“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.
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.
“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.
“Enduring Pain for the Present”
May 7, 2013
Rose-breasted grosbeak (see note below message)
Photo by Doris High
Listen to this message on your audio player.Note: Due to a microphone problem we are unable to podcast today.
“For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). “See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction…” (Isaiah 48:10). “…For a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith…may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (I Peter 6,7).
Stephen reminded me this morning that it was five years ago today that I broke my ankle with the help of my loyal canine companion, Roxie, as she darted in front of me during my evening walk. Very remorseful and concerned about me she stayed at my bedside during my entire recuperation before and after surgery.
It was a huge learning curve for me as I had never been hindered from standing or walking over my lifespan. Driving was out as well! Some of you have been there or are presently and will identify with similar challenges.
I look back over that experience and pray that in some way I glorified God. It was a time of spiritual growth for me. I still recall very special times of worship as I lay in bed recovering, often watching “The Homecoming Friends” on DVD as they sang many Christian songs I learned as a child, others as a young believer, and still others in recent years, most of them focused on heaven. “I was caught up in the spirit” as I envisioned the beauty of heaven unmarred by sin.
The words, “I’m kind of homesick for a country to which I’ve never been before” from the song Sweet Beulah Land was a perfect description of what I felt. From my four month healing and recovery I learned that any pain or suffering on this side is but a blink in the time span of eternity. Or as Paul writes, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).
I’m thoroughly enjoying the book, “If God Is Good” by Randy Alcorn and he writes: “The life to come flows out of this one; hence the believer’s present sufferings comprise only a tiny part of our total life experience, which will continue forever.” We can be victorious daily if we keep that perspective during times of trouble and sorrow on this side.
Otherwise we might feel cheated in this life and question God or worse yet, blame Him for our difficulties. Once again I want to quote Alcorn:
“When we feel upset with God and tempted to blame Him, we should look at the outstretched arms of Jesus and focus on His wounds, not ours. When we lock our eyes on our cancer, arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, disability, [or any other life challenge] self-pity and bitterness can creep in. When we spend our days rehearsing the tragic death of a loved one, we will interpret all life through the darkness of our suffering. How much better when we focus upon Jesus!”
It’s very comforting to know that if we “consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, we will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2-3). Once again, in the midst of our suffering, we must focus on Jesus’ life and His overcomings to enable us to experience our own overcomings.
We face opposition in one way or another everyday of our lives. Faithful readers of Daily Encouragement will quickly recognize that we often hit on the theme of suffering, pain or loss since we’re exposed to this regularly through our ministry. In fact I stopped writing this message to take a phone call from a woman who let me know about her sister, an employee from one of the companies where we serve as chaplains, is in the hospital in serious condition. I will be making contact with her today.
Stay faithful. God’s promises are faithful and true. Certainly you may suffer grief in all kinds of trials as others who have gone before you and done so. May you also declare with the Psalmist, that weeping may come for a season, but joy will come in the morning!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, just as there are seasons throughout the calendar year there are seasons throughout our lives; many of them invigorating and celebratory, others wearying and dreaded. Yet it is both joyous times and dreaded occasions that shape us into Your image so that we bear the likeness of Your Son, Jesus Christ who endured great hardship. We are to fix our eyes on Him, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross despising its shame knowing that without full obedience He could not offer full redemption for our sins. Help us not to become weary in carrying out the tasks required of us or the physical challenges common to these perishable bodies. May we not interpret all of life in the “darkness of our suffering” but in the brightness of Your resurrected Son. In the “furnace of affliction” may we be found faithful in Your refining process. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Further note from Brooksyne: I find the Scripture text, “Weeping may endure for a night” interesting in light of Rev. 21:25 where John, describing heaven, writes “for there will be no night there.” I consider those of you who may find there are particular problems in your life where weeping has lasted far more than a single night or a temporary time period, but rather weeping seems to be lasting a lifetime. You’re still waiting for the night to pass and morning to arrive when joy takes the place of weeping. Perhaps we need to put a lot more thought, prayer, and Scripture memorization into the spiritual disciplines that fix our hope on our eternal future where we are assured that “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Rev. 21:1-4). And there will be no more night because the glory of God gives it light (Rev. 21:23.) We remain steadfast in prayer for those critical issues we deal with. But our hope will never be diminished when we look with anticipation for the New Jerusalem that promises to bring the unending sunlight of God’s eternal joy.
Note from Reader from Wisconsin: Doug and I were sitting out on the patio a couple of days ago in beautiful weather… and heard a bird call I didn’t remember hearing before. It was SO loud, Doug said we should just look up in the woods for a bird that was 4-5 feet tall!! I finally spotted it and it was a rose-breasted grosbeak. Do you get those where you live? I love the baby bird photo in your Daily Encouragement today.
Stephen’s note: Yesterday 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 microphone we use for the podcast.
“Blessed Be The Name of The Lord” Video Matt Redman
“Sweet Beulah Land” Video Jason Crabb
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.
“All Nature Sings”
May 6, 2013
We have lots of new bird life in our neighborhood. Our next door neighbor merely lifted her camera up to snap this view of these hungry baby robins.
Listen to this message on your audio player.All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.
After a chilly April we are now getting warm, summer-like weather the last several days. We enjoy leaving our windows open at night and inviting the melodious birds to become our early morning alarm clock. We gradually awaken to the loud, cheerful songs of the birds who congregate in our backyard and in the tree line behind our property. We not only hear the combined sound of many birds, but with focus we can clearly hear individual birds as well.
Birds were created on the fifth day of creation with God’s glorious ex nihilo command, “Let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky”. The term “ex nihilo” is a Latin phrase meaning “out of nothing.” The ancient Nicene Creed states, “We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.”
Scripture teaches that there was nothing but God, and that God by means of His incalculable wisdom and infinite power alone brought the universe (all matter, energy, time, and space) into existence from nothing. There was no preexistent physical reality; therefore nothing should not be understood as an actual something.
Our second daily text makes an observation that virtually all of our readers can experience, the beautiful sounds of the birds of the air which “sing among the branches.” Psalm 104 is a majestic expression of praise, beginning with the exclamation, “Praise the Lord, O my soul!” Throughout the Psalm the Father’s greatness is displayed in nature.
Let’s consider one amazing aspect of our Father’s greatness exhibited in nature in considering birds and their vocal system. A robin only weighs about 3 ounces. Of course some of the birds I see are larger and others are smaller such as the tiny hummingbird. I (Stephen) weigh about 1,000 times what a typical small bird such as a Robin weighs. (I suppose if you care to do math you can determine my weight!)
As noted above I can clearly hear an individual bird from that tree line 200 feet away. If my math is correct that is the equivalent of a human having the vocal ability of being heard from some 160,000 feet away or about 30 miles! Although we live out in the country we have over 1,000,000 people that live within 30 miles. I have a louder than normal voice so I suppose people would hear me for some 45 miles! Can you imagine how annoying life would be if we all had the same vocal capability as a bird!
We observe and proclaim with the Psalmist, “How many are your works, O Lord in wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures” (104:24). We make a renewed commitment this day using the words of the Psalmist, “I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to Him, as I rejoice in the LORD” (Psalm 104:3,34). Will you join us?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, in Psalm 5 the Psalmist directs His prayer to You: “O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayers to You and I will look to You with expectation.” Though You neither slumber nor sleep and certainly have no need for an alarm clock, we know it brings delight to Your ears to hear Your children vocalizing their praises first thing upon awakening to a new day. Your steadfast love never ceases and Your mercies are unending. We declare our praises to You, Faithful Father as You lead us in paths of righteousness. For You bless the godly, O Lord, and surround them with Your shield of love and protection. Amen.
Brooksyne’s note:
Friday evening Ester and I served as part of the team for crowd management at the concert for Johnny Diez, Aaron Shust, and Mark Schultz (L to R), thereby attending the concert free. It’s rather nice because you often get to meet the artists as well. I had a very nice conversation with Aaron (center) and expressed my appreciation for his ministry heart. He shared with the attendees a very moving testimony about his youngest son (14 months, I believe) who was born with down syndrome and has numerous physical challenges. Though he’s had several operations already he recently received a miraculous healing for his hearing. Born profoundly deaf in one ear, extremely deaf in the other he was tested numerous times and results always flat lined showing no hearing. Aaron’s wife took him to a prayer service in NYC over a weekend and he was prayed over. On the following Monday he was scheduled for a cochlear implant but was tested prior to the surgery. Results showed that he now tested for a “perfect diagnosis” as pronounced by the doctor. Aaron joyfully shared the picture of those results on a screen and it was remarkable. Ester has high frequency hearing loss, as a result of an IV medication she was given over a six week period, during a heart infection so we’re quite familiar with those charts. We all rejoiced as Aaron shared this story.
“My Hope Is In You” Video Aaron Shust Along with “My Savior Love, My Savior Lives” and “Bless the Lord, O My Soul” Aaron has written this faith strengthening song. After hearing his story it is evident he lives what he writes.
“He Was Walking Her Home” Video Mark Schultz (With Lyrics) A wonderful ballad of lifelong love. This is the true story of two friends Mark met after he moved to Nashville to pursue a musical career. He told us that the man in the song (older and forgetful) told him over and over the story of meeting his (then) girlfriend’s father and asking if he could take her on a date. He gave permission but told him never to leave her side. He kept up his friendship with the couple and was inspired to write this ballad after visiting them in the nursing home where the wife went to be with the Lord. It is a very moving song! Mark is best known for “Love Letters From War” and “Remember Me”
“This Is My Father’s World” Video Fernando Ortega
“All Creatures Of Our God And King” Video David Crowder
“All Creatures Of Our God And King” Video Beautiful instrumental with animal photos. Also used as background song in today’s podcast.
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“Faithful In The Midst Of Testing”
May 3, 2013
Early morning sunrise view of our backyard through our bedroom window.
Listen to this message on your audio player.
“After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah” (2 Chronicles 32:1). “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12). “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
We had a very special Easter five Sundays back on March 31st with our Russian friends, Yelena and Peter. They both sing in their church choir and Yelena directs the orchestra made up mostly of young people. Though the sermons and songs were interpreted for us, the musical instruments spoke in a universal language needing no interpretation. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with our friends and the sound preaching from the pulpit on Resurrection Sunday. (We hare a link to the message we wrote at that time below)
Following the service we enjoyed the brunch Yelena had prepared in their new home. Over the meal, among other things, we talked about how different it would be when the twins arrive (Yelena was five months along in her pregnancy.) It was a joy-filled time.
None of us could foresee that within days they would learn that the twins were going through some difficulty. Yelena and Peter’s large network of Christian friends went to prayer on their behalf and we continued to pray for Yelena as she underwent surgery in Philadelphia in an attempt to correct the problem. The surgery was successful and we all rejoiced, but late that evening Yelena gave premature birth to twin girls. Their appearance was very short lived and they soon went to be with the Lord.
On April 15th I (Brooksyne) stood with Peter and Yelena’s grieving friends at the graveside funeral service for their babies, Lina and Angelina. My heart was broken as were those who stood with them in loving support as they endured inexplicable grief for the all too brief time they had with their girls. (We share their heartrending story with their permission.)
What a blessing to be in communication with Yelena and to hear of their overcoming faith in the midst of such deep sorrow and monumental loss. I’ve been reading a book by Randy Alcorn, “If God Is Good” which deals with evil and suffering that both believers and non-believers face. He intersperses his teaching with true stories of people like you and me who’ve dealt with intense suffering, chronic pain or massive loss. As I read these stories they bring to mind people I know personally such as Yelena and Peter.
When we look to the Scriptures we find many examples of those faithfully living for Jesus, even carrying out His work, who face “many dangers, toils, and snares” as they go about their daily work. One such example is Hezekiah who became king when the nation was in great apostasy, having fallen away from God’s teachings. His evil father, Ahaz, “had promoted wickedness in Judah and had been most unfaithful to the LORD” (2 Chronicles 28:19). Yet in spite of his father’s evil influence Hezekiah chose to follow in the ways of the Lord.
2 Chronicles 29-31 records the major reforms made during Hezekiah’s time of leadership, ending with this statement: “This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the LORD His God. In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:20,21). That’s a neat summary but the text doesn’t stop there.
The statement in our daily verse immediately follows this and illustrates a powerful spiritual principle: “After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah.”
The principle is this: A time of greater testing often follows obedience and blessing. The remainder of chapter 32 records Hezekiah’s response to this invasion.
We prefer to live our lives with a clear, sensible cause and effect relationship regarding the challenges we face. But it doesn’t always work that way, does it? Hezekiah was faithfully serving God at the time of the enemy’s attack.
Today many of you are dealing with difficult situations in your life. You’ve sought to honor God and faithfully serve Him and you too may wonder, “Why this, when I’ve been faithful to Your leading?”
Many of these questions will not be fully or satisfactorily answered till we get to the other side but here’s a Scripture easily memorized that can bring peace to one’s soul, ”He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). He is with us in the midst of our struggle and provides soothing medicine for our wounded hearts through His Holy Scriptures. Rejoice in God’s faithfulness and steadfast love in the midst of a painful situation!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer:Father, You guide us through the many dangers, toils, and snares that we face while journeying here below. In these major challenges we desire to give You glory in what we say, what we do and in the way we process our emotions as we prayerfully respond to the challenges set before us. We want to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer as we overcome life’s struggles. We find healing for our soul when we rely on You, our tender and loving Father, who heals our broken heart and binds up our wounds. You are ever faithful and ever interceding for us, your children. And we thank You for it in the name of Jesus. Amen.
More On Ahaz’ wickedness: “Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and also made idols for worshiping the Baals. He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his children in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree” (2 Chronicles 28:1-4).
This entire chapter describes Ahaz. A very interesting verse states, “In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord” 2 Chronicles 28:22).
Yesterday we passed a lot of Amish open buggy traffic on a beautiful spring day. We stopped by Lancaster Bible College for the National Day of Prayer event here in Lancaster County. On the way we were blessed to see a large group of employees gathered in a circle praying in front of a cabinet making company and then passed a group from the Christian Motorcyclists Association who were gathered in a parking lot for prayer. Our pastor sent us an email this morning and reported that he had the opportunity to join a group reading through the Bible on the steps of the nation’s capitol. What a beautiful thing to see and hear of prayer going up for our nation all around the country!
Today’s Suggested Musicand SupplementalResources
This week we have shared music on prayer adding to the list day by day with recently added songs at the top.
(Four new songs today very related to our message)
“Tears Are A Language” Video Amy Lambert Video (with lyrics) Booth Brothers This was one of the first songs Brooksyne sang as “a special” back in our young days in ministry in the seventies. It has a powerful message especially the line, “When grief has left you low, it causes tears to flow. When things have not turned out the way that you had planned.”
“Faithful God” Video Shannon Wexelberg This is a 28 minute worship experience with Shannon ministering in song regarding life’s struggles that threaten to shatter our hopes and dreams. The moving song, “Faithful God”, is in the latter part of the presentation. This video moved me to tears and touched my spirit as I listened and read the reviews.
Shannon’s blog post “Don’t Forget Your Pain” reveals that Shannon doesn’t just sing or write songs about life’s struggles but she experiences them just like us. Her blog is very revealing and it will minister to your heart or someone else the Lord may lay on your heart.
Here is the message we shared about visiting Peter and Yelena’s church on Easter Sunday along with photos.
Yelena & Peter’s daughter’s graveside service The congregation sang several songs during the graveside service and at least two of them had to do with children going to heaven. I was so touched by the message as Yelena’s brother interpreted those of us who knew only English. He graciously translated the words and Yelena sent them to me along with a link so that you can hear it sung in their native language.
“He Will Carry Me” Video Mark Schultz Tonight Brooksyne and Ester will serve with the staff at a Mark Schultz concert at Lancaster Bible College.
Children’s song in Russian audio
Around the throne, before the Creator
Is a very big choir of children
With faces glowing of happiness,
They sing to the King of Kings
refrain:
Over yonder, over yonder
With faces glowing of happiness
Over yonder, over yonder
They sing to the King of Kings
Who gathered all these children here
Who brought them into Heaven
Who united all the baby voices
Into a wonderful song?
Lord Jesus suffered for us all,
He dearly loves the children
And He gave them the right to be in Heaven
Among the holy angels
They loved the Lord
In their days on earth
And so their love could be stronger
He took them from the earth.
More prayer songs previously posted this week:
“Turn the Tide – A Prayer for America” Video Abigail Miller (Outstanding!)
“Heal Our Land” Video Wayne Watson
“Heal Our Land” Video Planetshakers
“How Long Has It Been?” Video Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
“Waiting Here For You“ Video Passion Worship Music
“Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing“ Video Fernando Ortega
“Hear Our Prayer” Video Don Moen
“Hear Our Prayers” Video The Glorious Unseen
“You Said” Video Hillsong
“I Must Tell Jesus” Video The Grace Thrillers
National Day Of Prayer website
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.
