at his desk, shaking his head in wonder.
The boys had been reading their Bibles most of the night and were fascinated with the Old Testament stories particularly.
“Davie!” said Israel, “I’m in the Bible! Look, here’s my name all over the place.”
The Cross and the Switchblade, 45th Anniversary Edition
By David Wilkerson with John & Elizabeth Sherrill / Chosen
David Wilkerson had his life all planned out: a quiet pastorate in a small country church. But God had others plans, calling him to share the good news of Christ with violent gang members in New York City. Forty-five years later that young pastor still oversees Teen Challenge, the ministry that grew out of that calling. His story is a testimony to what can happen when ordinary people open themselves up to the work of an extraordinary God. Foreword by Chuck Colson.
The Cross and the Switchblade, DVD
By Starring Erik Estrada & Pat Boone / Vision Video
Called to serve the desperate teens of New York’s gang-ridden, drug-infested streets, young country preacher David Wilkerson started one of America’s most successful drug rehab programs. Countless souls have since been saved, proving that nothing can stand in the way of God’s grace. Starring Erik Estrada and Pat Boone, this edition features DVD extras, including Nicky Cruz’s testimony. Approx. 105 minutes.
Today we share several photos and brief testimonies of changed lives we briefly fellowshipped with at recent Teen Challenge events.
Thursday evening we sat next to Brian Zitt from Wood River, IL near, St. Louis, MO. He was excited to share that in the last six months he had converted to Christ and experienced deliverance from sin.
We sat across from Pastor Danny Dawkins and his fiance, Flecia Gill from Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from Teen Challenge in 1999 and is now serving as an associate pastor. It was a blessing to see the enthusiasm they both demonstrated throughout the meeting.
Prior to the meeting Friday evening I sat outside the Shady Maple visiting with JT, who was waiting excitedly for his Mom and and Dad and sister, who drove down from the Buffalo NY area to attend the banquet. His addiction began following a painful injury treated with addictive pain medications. He is a barber and had his own barber shop but turned to the Lord recently and came to the Teen Challenge program for intense discipling. It turns out his family had arrived 30 minutes earlier and were inside the banquet hall looking all over for him. I saw the joy and warm embrace when he met up with his sister Chelsie. What a blessing to see supportive families, which is not the case for all in the Teen Challenge program.
While waiting for the banquet to begin Friday night I saw Ken Higginbotham, a friend from many years ago when we both worked for the same chaplain service company after I moved to Lancaster County in 2001. He was waiting for his wife Norma, who was celebrating her birthday and going to have her free birthday meal at the Shady Maple! Ken has an interesting testimony. His mother died in childbirth when he was born and he was adopted and raised by his godly and strict grandparents in West Virginia. Like most teenagers he was tempted to rebel and he asked his Grandma for permission to rebel! Strangely, she said “Yes, but since you still live under my roof you’ll rebel under my conditions.” Now that’s a rather interesting answer with some wisdom. Ken told me his season of permitted rebellion lasted less than two weeks. Now over 45 years later he is still an active servant of Christ, serving as a chaplain to a nursing home.
“Since Jesus Came Into My Heart” Video The Todd Allen family
“May I Never Get Over The Cross” Video Eighth Day
“Jesus Paid It All” Video Aaron Keyes
“Not Guilty Anymore” Video Aaron Keyes
Teen Challenge Training Center
Tribute To David Wilkerson Video
A pictorial tribute to David Wilkerson with a Dallas Holm song. Video
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“God’s Word At Work”
October 8, 2011
A tiny shed covered with buoys in Rockport, Massachusetts
Listen to this message on your audio player.“God’s Word At Work”
Most all of our readers have seen the highway signs that caution, “Men At Work” posted prior to road construction projects. Here in Pennsylvania the signs proclaim in the writing of a child, “My daddy works here” alternated with “My Mommy works here.” Indeed we do occasionally see women doing heavy road work.
Wouldn’t it be interesting if we, as believers, walked around with a sign pointing to our heart that proclaims, “God is at work here.” We may not wear signs but our redeemed lives are living proof of God’s work within our hearts.
Last night we attended a Teen Challenge banquet and saw plenty of evidence of God’s Word at work in the lives of men and women overcoming drug, alcohol and other life-altering addictions. Teen Challenge is a ministry that disciples both men and women caught in the devil’s snares. It was originally named “Teen Challenge” since they initially worked with teens but for many years the ministry has worked with people of all ages with the median age presently being about 35 years. Due to a good name recognition they have maintained the name “Teen Challenge” and people eventually learn that the doors are open to all who struggle.
What a joy to hear fresh testimonies of conversion and deliverance from those just entering adulthood and those who’ve crossed over into the midlife years. No matter the age variance the testimonies have the same theme of God’s steadfast love, His forgiveness and His faithfulness. We are blessed each time we hear the old, old story of Jesus and His love. We will share more about this in next Monday’s message!
One young man we spoke to emphasized the importance of “staying in the Word” in describing his daily overcomings. In the daily text Paul is writing (along with Silas and Timothy) to the believers in the Macedonian city of Thessalonica. A couple of weeks ago I conducted a marriage ceremony for a Macedonian man who married a Bosnian woman. They are preparing to return to their homeland next week.
Several months prior to writing this letter Paul had established the Thessalonian church (Acts 17:1-9) and wrote primarily to encourage these believers in their new faith, as well as to correct some doctrinal misconceptions they held.
The apostle Paul had verbally preached the Word of God to these believers and followed up with this letter, which is now part of our Holy Scriptures. It, along with the other books of the Bible, comprise the written Word of God. I thank the Lord today that I have this powerful Word as “a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
I want to consider the last phrase in the daily text. Paul wrote, “The Word of God, which is at work in you who believe.” Isn’t it wonderful that the same Word of God is actively working today in the lives of earnest believers as it did at the time this Scripture was written? The KJV version uses the phrase “effectually worketh”, which translates the Greek word “energeo”, from which the English word energy is derived from. The Amplified version states “the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it.”
Are you reading His Word regularly? Are you studying and memorizing it? Are you in a church where it is faithfully preached as the inspired, authoritative and inerrant Word of God? Are you obeying it? Is it guiding you in your personal life and in business decisions? Is it the Inspirational Instruction Manual for your family? That’s the energizing power of God’s Word at work!
As true as steel and far more sharp than any sword.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father God, we receive Your Holy Word through faith to be the very words You want to speak to us. You used ordinary men who followed an extraordinary Savior to communicate to us that which You want us to read and to live by. It is a living book that shows us through history those who have walked the path before us. It is an instruction manual revealing the way we are to live. And it is a book of unending hope where miracles unfold, lives are restored, sins are forgiven and heaven is waiting for those who earnestly follow Christ. Thank You for Your Scriptures, Your vital urgent Word that is like a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Amen.We are participating in a series of meetings with Teen Challenge and will share some photos and reflections over the next several daily encouragement messages. Last night we attended a banquet at the Shady Maple. Monday we expect to share some testimonies of how God is still changing lives!
Nicky Cruz was the first breakthrough convert when David Wilkerson went to New York City in the fifties to reach out to gang members. Over 50 years later Nicky is still actively serving the Lord, preaching to the lost, and testifying of God’s grace. He issued a powerful challenge last night to the over 800 attendees to be Holy Ghost hospitals for those who need critical spiritual care. His story is told in the book, “The Cross and the Switchblade”. The movie, “The Cross and the Switchblade” is also available in DVD format.
We caught up with some ministry associates we hadn’t seen in many years. Brooksyne is talking to Sarah Guerin who, along with her husband Chuck, spoke in our church over twenty years ago. They now work with Teen Challenge in Rehersberg. (The blue star on their hands was a stamp for the meal!)
Jesse Owens is one of the most colorful men we’ve met in ministry. He visited our church several times in northern Pennsylvania as a missionary. He, along with his wife Katherine, share a funny memory with Brooksyne. Jesse celebrated 50 years of ordained ministry last year.
Two of the Teen Challenge Training Center leaders, Director of Operations Rick Dobransky and Executive Director Joseph Batluck. Both are retired military so I am sure they bring a discipline to the ministry!
Here are a few more photo memories from our trip!
Brooksyne entering the Thoreau “House”(replica) near Walden Pond.
Walden Pond through changing leaves. We were about a week early for the peak fall foliage but some of the trees were starting to change.
Fanauil Hall, Boston, MA.
“Word Of God Speak” Video MercyMe
“Speak, O Lord” Video Kristyn Getty
“From The East Unto The West” Video Children’s Choir
Teen Challenge Training Center
Tribute To David Wilkerson Video
A pictorial tribute to David Wilkerson with a Dallas Holm song. Video
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“He’s Mindful Of You!”
October 6, 2011
Colonial home in Old Deerfield Village, Massachusetts
Listen to this message on your audio player.“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, the Son of Man that You care for him?” “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (Psalm 8:4; 1 Peter 5:7). ”For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
I’m one of those people who need my bearing as to where I am on this terrestrial ball, even when I’m flying. The other day I got very spatially disoriented (good and lost) when I was trying to find a train to Boston. Brooksyne, Ester and I had intended to take the commuter train into Boston at the Framingham station but missed our scheduled train because there were no parking spaces. We were going to wait for a later train but a store owner told me, “It would be faster and less expensive for you to drive in a bit closer to the city and take the Green Line. There’s also a huge parking lot.” He then gave me verbal directions which I followed but was detoured along the way and missed the sign to the station (apparently).
We ended up driving all over trying to find the station, including a jaunt into Cambridge and around Harvard Square (which will reveal to those who know the area just how lost I was)! Finally I found a Green Line station but no parking and managed to follow the line out to where parking was available. What a relief to park and get on the train! I’m too embarrassed to admit how much time this took except to say that our original plan when we left our hotel in Hudson, MA was to get into the city by about 1:30 and we ended up arriving at 4:30. Whenever I’m in a large city I sure enjoy visiting, but I’m always glad to get back to the country!
Studying maps and globes has always been an interest of mine and I now enjoy exploring with Google earth. With the ability to zoom in I’m amazed at the up close and personal view we have of the streets, agriculture, and building structures. With Google earth you can zoom out to see the entire globe and in seconds zoom in to see details such as my own house or a street view in Boston. The other day I shared a link to a satellite photo of Boston with placemarks where we visited. (See below in the resource section for this link.)
The Psalmist David wasn’t pondering over a satellite map as he was considering the greatness of God. Instead he was looking as far as the naked eye could see as he contemplated the immensity of the heavens. I picture him outside on a cloudless night tending his flock, lying on the ground, with his hands clasped behind his head peering into the sky. He extols God’s most massive works of creation when he writes, “the work of your fingers.” He recognizes that God’s work in Creation, which He has set in place, is not “set in place” as the result of some meaningless “big bang” or whatever current scientific theory is presently in vogue. How fitting that David begins and ends the Psalm with this praise, “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1&9).
Considering the size and population of our planet we can also join the Psalmist David in proclaiming, “What is man that You are mindful of him?” He considers the frailty and limitations of humanity and asks a probing question, “Why is God mindful of him?” Why does the Creator of the universe care for him? He doesn’t answer the question and the truth is, neither can we.
But this text and the entirety of Scripture abundantly declare that God is indeed mindful of man and cares about each one of us. Enough so, that He gave His one and only Son as an atoning sacrifice for us. That’s good news! That’s at the very heart of the revelation of God to His special work of creation. That care was demonstrated in God’s first words to fallen Adam, “Where are you?” (Do you suppose for a second that God really didn’t know where he was?) Ever since, God has been seeking and saving those who are are lost as He actively demonstrates His love and care.
So today whether you marvel at God’s mindfulness based upon a gaze into the heavens or by looking over a satellite image know that He does care for you. He wants you to cast your cares on Him in prayer and dependency. “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7).
On the wind He speaks with majesty,
Tho’ He ruleth over land and sea.
What is that to me?
‘Til by faith I met Him face to face,
And I felt the wonder of His grace,
Then I knew that He was more
Than just a God who didn’t care,
That lived away out there,
And now He walks beside me day by day
Ever watching o’er me lest I stray,
Helping me to find that narrow way,
He’s ev’rything to me.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father God, it’s amazing that You have every star in the heavens named; You control the universe without the aid of people’s wisdom or technology; and if all humankind ceased to exist the universe would still be in the perfect order in which You created it. Yet You purposed that we would have an essential part in learning about and caring for Your creation just as Adam tended the garden and cared for the animals. May we good stewards and thankful servants as we consider that You are mindful of us, that You actually delight in us, and that You rejoice over us with singing! You truly are a refuge for us in times of trouble as we place our trust in You. We give You thanks in Jesus’ name. Amen.We arrived home safely last night and thoroughly enjoyed our week in New England. The remainder of the week we will share a few more photo memories from our trip!
A Yankee Candle delivery truck.
We’ve seen lots of cows from city to city but this is the first Candle Cow. I wonder if this cow gives milk with a different Yankee Candle Scent each day!
On both sides Dahlias lined the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts.
One of many colorful store entrances in Peterborough, New Hampshire
“He’s Everything To Me” Video The Imperials
“Oh Lord Our Lord, How Majestic Is Your Name” Video Nice job by a youth choir
“Everything To Me” Video Avalon
“Draw Me Close To You” Video Instrumental with lyrics.
Link to a satellite photo of Boston with placemarks where we visited.
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“Whom I Serve”
September 28, 2011
Doesn’t this bench look like a great place to sit, enjoy a cup of coffee, and fellowship with a friend on a crisp fall day!
Listen to this message on your audio player.
Brooksyne has taught children since she committed her life to Christ in Junior High School. That’s now a whopping 40 years and she’s stored up many funny memories from the impromptu expressions of children.
Once she was teaching on Elijah and, in describing Elijah, she told the children that he was a “bold man.” Making sure that she was not talking over their heads, she asked her preschoolers what the word “bold” meant. Mandy quickly raised her hand and with much confidence answered, “He didn’t have no hair.” (Interestingly, Elisha, who followed Elijah, was indeed a bald man!)
Elijah is certainly among the greatest characters of the Bible. We have no background information on him except for the information found in the daily text, “the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead”, which is how he is introduced into the Biblical narrative.
He served God during the notoriously wicked reign of Ahab and Jezebel. He is distinct in the manner of his exit from this world and for later standing with Jesus and Moses at the Mount of Transfiguration.
He is introduced in the Biblical record by boldly approaching the wicked, polytheistic king with an eternally true declaration: “As the Lord, the God of Israel lives.” Today, some 2,850 years later we who follow Christ likewise proclaim, “The Lord lives”. And He is alive forevermore!
But it’s the next phrase in the Scripture text that especially grips my heart as I prepare this encouragement; only three simple, monosyllabic words, “whom I serve.” What a bold stand to take before the wicked and powerful king who made it very clear how he felt about the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In our day we, as believers, often let fear drive us as we attempt to witness. We keep the message subtle so there is no fallout if the recipient rejects our witness. But Elijah took a bold, unambiguous stand for the living God.
Prosperity, along with spiritual apostasy (falling away from the faith), characterized the reign of Ahab. This story is an interesting parallel to world conditions today, isn’t it? Certainly I know that many in the world live in severe poverty and that here in America, as well as many other countries, we face economic uncertainty but I still assert, for the most part, we live in prosperous conditions.* Ahab, though a descendant of Abraham, didn’t want to hear from this prophet and set out to kill him as a result of this prophecy of drought. And there are plenty today who don’t want to hear anything from those who represent the living God.
Today we need men and women, teenagers and children, all around the world, who like Elijah will unashamedly declare their faith in the living God. May we personally proclaim, “The Lord lives, whom I serve” and boldly confront our apostate culture. How can we go about doing that today?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, I boldly declare that You are the living God whom I serve. Only a God like You can turn evil into good, exchange sorrow for joy, or offer life beyond the grave. May I fearlessly proclaim You to be the Lord and Savior of my life and tell of all Your wondrous deeds. I join with the apostle Paul in asking that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel to those who have not yet heard or comprehended its meaning for their lives. Amen.
Note: We are traveling to New England this morning and will continue to post daily encouragement messages but not necessarily each weekday.
* As our standard of living has risen so has our expectations and sense of entitlement to the “good life”. When we do not receive what we feel we are entitled to, we may feel less than prosperous. This is a deception. Most all of us have indoor plumbing, electricity, a roof over our head and many other material blessings that others do not have.
“I Will Serve You” Video Instrumental version
“The Longer I Serve Him” Video The Cathedrals
“Lord, I Offer My Life To You” Video Don Moen
“Today, I Choose To Follow You” Video Brian Doerksen
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“The Tyranny Of The Forbidden”
September 23, 2011
We pass by these small witness signs all through Lancaster County.
Listento this message on your audio player.
In the last two messages we have dealt with “Tyrannies of The Soul”. In this series we use the word “tyranny” to describe those compulsions that oppress the soul. The tyranny of the urgent is essentially the oppressive compulsion that I must do it now. The tyranny of the discontent is essentially the oppressive compulsion that I must have it now. The tyranny of the forbidden is essentially the oppressive compulsion that I must partake of the forbidden.
Years ago I heard a pastor preach a sermon titled “An Affair to Remember” dealing with David’s sin with Bathsheba. We need these hard hitting reminders of the consequences of sin. I consider the lustful temptations common to all and the many times I have dealt pastorally or as a chaplain with those who have fallen into sin. I consider several friends from Bible College that gave into lustful temptation and sinned in this regard. I also consider the devastating impact it had on their spiritual lives, their families and their ministry. God’s healing, forgiveness, and restoration are available from our merciful God but adultery permanently scores the initial foundation of trust between two individuals.
Ever since the fall the human condition has had such an allure to do what God has forbidden! Of course we inherited this genetic condition from Adam and Eve. A line in a hymn states, “O how the world to evil allures me, O how my heart is tempted to sin” (from the hymn, “I Must Tell Jesus”).
Consider this simple perspective of a country preacher. Perhaps you’ve read or heard this truth before:
It will cost you more than you want to pay and
It will keep you longer than you want to stay.”
One of the great cautions in life is an awareness of how this tyranny of the forbidden can slide one into decadence often taking place incrementally. Casting Crowns has a stirring song that deals with this spiritual condition called “Slow Fade.” This is true for both the individual and societal levels. Surely as the Prodigal left his father he did not aspire to feeding pigs or long to eat their feed! People don’t aspire to be addicts. So often they will testify that they began with “just a little” tobacco or alcohol. Consider other areas where this is true. ”Just a little of the forbidden won’t hurt” the devil continues to whisper. After all, the fall began with just a single bite from the forbidden fruit.
The daily verse is innocuous enough; a successful king taking a walk at night on the roof of his home; a woman bathing, a quick (perhaps) glance of beauty. Thus far no real problem. A single observation of beauty is not a sinful act but can quickly lead to sin if the look becomes a gaze and the gaze becomes a lust and the lust is acted upon. And many of you know what follows is just that. We have here a profile of an individual’s incremental slide into sin, the tyranny of the forbidden.
David’s glance toward beauty turned into a lustful gaze. “David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” What’s he inquiring for? He was a married man. That should have settled it. And when the messenger reported that she is “the wife of Uriah the Hittite”, that should have absolutely settled it then and there.
But “David sent messengers and took her.” It was all downhill from that point on. The Life Application notes: “The deeper the mess, the less we want to admit having caused it. It’s much easier to stop sliding down a hill when you are near the top than when you are halfway down. The best solution is to stop sin before it starts.” Each time we resist sin’s temptation we lay one more brick as we erect the restraining wall of resistance.
The chapter ends with this timeless assessment of sin from God’s perspective: “But the thing David had done displeased the LORD.” The following chapter and remainder of the book chronicle the brave prophet Nathan’s rebuke and how the harsh consequences of David’s sin affected his entire family and the nation. These are powerful reminders that sin always has consequences. One of the most convincing lies of Satan is, “Sure there are consequences for others, but your situation is special. You’re are an exception.” We all must, in one way or another, deal with and overcome the tryranny of the forbidden. A lesson for us to heed is Joseph’s classic statenment in resisting the forbidden: “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father God, help each of us to understand the wiles of the devil and to be steadfast in our determination to resist temptation at each step. We readily acknowledge the tyranny of the forbidden and want to be self-controlled and alert, standing firm in the faith as we resist the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking for someone to devour. Thank you for the power of the Holy Spirit to resist and to overcome. In Jesus Name, Amen.Many years ago, William Booth (1829-1912), founder of the Salvation Army, wrote about the dangers to the gospel he saw coming in the next generation to follow him: I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost; Christianity without Christ; forgiveness without repentance; salvation without regeneration . . . and Heaven without Hell.
“I Must Tell Jesus” Video Elisha Hoffman wrote this hymn after having a lady come to him under much grief and worry, ringing her hands, she stated I do not know what to do, and Elisha Hoffman told her to tell it to Jesus alone….she remarked…that’s it…that’s it…I need to tell it to Jesus…and she that came with much worry left with great joy in her heart.
“Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing” Video Jason Lavik I appreciate the candor of this line:
Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.
“Slow Fade” Video Casting Crowns This is the song I referred to in the message and a song used in the movie “Fireproof”
“Prodigal Son” Video Keith Green A ballad that tells the story of the Prodigal son. Note: This song has a very long introduction!
“I Need You More” Video Lindell Cooley ”I never want to go back to my old life.”
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“The Tyranny Of The Discontent”
September 22, 2011
We stopped by Union Mill Acres, one of our favorite fall produce stands, run by a large home schooling family along Elizabethtown Road. They live along Little Chiques Creek which flooded their crops and produce stand during the Tropical Storm Lee a couple of weeks ago. They lost all their locally grown fall decorative produce. They had to purchase from other vendors to stock their stand. Normally they grow over 100 kinds of pumpkins and gourds.
Listento this message on your audio player.“The Tyranny Of The Discontent”
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5,6).
Here in Lancaster County we have a large mall called “Park City”. It is rather like a city but definitely not a park! Like malls everywhere it’s an inside city shopping district. It’s laid out like spokes with a center hub that, at one time, had a carousel but I suppose the mall developers determined there was better income-producing potential for that space. Many malls try to appeal to health conscientiousness by providing markers so that you can determine how far you are walking. The walking route in Park City claims to be 2.25 miles.
Malls are an interesting place to take a long walk but not nearly as nice as a country setting or a quaint village! The country scenes remind you of the beauty that is yours to behold – you can’t buy it, you don’t own it and yet it’s yours to enjoy day after day. It’s a job to keep up with yardwork, trimming bushes, pulling weeds, etc. so I enjoy viewing outdoor beauty that is maintenance free on my part!
Certainly an intent in the malls that advertise “mall walks” is that in browsing past the storefronts a desire will rouse to want something or more bluntly create a discontent for that which you already have. After all, that is their goal or they would cease to exist.
Yesterday we shared a message titled “The Tyranny of the Urgent” which asserted the oppressiveness of the many demands that come our way regarding our time. The tyranny of the urgent is essentially the oppressive compulsion that I have to do it now. The tyranny of the discontent is essentially the oppressive compulsion that I have to have it now.
The writer of Proverbs shares a timeless prayer concerning this matter: “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8,9).
Crown Financial Ministries defines contentment this way: “If money can’t buy contentment and poverty doesn’t provide it, what is contentment and how is it attained? Contentment, contrary to popular opinion, does not mean being satisfied where you are. Rather, it is knowing God’s plan for your life and having the conviction to live it.”
Our daily verse states, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” The preceding verse (v.4) asserts the sanctity of marriage and warns of God’s judgment on the adulterer. It seems the writer of Hebrews is connecting the dots and seeing an association between lusting for that which is not properly ours – whether it be a person or money.
Whether you’re discontent with the restraints of your marital vows or the restraints of your finances it can lead to wrong attitudes which can easily mushroom into sinful behavior. It’s interesting that immorality and greed are often listed together in the New Testament (See I Corinthians 5:11; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5.) Love for money will cause us to have the wrong priorities, develop the wrong kind of relationships, and hinder the generous spirit of giving that God wants each of us to have.
Contentedness is based on two foundational promises:
1) The first basic foundation of contentedness is the realization that God’s presence is sufficient to meet every need. “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’.” Note that the verse begins “God has said.” These are words of assurance given to Joshua in Joshua 1:5. Since God does not change these same words were applicable to the Hebrew believers some 1,500 years later and now to all who belong to Christ some 2,000 years after the Book of Hebrews was written! Money and possessions will eventually forsake us, but God will never forsake us. What a blessed truth!
2) The second basic foundation of contentedness is the realization that God’s power is sufficient to overcome all opposition. “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” This also is a quote from Psalm 118:6,7. The apostle Paul’s grand conclusion in Romans 8:37-39 comes to mind: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
If we really understand these promises we will experience ongoing, blessed contentedness. May the Lord help us to do so today and all through this brief life, which will help us to overcome the tyranny of discontent!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, far too many live in a state of discontent where we find ourselves loving things and using people. It distorts our priorities and gives us temporary excitement with things, but leaves us with long-term dissatisfaction in ourselves and our relationships. Help us to enjoy material things but to place a higher value on greater pursuits such as growing friendships, solid marriage relations, growing godly character, giving without receiving and other worthy goals. We will be content as we rejoice in the fact that whether we are in want or whether we have plenty You have promised that You will never leave us nor forsake us. What a treasured promise for the believer both in times of need and in times of prosperity. We are content when we realize our all-sufficiency is in You, Lord. You will meet all our needs according to Your riches in glory. Amen.“Godliness With Contentment” Audio mp3 Mike Book Mike is a friend of ours here in Lancaster County who placed a Scripture from 1 Timothy 6:6 to music.
“His Divine Power Has Given Us Everything We Need” Video Acapella This is a neat way to learn Scripture! See 2 Peter 1:3
“Satisfied” Video Red Mountain Church Video Homecoming series
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Ministry Update (Revised 12/31/10)
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