“Faithful In The Midst Of Testing”
May 3, 2013
Early morning sunrise view of our backyard through our bedroom window.
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“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
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Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“Thankful For The Detours”
November 21, 2012
Fall Harvest Wagon
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“Thankful For The Detours”
At Thanksgiving season we tend to look back over the previous year and consider God’s blessings (at least we should). There are some years that are more notable, and some more pleasurable than others in regard to our personal experiences. I can easily remember the year I graduated from college and the year I was married. But I can also remember the year(s) when my routine life was suddenly disrupted by a booming trial. A week before Thanksgiving in 2002 I became very ill and entered into a most challenging season that spread out over the next year, underscored by four major surgeries.
This past spring Brooksyne was visiting with Mike Stillman, a friend of ours. He shared about his father Pat, who had successfully undergone hip surgery months earlier but more recently was tested for another matter. This testing was to rule out possible cancer or to confirm its presence.
Even as they were talking he got word that his father indeed was diagnosed with cancer. Mike didn’t have to say a word; it was evident in the troubled expression that appeared on his face. His family was charting new territory as they were entering into a testing period. Brooksyne could easily relate to Mike’s response as her father received a very similar report in 1999. For five months he battled the aggressive cancer before the Lord called him home.
For the next several months Pat Stillman’s life was routed on a detour that he hadn’t planned nor desired, but it was in the providence of God. This kind of detour requires a great deal of faith that the outcome will be favorable since the investment of one’s time, energy, emotions, finances, and dependence on others is tested to the max, with no absolute guarantees that the cancer will be eradicated. He had to prepare for the roller coaster ride of his life.
Following a successful treatment period over the designated time Pat’s body did respond favorably to the medicine. The outcome was favorable regarding his health, and the experience brought a fresh vigor in his walk with the Lord. He sums up his health detour with these words, “What an amazing God, and He cares for me. God loves me and He demonstrates it all the time. This particular time He opened my eyes and let me see that He held me in the hollow of His hand.”
Road signs generally forewarn the driver if there is a detour just ahead. We, in our individual lives, are afforded no such notification. It might paralyze us with fear if we knew ahead of time dreaded future events before they unfold. What we can do is daily build on our Christian foundation so that we are prepared for that which we cannot foresee, as we place our confidence in Almighty God. He can give us the contentment and peace of enjoying the scenery while on a detour.
Some, like Pat Stillman experience a health detour. Others are on a vocational detour. Several weeks ago one of the companies we serve had to terminate several very skilled, long-term employees due to business conditions. We have been following up on these employees.
Life’s detours bring about a change of perspective that would be unknown if we always traveled the familiar route.
The daily texts are among the first Scriptures I memorized as a young Christian. I recall reading a book titled “Power in Praise” that developed a theme of praising God and expressing thankfulness in the midst of trials or “detours”.
Being thankful during the detour does not mean that we don’t pray for God’s intervention and seek for a resolution to our problem. Certainly if I’m on a detour while traveling I still have a goal to arrive at the proper destination in a timely fashion. However while following the detour I can choose to be annoyed by the change of routine that requires extra time in my schedule or I can enjoy the new landscape, adjust my schedule, and reach my final destination with a good, or at the very least an overcoming attitude.
The key to “enjoying the scenery” and being thankful during life’s trials is based on two foundational truths that should be the bedrock of our faith. We must be firmly persuaded that:
2) He is ultimately fulfilling His purpose in our lives. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Notice the progression of purpose in our daily text:
2) This testing of faith develops perseverance.
3) Perseverance must finish its work.
4) This work makes us mature and complete, not lacking anything.
So today if you’re on a winding, bumpy detour may you have the perspective of the apostle James and “consider it pure joy”. May you experience this outlook, “Contentment is enjoying the scenery while on a detour.”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, it is not by mistake but by Your design that we experience the detours of life that give us perspective in a way that nothing else does. Though we see others who travail in difficulty, it is particularly difficult when we ourselves experience tough terrain that we seek to understand Your purpose for the trial we are enduring. Help us to persevere in the midst of uncertainty and unfamiliar landscape. May we find joy in the simple pleasures we overlooked when life’s journey was routine and uninterrupted by the surprise bends in the road or difficult detours that bring about delay or a change of plans. May the testing of our faith bring about maturity and give us a new perspective that makes us stronger in our faith and more effective in our witness to those around us. May they see a grateful spirit in us even as we undergo difficulty so that we glorify Your name rather magnify our problems. Amen.
Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
“Thank You Lord, For The Trials That Come My Way” Video A wonderful song that thanks God for trials, highlighting the good that comes from difficulty.
Pat Stillman’s testimony: “Cancer – An Opportunity For Joy” is a perspective written by Pat and shared with his family and friends.
We want to offer these resources to families and church leaders to enrich the spiritual impact of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will post these resources through Thanksgiving Day here in the US (November 22).
Here are several Thanksgiving classics that you may or may not have heard:
“Come Ye Thankful People Come” Video Traditional version
Contemporary version but thankfully maintaining same tune and lyrics Video
“Thanksgiving Medley” (We Gather Together, For The Beauty Of The Earth, Come Ye Thankful People Come) Video Studio Musicians
“Give Thanks” Video Don Moen
“Thank You Lord” Video Community Choir at a Lancaster Day of Prayer event in 2008.
“Thank You Lord For Saving My Soul” Video Holland Davis
“Thankful For The Thorns”: A family reading and exercise that is a wonderful way to give a thoughtful focus around your Thanksgiving Table. The Thanksgiving celebration typically includes family coming together for a huge meal and hopefully a heartfelt prayer of thankfulness. However it can often be difficult to have a spiritually oriented conversation. Why not add some stimulating discussion about the ways God has worked in your life over the past year! Some of you are not in charge and are only visitors at your Thanksgiving gathering, but if it is possible share together around the table the theme of “Thankful for the Thorns” (printable webpage).
“A Thanksgiving family exercise” (pdf) We have used this questionnaire as a stimulus for discussion among family members in the past in our home. We encourage you to share results around the table at Thanksgiving before or after the meal.
A Thanksgiving prayer: Written by Joe Sherer, a pastor friend of ours and shared as the benediction at our community Thanksgiving Eve service several years ago. (printable webpage) For those who enjoy written prayers this would be a beautiful prayer to read together at the Thanksgiving table.
A Thanksgiving Scripture reading: A selection of Old and New Testament readings dealing with thankfulness appropriate for church, family and personal readings. (pdf) (Suitable for printing out and copying.)
Ministry Update (Revised 10/12)
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“Faith That Is Tested”
October 15, 2012
We traveled through Connecticut over the weekend and saw many colonial style homes with rock walls, a beautiful distinction throughout New England. The foliage is at its peek in most areas.
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Note: Due to travel the podcast was not prepared.
“Faith That Is Tested”
Yesterday we visited with Wayne and Yvette Gallagher who are planting a church in Southbridge, Massachusetts. We will share more about them in a future message. It was heartening to attend their church plant yesterday, presently meeting in a building that also serves as a nightclub. After the service we visited another building they will be moving into in November that’s located in the center of town, an ideal location.
We sought to encourage them in their Christian service as church planters. Though it’s been 35 years since we planted a church in Northern Pennsylvania we easily recall the extraordinary ups and downs, and the feelings of discouragement as it seems there are more doors that close than those that open in the start-up. That happened in Bible church plants as well!
The apostle Paul served a very brief time in Thessalonica proclaiming the Gospel when he was run out of town. The story is recorded in Acts 17:1-10. However a church was indeed planted and later Paul wrote two letters to this church, which are now part of the New Testament. This church, planted under such difficult circumstances, needed some encouragement and instruction from its founder.
In the book of Acts I find it interesting that the Thessalonians are compared negatively to Berea, the community that Paul visited after leaving Thessalonica. Luke, the historian writes, “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians” (Acts 17:11). I wonder how the Thessalonian Chamber of Commerce liked this remark!
But in the daily text the Apostle Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers by informing them that he was boasting about their faith and perseverance among other churches, for they were enduring all kinds of persecutions and trials. “Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.”
One of our long-time favorite Bible teachers is Warren Wiersbe. We memorized one of his quotes many years ago: “Faith that cannot be tested is faith that cannot be trusted”.
Many of you are enduring trials today. Some of you are enduring persecution. Our ministry places us in a position to observe human need in so many different places by so many different people for so many different reasons. This includes daily Encouragement readers who write us and share their burdens.
Today your faith may be under a test. Our word of encouragement and we’re also making it a daily prayer is from an old hymn, the writer who has long been in the presence of the Faithful One. It will be a double blessing if you happen to know the tune and can hum along. Read it slowly and let your faith rise upward to the present and future reward of remaining faithful in the midst of difficulty!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Today we will suggest the old hymn as a prayer
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide.
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Thro’ thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
On the way up on Friday we had lunch with my brother and his church staff in the Lehigh Valley. We honored them for clergy appreciation month.
A Stately Church in Litchfield Connecticut. Notice the bagpipers!
In Granby CT we passed several painted horses, this one in the front yard of a residential home.
A Connecticut farm
Mama bear being followed by 2 cubs in rural Connecticut (only one cub seen in the photo). Interestingly they were running out of the yard of a residential home. I wonder if the people inside realized they had 3 bears in their yard?
Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
Ministry Update (Revised 5/12)
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“Farther Along”
August 24, 2012
Yesterday we stopped by a rural produce stand. As Brooksyne purchased some produce we were entertained by this rooster, including several cock-a-doodle-doos.
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“Farther Along”
Today an old gospel song “Farther Along” comes to mind. It has this poignant line expressing “Sometimes I wonder why I must suffer.” Well in truth when I am in the midst of a trial I wonder this more than sometimes!
Last Sunday our pastor, John Keefer, preached a sermon on trials. These types of messages tend to pull on the heart strings and following the service Brooksyne had a time of ministry with a friend who has been going through a long painful trial. As they departed Brooksyne gave her a comforting hug as she also prayed with her. It would have made a great photo for a theme we shared Tuesday on ordinary Christians demonstrating the love of Christ, but it was just too personal.
The daily Scripture portion presents a vital perspective on trials. The last portion is a simple truth all of us, even a young child, can attest to: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.”
The context draws a parallel between the discipline of a loving earthly father and that of our loving heavenly Father. Among the clear Biblical mandates for a father is the discipline of his children. Our heavenly Father also disciplines His children and we know at times His discipline (not to be confused with punishment) may certainly not be pleasant and may indeed be painful.
A tremendous truth that we do well to settle deep in our hearts is that “God disciplines us for our good.” One of Pastor’s points dealt with God’s sovereignty in our trials and the aspect which we know deep in our hearts to be true; that God is good and has our best interests in mind.
There is a promised consequence to God’s discipline in trials: “Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Especially note the two words “later on”. “Later on” is unspecific as to the timing and this is what makes it so very hard. So many of us are waiting for that “later on” to take place in our life, not knowing when it will take place. But God’s Word is sure and His promises are steadfast. “God disciplines us for our good.”
Some of you are in the very midst of a discipline that is by no means pleasant. In fact it may be very painful. Perhaps you’ve been let down and disappointed. You just can’t figure out what God is up to in your life. You may even feel forsaken. And at this time you don’t have any idea how your situation will ever work out. (I’ve experienced all the above).
Consider those words “later on” and the wonderful promise of God that follows. Let it minister to your heart and fill you with hope and encouragement as you diligently wait for that most certain “later on” that will come to pass. Indeed,
farther along we’ll understand why.
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We’ll understand it all by and by.”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we live in a world where “waiting” seems almost inconceivable for everyday needs. Because of marvelous technological breakthroughs we get instant mail, same day deliveries, immediate test results, meals in two minutes, and the list goes on and on. But, Lord, You work in our lives day after day, year after year and season upon season. Father, You are developing fruit in our lives as we are in the waiting process. We’ve seen faithfulness, self-control, endurance, patience and other fruit grow in our spiritual walk as we endure the rod of discipline. May it bring about the peaceful fruit of righteousness that is a result of our sharing in Your holiness as we undergo discipline. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
“A Story of Eternal Perspective” is one of the most remarkable testimonies I have ever read concerning this topic of “Farther Along”. This version is on Randy Alcorn’s blog.
Brooksyne just processed 7 & 1/2 dozen ears of corn for freezing and I asked her to share the process for any who may be interested but are unfamiliar with the process. We began with a large batch of freshly picked corn from a friend’s farm. I had the rather inglorious, laborious, inauspicious job of shucking it outside in the hot sun! (Brooksyne’s edit begins here: Beware, alert readers, that Stephen wrote the description of his labor, not me.)
Some of the ears of corn Stephen shucked
Next comes the scrubbing and removal of extra silks. Don’t resent those messy silks since there is a kernel for every silk you remove. So, the more silk you have the more kernels you have!
The corn must be blanched (boiled in hot water) 5 minutes. (Five minutes for 2″ diameter corn though canning books vary on amount of boiling time. All agree that boiling time starts after ears have been dropped in water and boiling restarts.
Corn is then dropped in ice water to stop the cooking process for the same amount of time as blanching process (5 minutes).
Then comes the removal of the kernels
Corn here, there and everywhere
Corn is then bagged. I found a neat bag holding gadget while traveling in Indiana that holds plastic bags open for filling. It adjusts for various sizes and is a great help when you need more than two hands – well worth the modest $3.00 I paid for a handy canning/freezing tool.
Da Da! 55 bags of corn (2 Cups in each sandwich bag. I then stuff 4 of the filled sandwich bags into 1 gallon freezer bags.) That’s one vegetable serving per week over the next year for our small family. Corn is one vegetable that is superb in flavor when processed at home compared to canned corn or frozen corn in the grocery aisle.
Another version by Legacy Five Video
Another version by the Heritage Singers! Video
The lyrics to the song were written in 1911 by Rev. W.A. Fletcher, an itinerant preacher, while he was travelling to the Indian Territories by train. Fletcher was feeling depressed because his wife was expecting their first-born child in a few weeks and he wouldn’t be present for the occasion. He felt that his priorities were with his ministry in the Indian Territories and wrote the lyrics to reflect his frame of mind at the time. Sitting next to him on the train was J. R. Baxter, a gospel music promoter who was quite taken with the lyrics that Fletcher was writing and offered him $2.00 for them. Mr. Baxter subsequently had them put to music and the song has been quite popular in the gospel music arena ever since. The song deals with a Christian’s dismay at the apparent prosperity of the wicked, when contrasted with the suffering of the righteous. The repeated theme is that, in Heaven, the truth will be revealed.
Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder
Why it should be thus all the day long;
While there are others living about us,
Never molested, though in the wrong.
Refrain:
Farther along we’ll know more about it,
Farther along we’ll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We’ll understand it all by and by.
Sometimes I wonder why I must suffer,
Go in the rain, the cold, and the snow,
When there are many living in comfort,
Giving no heed to all I can do.
Tempted and tried, how often we question
Why we must suffer year after year,
Being accused by those of our loved ones,
E’en though we’ve walked in God’s holy fear.
Often when death has taken our loved ones,
Leaving our home so lone and so drear,
Then do we wonder why others prosper,
Living so wicked year after year.
“Faithful till death,” saith our loving Master;
Short is our time to labor and wait;
Then will our toiling seem to be nothing,
When we shall pass the heavenly gate.
Soon we will see our dear, loving Savior,
Hear the last trumpet sound through the sky;
Then we will meet those gone on before us,
Then we shall know and understand why.
Finally today:
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
Ministry Update (Revised 5/12)
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“Heartbreak Hill” (Lessons from Life’s Marathon Part 4)
April 19, 2012
We are at the peak of spring beauty and this is one of our views along Donegal Creek.
Click on photo to see a larger, more detailed image.
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“Heartbreak Hill” (Lessons from Life’s Marathon Part 4)
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1b).
We arrived about an hour before the first race participants came through and found a nice place on the sidewalk to get a good view. The first contestants were not runners, but wheelchair bound participants, who had a fifteen-minute head start from the runners. These weren’t regular wheelchairs like you see in a nursing home but racing machines with superb pumped up athletes.
Still the hill was a particular challenge for them. Their grimaces said it all… they were giving it all they had to give. The din of the crowd rose as each runner ever so slowly climbed the gentle grade, at times appearing to be running in place. One was so weary the chair started to roll backwards but suddenly he regrouped and surged forward as the shouts of encouragement from the crowd urged him on. Brooksyne and I both teared up as several runners looked directly at us with pained expressions of appreciation at our cheering them on.
The first runners to pass were a group of Kenyans who looked as though they’d hardly broken sweat. We stayed at our place on Heartbreak Hill until the first women runners came through and then walked back to the city along the course. By this time there was a steady stream of runners which continued throughout the afternoon. Clustered crowds of spectators grew larger as we walked closer toward the city. I find it remarkable that the runners had the benefit of encouragers cheering them on through the entire marathon course! Overall the cheers are non-discriminating and merely urge the runners to keep on going.
A spiritual “heartbreak hill” is an experience that virtually all believers will encounter. Maybe you’ve had yours. If so, you’re sure to experience more. Undoubtedly some of you are at the apex of a heartbreaking situation as you read this. The Scriptures speak of the Christian life as a race. Being a former competitive runner this has always interested me.
Our daily text is one such Scripture. The word I want to focus on is “perseverance”. This translates a Greek word which conveys the sense of “hopeful endurance, constancy, to have fortitude”. In its root sense it means, “to bear up under”. Today my word of encouragement to my fellow runners in this spiritual marathon, some who are presently climbing Heartbreak Hill: “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3).
A couple of observations for spiritual runners, who join me in “running with perseverance the race marked out for us”:
1) Encouragement is vital! We can all encourage fellow runners. The spectators at the Boston marathon had one major motivation; to cheer on fellow humans to reach the goal of finishing the marathon. Only a handful of elite runners had a realistic chance at actually winning the race in each class. The goal of most of the 22,000 runners was to merely finish. In this Christian race there is no single winner, but we desire that all of our fellow runners make it to the finish. We encourage them as we run alongside them in our mutual spiritual race.
2) The marathon we are in will have a heartbreak hill, probably several of them. These are the times when we may be especially prone to quitting. John Bunyan in his classic “Pilgrim’s Progress” speaks of the “Hill of Difficulty”. At times like this we especially need the grace of perseverance. Keep on keeping on today and every day. The Apostle Paul surely had many “heartbreak hills” but he could say in his final book “I have finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7). (This will be the verse for our final lesson in this marathon series.) He persevered. By God’s sufficient grace we can too and what a finish that will be!
At the crest of heartbreak hill near Boston College the runners get their first glimpse of the Boston skyline where they will cross the finish line. We caught sight of one encourager’s sign that read, “Heartbreak is over, you’re on your way home”. What a powerful spiritual reality!
So often at the crest of our own spiritual heartbreak hills we also get a glimpse of the finish line. Following the call to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” Hebrews 12 goes on to say, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus” (v. 2). Fellow runners, we will make the finish line if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the One who cheers us on from the beginning of our race all the way to the finish line where we run into His arms!
So keep running today, my friend; you’re on your way home.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, the Bible indicates that the spiritual race is not for the faint-hearted, for it is a long, arduous race. At times this weary runner is tempted to give up when the obstacles seem insurmountable and the finish line is far from view. But then You remind us through the Word that we are to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. We can plod the paths of righteousness because Jesus showed us the way through His faithful example, His stirring teachings, His uncompromising principles, and His words of encouragement. There’s a race to be run and there are victories to be won, so keep us on track as we fix our eyes on Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.
PS: Our experience in watching the Boston Marathon included other illustrations that touch my heart such as:
- The runner who turned around and shouted a word of encouragement to a wheelchair participant as he passed him on heartbreak hill.
- The wheelchair participant who apparently had no arms or legs that was pushed the entire race.
- The man that ran the entire race with his baby on his back!
- A 28-year-old heart transplant recipient who finished the race.
- The loud applause given to weary runners as they got on the packed train at the train stops after the finish line.
Here’s an interesting note regarding the derivation of the name Heartbreak Hill: Shortly after the 25km mark, the road starts going up a series of hills, named the Newton Hills. These hills never reach truly high elevations, but their position after 25km of running, when glycogen stores are likely to have run out, can break even the toughest runner. The last of the four hills is known as Heartbreak Hill.
This hill does not, as one may think, get its name from the many runners being heartbroken from the fact that they have to conquer yet another ascent, but the name does originate in the Boston Marathon. In the 1936 race defending champion, John A. Kelley, caught up with race leader, Ellison ‘Tarzan’ Brown, giving him a consolatory pat on the shoulder as he passed him. This overbearing gesture apparently gave Tarzan supernatural strength, and he went on to win the race in front of Kelley. In the words of a local journalist, the outcome of this act of nemesis ‘broke Kelley’s heart’. *
This week our series is on lessons from life’s marathon.
Monday: “Running In The Path Of His Commands”
Tuesday: “The Start of Life’s Marathon”
Wednesday: “The Disciplines of Life’s Marathon”
Today: “The Heartbreak Hills of Life’s Marathon”
Friday: “The Finish of Life’s Marathon”
Loretha Joe, a long time friend of my mother, who lives in Independence Missouri shared this photo she took of wide eyed baby robins nesting in an old gas light that has been disconnected.“My Redeemer Lives” Video Nicole Nordeman This song is played with images of a father son team with an incredible story. Here’s a news story on the Hoyt Team. Video
“Runner” Video Twila Paris
“It’ll Be Worth It After All” Video Terry Terrell
“Take Time To Be Holy” Video Choir
“The Hour I First Believed” Video Karen Peck and New River
“He Who Began A Good Work In You” Video Steve Green
“A New Name In Glory” Video Gaither Homecoming singers
“Find Us Faithful” Video Let There be Praise Singers
I chose this song recalling these lines,
And those who’ve gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace.
Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who’ve gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives
“It Will Be Worth It All” Video A group of Canadian young adults at a camp in Nova Scotia. This song has a line I recalled in the message that states “so bravely run the race till we see Christ”.
Ministry Update (Revised 12/11)
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“Living By Faith”
January 31, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
A sunrise view from our home on a cold winter’s morning
(though we have no snow on the ground presently).
Listen to this message on your audio player
“Living By Faith”
Yesterday I received a call from Jim, a long time friend from New Jersey. He shared a burden concerning his oldest son who has been very sick the last couple of weeks and has a cancer diagnosis. Jim and his wife are carrying a heavy burden for their son and his family. When uncertainty about the future surmounts it can seem like we are in a dense cloud. And yet Jim gave testimony of how he already sees the Lord working in the matter. We prayed together over the phone for God’s guidance and sustaining strength. We dedicate today’s message to Jim and Dorothy and all who face sorrows like sea billows rolling.
We’ve all experienced times when our vision is impaired due to thick fog. It can be extremely unsettling when we’re behind the steering wheel of a car and we can’t see if we’re veering into the other lane or toward the ditch. In northern Pennsylvania we sometimes dealt with a whiteout in the winter. But we also have experienced the thick clouds of trial, as described by the hymnwriter who wrote, “when darkness veils His lovely face.”
I recall a trip many years ago when I lived in New England and had a meeting in Washington DC. Returning to Providence, RI I had difficulty getting out due to the heavy fog which canceled many flights. I actually had to stay all night at the airport (too cheap to rent a room) and early the next morning the fog was still so thick that you could barely see the planes pulled up next to the terminal.
But by mid morning the fog in the Washington area lifted and it was a beautiful day when I finally boarded the plane to return to Providence. The pilot announced that the weather in Providence was very similar to the way it had been in Washington earlier that morning. That was assuring!
On the way to Providence I could see out the window the thick clouds below us. After we descended we were surrounded by dense clouds and I could see nothing out the plane window as I intently looked for the first glimpse of the ground on the way down. We were getting very close to landing, yet we were still engulfed in clouds. Just as we crossed the access road around the airport, at the very end of the runway the ground finally appeared and within seconds we were on the ground. That’s always a great feeling, and especially so on that trip!
The pilot could see no more from the front of the plane than I could see out the side of the plane. He had to rely entirely on the instruments to land the plane safely. He was carefully following a glide path, which indicated his course as he lined up to the runway. Too high, too low, or off-center were all indicated by the instrumentation that he meticulously followed since he couldn’t visually line up for the landing. He was essentially flying by faith in the accuracy of these instruments and not by sight!
What a wonderful illustration of faith as we navigate through the clouds of life. God has provided absolutely reliable instrumentation in His Word. Truly we can say, “The Lord is faithful to all His promises” (Psalms 145:13b).
“We live by faith, not by sight”. Some of you are doubtlessly going through very thick clouds right now in your life and perhaps there’s even unexpected turbulence. By faith recognize the integrity of God’s promises and trust God. He’s forever faithful!
But we like to see don’t we? We like to know what’s going on, and we especially like to be in control of our circumstances. Much of the time we believe we really are. We think we have it all figured out. However we must remember the wise proverb, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
God wants each step of our earthly journey to be a step of faith so that our eyes are not focused on the situation nearly so much as they are focused on Him and the continuing work He is doing in our lives. If our physical vision is limited then we will more fully rely on our spiritual vision and see that God providentially allows these foggy periods in our life for His glory and for our good. Just as the fog required the pilots to rely on their instruments rather than their sight, so our trials will cause us to focus on God, our faith and the eternal, which is where our focus should be.
Earlier I quoted a phrase from a hymn that expresses my heart today: “When darkness veils His lovely face”. Those who know the hymns can complete the sentence, “I rest on His unchanging grace.” Oh, for this blessed assurance to be upon each of our readers today is our prayer, especially those experiencing life in the clouds!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father help us to have the kind of faith prescribed in Hebrews 11:1 where “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” It is the kind of faith that is triumphant in the worst of circumstances because our faith in Christ is the victory that overcomes the world. We will not be overcome by life’s circumstances but we will overcome by the blood of the Lamb. Praise God! Amen.
“It Is Well” Video Musician not identified. Something that struck me when viewing the lyrics to this song and following yesterday’s study on the Gospel is the clear presentation of the Gospel in this song!
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
This is a familiar hymn story but this account has some additional details some may be unaware of:
This hymn was written after several traumatic events in Spafford’s life. The first was the death of his son in 1871 at the age of four, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer). Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the SS Ville du Havre, but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sailing ship, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford’s daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone . . .”. Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.
Bliss called his tune Ville du Havre, from the name of the stricken vessel.
The Spaffords later had three more children, one of whom (a son) died in infancy. In 1881 the Spaffords, including baby Bertha and newborn Grace, set sail for Israel. The Spaffords moved to Jerusalem and helped found a group called the American Colony; its mission was to serve the poor.
Although the original manuscript reads “know” at the end of the third line, almost all recordings and written reproductions read “say”. (SCW note: Interesting in light of Romans 8:28)
“Living By Faith” Video This old hymn came to mind as I prepared today’s message. I don’t suppose too many these days have even heard of it.
“Till The Storm Passes By” Video An unspecified choir
Brooksyne’s Note: This morning I invited my sister, Elaine, to sip some coffee with me from mugs I got at our local Thrift Store. They’re made by Frankhoma Pottery which is located only about three miles from the home where we grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma so I was delighted when I spotted them a few months back. You know what it’s like to find an item or a person that takes you back in memory to your childhood years. In fact we’ve been on a sentimental journey for the past three days during our visit together. She and her husband, Steve, reside in New Braunfels, TX and headed back in that direction today in their massive RV. Steve has prostate cancer so we dedicate today’s message to him and Elaine (in addition to Jim and Dorothy), as they courageously deal with the all the medicines, treatments, and painful symptoms that result from this disease. Elaine is an attentive, loving caregiver to Steve and my heart is warmed by her diligence and dedication to his many needs.Ministry Update (Revised 12/11)
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“Misunderstanding Discipline”
June 8, 2011
A colorful flower basket arranged by Brooksyne.Listen to this message on your audio player.“Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:9-11). ”God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
We have a small utility barn constructed by a previous owner. It’s one of the most unique features of our property and we often get favorable comments regarding its design. It’s one of the best ways to identify our home! Constructed of salvaged boards from an old barn, it is rather rough but is quite functional. I have a workshop on the lower level and storage in a large “loft” area upstairs. It’s a real blessing that even though I am tall I can still walk around in the loft without hitting my head!
Periodically birds manage to get in through openings in the eaves. After a few circles of flying over their new locale they head back to their home nest but many become directionally challenged, much like people who can’t remember if they arrived at a location coming from the east or the west. Without landmarks they’re likely to go the wrong direction when heading back to their original destination. Yesterday a mourning dove flew in the barn and, for several hours, tried to exit through the closed window. I went upstairs and opened the window so the dove could fly out but it continued to try going through the glass.
Finally I took a long stick and intentionally scared the bird in order to get it down to the open area and finally it flew out, free at last. I considered the terror I likely added to the bird’s day when I took the stick to guide it out. I knew my intention but the bird didn’t!
The Bible characterizes God as a loving Father who disciplines His children. As the discipline is being administered we may not understand and might even confuse discipline with an attempt to harm. In fact I’m quite sure the bird misunderstood my intentions and saw my long stick as a weapon to harm rather than a tool to help.
The daily Scripture portion is so instructive. We should memorize it and hide it deep within our hearts. But let us consider just this phrase, “God disciplines us for our good.”
Our heavenly Father’s discipline is extremely difficult to accept in the midst of a trial. We may very well pray and plead with God for another way and prayers like these are often answered as we desire. But we also experience situations where such is not the case. In the process of discipline it may seem that our prayers are unanswered. We may begin to entertain negative thoughts such as, “Does God really care?”
We tend to misunderstand God’s discipline. We so often don’t know the whys and wherefores! At the time the discipline may be painful and frightening, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.”
Some of you are presently going through a time of discipline. You’re wondering what God is doing, why He’s doing it and how long it will take. You may not see a way out of the circumstances that encircle you.
Through the work of the Holy Spirit, may you come to realize that this may very well be part of the disciplining process of our loving heavenly Father. You may not be able to see the benefits at the present time, but Jesus does, since He sees the past, present and future. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He is in all and through all and He will see you through this tumultuous chapter of your life’s journey. He has much blessing in store for those who remain faithful and trusting in the midst of the discipline so that at a future date, “it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Loving Father, when our earthly fathers discipline us, it is intended for immediate correction and future application. At the time it is painful and a humiliation of sorts. And with You, Father, Your discipline is not pleasant at the time but painful. We stand upon Your promise that later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those of us who are trained by it. It transforms our thinking, shapes our values, and adapts our behavior so that we become more and more like Christ who teaches us to forsake this world and embrace the eternal kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy through the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“Farther Along” Video The Grascals Now this is really country bluegrass with a great bagpipe intro!
“Farther Along” Video Gaither Homecoming series
Farther along we’ll understand why.
Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine,
We’ll understand it all by and by.
Tempted and tried we’re oft made to wonder,
Why it should be thus all the day long.
While there are others living about us,
Never molested though in the wrong.
When death has come and taken our loved ones,
It leaves our home so lonely and drear.
Then do we wonder why others prosper,
Living so wicked year after year.
Faithful till death said our loving Master,
A few more days to labor and wait.
Toils of the road will then seem as nothing,
As we sweep through the beautiful gate.
When we see Jesus coming in glory,
When He comes from His home in the sky.
Then we shall meet Him in that bright mansion,
We’ll understand it all by and by.
“All Your Promises Are True” Video Shannon Wexelburg
“He’s Always Been Faithful To Me” Video Sara Groves This song has such an interesting beginning and great lyrics
“He Giveth More Grace” Video Maranatha Singers
Stephen’s Note: One of the most helpful books I have ever read on trusting God in times of His discipline is a book simply titled “Trusting God” by Jerry Bridges.
Trusting God By Jerry Bridges / NAV Press
Does trusting God come easily to you—until adversity strikes? Amid troubles and tribulation, do you sometimes doubt whether he really cares? Exploring three essential truths about God—his complete sovereignty, his infinite wisdom, and his perfect love—Bridges shows you how to rely on God implicitly in every circumstance. 240 pages, softcover from NavPress. You can read an excerpt of the book online. Ordering information
Please help us continue this free encouragement ministry
Ministry Update (Revised 12/31/10)
“In All This”
June 10, 2010
Lancaster County, PA
Listen to this message on your audio player.
Brooksyne and I are both currently suffering from a bad reaction to Urushiol oil, better known as the active ingredient in poison ivy. Last week we were clearing some brush in our backyard and without realizing it came into contact with the poison ivy plant.
I have a mild poison ivy rash on my arms. Brooksyne has it much worse with the rash on her arms, face and legs. Any of you who have ever had poison ivy are aware of the intense itching associated with it. In bad cases of ivy poison I identify (to a small extent) with Job’s suffering. The Scripture records that in trying to find relief from his skin disease (boils) he “took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes” (Job 2:8). This makes me wonder if Job’s affliction included severe itching! In fact I brought in a shard of broken pottery to Brooksyne; she chuckled, thought about it for a second but didn’t use it.
I’ve had poison ivy many times before, beginning as a kid on a Boy Scout campout as I recall. I sensed when I was weeding I was into some and went in to wash off my arms and face but apparently not soon enough.
Brooksyne on the other hand didn’t get a poison ivy rash until she was a junior in college. She has a memory from childhood of seeing a patch of poison ivy near the neighborhood pond that her family swam in each summer. The children were warned about the poison ivy, but still some of the family members would get it and then be pampered or their work load on the farm was lightened due to their irritable rash. Foolishly Brooksyne sat in the patch on a number of occasions when no one was around thinking if she got the rash she too would get out of work. But interestingly she never did get it. (She certainly has a different perspective about “the rash” now and would quickly say, work is much more appealing than itching.)
However, we are aware that this present affliction, however uncomfortable, will soon pass and that in several days we both expect to be back to normal.
We wonder how we would feel if we had no idea if and when we might get relief from this affliction. Consider God’s servant Job. Of course his suffering was much, much greater than ours. He lost his wealth, his children, his health, his important position in Uz. As if that weren’t enough he also endured a nagging wife throughout his horrible ordeal!
Throughout the book he had no idea how long he would suffer or if he would ever get relief. Yet he continued to place his faith in God and of course was eventually vindicated. What a powerful perspective of steadfast faith is expressed in the daily text, “In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.”
Some of you are facing situations where you just don’t see the way out. Whether it’s a health matter, marital conflict, loneliness or any other seemingly hopeless situation, the book of Job teaches us that there is divine activity taking place that we don’t always see and that God will in His time make a way.
He will do the same for you. Keep trusting God today even in the midst of your affliction. “In all this” (whatever the “this” is) God will prove Himself dependable and will work things out “for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Lord, I realize today that many of my brothers and sisters are going through some very hard times. Some of them are in what seems like a dark tunnel of despair and they do not see any light at the end. That sure was a way Job might have felt. Renew our assurance today of your steadfast love and care even in the midst of our trial. Send means of hope and encouragement today to uplift us in our faith. May we, by faith, see that glorious light that is always at the end of the tunnel. Amen.
Poison Ivy remedy/preventive: The other day we were discussing Brooksyne’s serious outbreak of poison ivy with some friends. One shared a story when he was child and his mother repeatedly got poison ivy from milking the cows. (The cows had apparently walked through a patch and gotten the oil on their udders. Two summers ago Brooksyne caught ivy from our dog Roxie who had run through a patch and afterward jumped up on her.)
Anyway my friend told us that his mother made a sandwich and put poison ivy leaves in the middle in an apparent attempt to overcome the allergy should she come across it again. Whether this was the reason or not only God knows, but she never had poison ivy again! Note: Please consult professional advice before eating a poison ivy sandwich! We’ve also been told there are side affects, so beware.
A note from a reader: Yesterday we shared about the experience a non-Mennonite had in an older order Mennonite church service. A reader who is a member of one of these churches sent the following note with additional clarification (interesting to read her perspective) and gave me her permission to share it:
I am a member of a ‘Horning’ Mennonite Church, and I read with interest the note from a reader in your message. I wanted to clarify a few things (from my perspective) about what was written. It was interesting to hear what a visitor’s perceptions might be. It has been the custom for the young boys to come into the church house after the singing has already begun in a Sunday morning service. But they are encouraged to enter before the singing starts and that has been the norm at a lot of the congregations nowadays. The elder that was referred to as walking back and forth and glaring, was probably an usher making sure everyone had a place to sit, as the sanctuary is usually pretty well filled by that time. Also, texting during services is highly discouraged. (Note from Stephen: As it should be in all church services!)
You might be aware of this, but another clarification. The official name of the Horning group is Weaverland Conference Mennonites, and the Old Order Horse and Buggy Mennonites official name is Groffdale Conference. Both groups are considered Old Order though, and the Weaverland Conference group has been commonly referred to as Hornings in years past. The Groffdale Conference group are often called Wengers or Horse and Buggy Mennonites. The Black Bumper name has all but disappeared, because while the cars are still required to be painted black, the bumpers are not, except for those members who are ordained to the ministry.
I don’t know if you will want to publish this, or not, but I thought maybe it would help to bring clarity to a few of the things that were written. Although as I mentioned, everyone views life and it’s experiences differently. I enjoy your messages, and usually read them every day.
Our dog Roxie sure enjoys making trips with us
and seems to be smiling in this photo!
(In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.)
“Blessed Be Your Name” Video This song, which many of us have sung is based at least in part on Job’s experience.
“It Will Be Worth It All” Video This is not the version I was looking for but is a powerful expression of faith.
“It Will Be Worth It All” Video Another version I have never heard before with beautiful acapella singing! This is followed by the version I am familiar with.
“It Will Be Worth It All” Video An instrumental version of the song I was initially searching for. And finally I found a vocal version! Video
“It’s Gonna Be Worth It” Video
“Trust His Heart” Video
Please help us continue this free encouragement ministry
“Genuine Faith”
June 9, 2010
Yesterday we passed a number of beautiful farm scenes and I liked the various color contrasts in this scene due to the barley harvest (yellow field in center), although the photo really doesn’t do it justice!
Listen to this message on your audio player.
“Genuine Faith”
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6,7).
Last night we went to a minister’s picnic near Carlisle, Pennsylvania and enjoyed the pulled pork from a freshly roasted pig in addition to all the other side dishes and desserts that were brought!
We visited with Harold Crosby, a longtime friend and mentor, in our ministry. I first met Harold shortly after moving to Pennsylvania when Brooksyne and I planted a church in 1977. He is a zealous servant of Christ and at nearly 94 he’s slowed down a bit but still demonstrates the qualities of earnest faith. He excitedly told us that he just read through the Bible (again) within the past seven months.
My most poignant memory of Harold took place shortly after I met him. I sat right behind him in a council meeting shortly after his first wife died and he was so emotionally distraught that he freely expressed his feelings of loss to the ministers present. But he went on, living by faith, and God sent him another wonderful mate in due time.
Now over thirty years later his wife, Liz, is in a nursing home and he goes every morning to visit with her. They share devotions and pray together during his morning visits. He still lives in the very home he has lived in for nearly fifty years. Although he has his family and many friends nearby it’s a hard phase in his bonus years. His faith is being proved genuine as he continues to trust God to watch over him and Liz and their daily needs in addition to the unexpected challenges they will inevitably face.
Brooksyne has been memorizing the daily text (actually 1 Peter 1:3-9) and in the process I hear her repeating the verses aloud as she goes about her work or as we travel in the car. We are also sharing it in the course of our pastoral and chaplain care duties and it’s a portion I seem to be learning by osmosis!
This morning I awoke with the phrase, “your faith – of greater worth than gold” which kept going over and over in my mind. Indeed what a blessing it is to have faith which is far greater than any material possession we might own, including gold that has great value in part due to its extensive and extreme purifying process!
The apostle Peter writes to all believers through the sacred Scriptures in the daily text: “For a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” I am sure there are common types of trials that we share today that are similar to the early recipients of this letter. They also endured trials specifically related to their time period of which we cannot relate.
Trials do not appear to be distributed equally. Some sure seem to deal with trials more than others. I just got off the phone with Joe, a longtime friend, whose wife will have a lung transplant today. Joe is keeping his faith and believing God will see his wife through this very critical surgery.
But I am gripped with the phrase in the daily text, “these have come” referring to “all kinds of trials.” The Apostle Peter goes on to explain their purpose, “so that your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” The trials that come our way have a purpose and we can be assured that all we endure through trial is under God’s control.
Today I know some of you are going through an extensive trial and at times you are very discouraged. A sermon Charles Spurgeon once preached reminds us of the value of trials: “Expect trial, also, because trial is the very element of faith. One cannot be sure that faith is true faith until it is tried faith. It is not worth having till it has been fitly tested and brought to the touchstone of trial.”
This testing of our faith is difficult but necessary. May the Lord fill our hearts today with assurance of His steadfast love and care, so that we may indeed “greatly rejoice” even in the midst of our trial. Remember, above all and through all, God is proving the sincerity of our faith. Let us not resent the refining process as we prove the genuineness and depth of our faith.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, in our trials we can greatly rejoice when we remember that you are giving us opportunity to prove the sincerity of our faith. We have living hope that is not diminished by trial but grows with anticipation as we contemplate our eternal inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for us as it is shielded by Your power. As our faith is proven genuine we bring praise, glory, and honor to Jesus and we learn to exercise and grow the fruit of endurance in our lives. Be glorified in and through us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Yesterday we stopped by Messiah Village, a nursing home near Harrisburg, and visited for awhile with Naomi Wolgemuth. Naomi is always pleased to see us and introduces us to her many friends, over and over stating, “This is my pastor and his wife.”
Naomi had a very interesting ministry for many years that we will hope to write about in a coming daily encouragement message. For fifty years she planted flowers
in front of her home on a bank along a well-travelled road that had an inspirational message!That reminds me of an appeal I meant to make yesterday to my fellow pastors who read this material. Visit your shut-ins. Although we serve as chaplains in a nursing home and find it is a rewarding form of ministry we do not replace the connection the residents desire to have with their pastor and friends from their home church. Yet I regularly hear from these people that they do not receive visits from their pastors and they feel feel forgotten by their church friends. However, let me recall and honor, Bob Malick, a pastor in my community I would regularly see sitting and patiently visiting with a member of his church even though the man was in a state of dementia. That man has since passed on. See
Hebrews 6:10
On the way to our picnic we stopped by to visit Joe and Jesse Carroll, who now live in Carlisle, PA. They were in an interim church we served several years ago near Harrisburg. For many years Joe served with faithfulness and integrity as the treasurer of the church. They are a gracious couple with a deep love for each other and the Lord. It’s a blessing that we can still stay connected through daily encouragement net!
We received this note from a reader in response to yesterday’s message on an Amish Youth Hymn Sing: I have friends in Pennsylvania who are Old Order Mennonite and recently the father built a large structure on their farm for the specific reason of holding these youth singings. (He has 9 daughters and two sons!) I was there in April and although my friends are Old Order, one of them, a local teacher, accompanied me to a Horning Mennonite Church. The Horning group, as you probably know, are also called Black Bumper Mennonites as they drive cars that are black only. I also have a white van, so I know what it feels like to pull up in such a contrasting color! (Although it is better than red, I suppose). Anyhow, the Hornings share a church building with the Old Orders and also wear plain clothing. What was interesting, but a little odd, was that at the end of the first hymn all the young men came literally trooping in making a lot of noise as they made their way to their seats. An elder, got up and paced in front of the area where the young men sit and gave them glaring looks. I suppose this is a regular occurrence that the church has not put a stop to yet. What I did notice was that during the service, one or two plain dressing boys were text messaging their friends!!! It was such an unusual sight. Anyhow, the sermon was in English which was good since my German is rusty. Oh, and I also forgot to turn off my cell phone and had to do it quietly less the ring interrupt the service. That would not have been good!
Stephen’s note: We have also attended Horning Mennonite church services on several occasions and that is the faith of our neighbors. This summer we will be attending their daughter’s wedding and will probably have the only white van in the parking lot (again)! I also have a friend who is a Horning Mennonite minister who demonstrates an earnest faith in Christ.
Also, I regularly visit with Elvin, a man who is in the Mennonite group that still uses horse and buggies, and have a standing invitation to attend his church. He told me the services were normally in German but that if I came the preacher would speak in English. Here’s a photo I took one Sunday morning as I passed the meeting house.
Today’s Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
(In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.)
“Living By Faith” Video This old hymn came to mind as I prepared today’s message.
“Wrap Me In Your Arms” Video Last night at the picnic I visited with Kristian Walker, a local Christian musician, we have appreciated for a number of years. He sings an outstanding song I have never heard apart from his version titled “God Is In Control” that would have fit so well with today’s message but I was unable to find an online version.
“Our God Is In Control” Video
I did come across this very thoughtful song by Steven Curtis Chapman, who has kept faith through the very mysterious death of his young daughter. This song was written from his heart following that event.“Revelation Song” Video Another song sung by the Kristian Walker Band.
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