“The Attractiveness Of Sin”
September 21, 2018
(Click on photo to enlarge)
Yesterday I was visiting with Linford, who showed me a Spotted lanternfly, which prior to this I had never heard of before. It is an attractive insect as you can see by the photo I took.
But Linford went on to tell me the Spotted lanternfly, although attractive, is actually an invasive and destructive insect causing considerable danger to plants and forests here in southeast, PA. It was recently introduced to the US and is thought to have arrived in 2014 in a shipping container, likely at the Port of Philadelphia, which handles more than 50,000 shipping containers a month. More produce comes through this port than any other in the nation. This article headline states, “Spotted lanternfly battle is on: Can Pennsylvania stop this invasive threat to trees and plants?” (link below)
Today let us consider invasive pests in our own lives. Sometimes like the Spotted dragonfly they’re attractive, unlike another, rather ugly pest which we have sure have had enough of – the stinkbug! By the way the stinkbug is also believed to have its US origins here in Pennsylvania; the first documented specimen was collected in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in September, 1998. Now we have plenty of them and although I have been known to tease children by stating we put them on pizza as a topping that’s not an appetizing notion!
Sin can certainly be attractive and pleasurable. After all, the writer of Hebrews forthrightly refers to “the pleasures of sin”. I have an ex-con friend who is an overcoming addict and I asked him to explain to me why partaking of an utterly destructive substance, like heroin, is so appealing. He told me to consider something considered pleasurable that most of us have experienced (he was actually quite explicit), and then to imagine an intensity of pleasure ten times that. Now that would be tempting! In fact his explanation is probably the most helpful I’ve ever heard regarding the incredible appeal of drugs.
As followers of Christ we can so readily be seduced by the attractiveness of sin. Just as my initial observation of the Spotted lanternfly was “that’s sure an attractive bug” so is sin’s appeal. As faithful followers of Christ we must ever be on our guard against this seduction. I consider these candid words to the old hymn, “I Must Tell Jesus”.O how my heart is tempted to sin”
Sadly, a few moments of sinful pleasure is often exchanged for a lifetime of sorrow, scars and regret. Dabbling in sin can lead us where we never intended to go, hold us much longer than we ever planned to stay and hurt more people than we could ever have imagined.
Finally today, let us consider the wonderful joy and lasting pleasures in living for Christ. I can proclaim with the Psalmist, “You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand” (Psalm 16:11). Let us resist the passing “pleasures of sin” and fully embrace the “eternal pleasures” extended to us by our loving Father!
Be encouraged today,Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, as we read about Moses we learn a great deal from his act of obedience. His choice to deny himself the enjoyment of the pleasures of sin for a season was foundational to his life. It also provides an example and Biblical foundation for our lives. We’ve gained so much from the spiritual truths taught through Moses’ applied wisdom, his discipline, and his obedience in recording Your truths and principles. Help us not to partake of the forbidden fruit that litters the path of life however attractive and pleasurable it may be. Help us to keep our eyes on the eternal pleasures that await us as we walk in obedience to You. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
We stopped by the Village Farm Market for lunch yesterday and it was in full autumn mode including pumpkin pie.(Click on photo to enlarge)
This little boy, riding in the back of an Amish pickup, gave us a big wave when we passed.
Popular now are the adjustable desks that rise so you can stand when you work. Logan, a young engineer at Val-Co, has his entire desk raised on these platforms and uses a high swivel chair when he wants to sit. Pretty nifty in my view!
Last night Brooksyne and Ester served at a Jason Crabb concert here in Lancaster. We have enjoyed his music for several years and are more familiar with Jason’s southern gospel genre. He sang several favorites including “He Knows What He’s Doing”. Brooksyne was impressed with the personal approach he had with those who stood in line to greet him. She indicated that his gifting is music with a powerful spiritual message but he also has a preacher’s heart full of compassion and truth. “Worth” Video Jason Crabb with Voices Of Lee
“Spotted lanternfly battle is on: Can Pennsylvania stop this invasive threat to trees and plants?”
“Operational Freedom”
September 20, 2018
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Listen to our message on your audio player.
“I then, as Paul–an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus” (Philemon 1:9).
About 15 years ago I worked with George Duff who was the general manager of a hotel where I supervised a chaplain team. He “retired” a short time after I met him but has continued in the Lord’s work. Retirement from his secular job freed him up for a greater degree of service in the Lord’s work. In our service Sunday George and his wife Mary were honored for their work for the Lord and the church.
I recall when he had a guest on his radio program and they were discussing preparations for retirement. That was about 15 years ago when the retirement years seemed a long way off for me. Not so much now as I will turn 64 next month and yesterday received information about Medicare.
The guest made a very interesting point sharing that he preferred to use the phrase “operational freedom” to describe the retirement years. Essentially he was describing the greater flexibility available.
That got me thinking then and more so now at this phase of my life. Although I don’t expect to begin to retire for several more years I don’t expect to ever fully retire! Periodically I express in this devotional perspective my personal mission statement: “I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God’s Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life’s goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity.”
I believe we all should have a similar personal mission statement. The lifelong mission of each true disciple of Christ is to influence and impact others in regard to their eternal destiny. Although we surely do so in different ways, we all have this call, whether we’re in “professional” ministry or not. God has a plan for each one of us in the accomplishment of His purpose.
Paul’s conversion on the Damascus road began a long life of service for Christ. Many years later he writes to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave, and identifies himself as an “old man” (the KJV reads “the aged”). Another version renders the passage, “Philemon, before I tell you what I need from you, remember that I’m an old man, and a prisoner at that.”
Paul did not let external conditions hinder his ministry. While in prison and thus very limited and unable to go about establishing churches he did what he could; he wrote letters, several which are a part of our New Testament instead of wallowing in self-pity and a “why me” attitude”.
When he was old he didn’t retire but continued to serve in appropriate ways as God enabled him. In fact it seems he wrote right up to near his time of death. In 2 Timothy he expresses the awareness that “the time has come for my departure” (4:6).
I know that many readers of these daily encouragement messages are older as well. In fact many are “retired”. But I encourage you instead to consider yourselves “operationally free”! There are many ways you can serve. I consider the thousands that are involved in RV mission projects including those who plan to help families devastated by the effects of Hurricane Florence. Veda, my previous church secretary, had been retired from secular work for many years and was such a blessing to me and our church family. Many others come to mind. You are operationally free to use these years for God’s glory and the advancement of His Kingdom. God’s not finished using you!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we’re grateful for the many Christian believers who volunteer their service for the kingdom of God. It is often difficult to get enough hours in a day to fulfill our tasks and still have time for Christian service but we know there is reward in doing so and lives are blessed because of it. For those who are near retirement or those no longer vocationally employed we pray that You would lead them into Christian service that will build up the body of Christ while also fulfilling their calling to “work till Jesus comes when we’ll be gathered home”. Amen.
“Four Essentials to Finishing Well” Message by Jerry Bridges Video
For many years I have been blessed by the ministry of Jerry Bridges (who is now with the Lord). I met him many years ago at Gordon-Conwell.A well done service honoring George and Mary Duff Video
“The Man Who Ate Locusts”
September 19, 2018
Listen to our message on your audio player.“John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey” (Mark 1:6).
Last night and again early this morning I was outside and heard the distinct sound of hundreds, or more likely, thousands of insects.
As the days get shorter and nights cooler the sounds are fading compared to the volume heard in August. It’s a sound I recall hearing wherever I have lived. There is actually a field of science devoted to these sounds known as bioacoustics.
One of the critters making the noise is the locust which brings to mind the colorful prophet John the Baptist. Probably the thing we find most interesting in the daily verse is that John the Baptist ate locusts. After all, we still wear clothing made with animal hair and leather belts. Most of us also enjoy the sweet taste of honey (which is essentially bee spit). We spread honey last night on our corn bread and this morning we’re enjoying honey butter on our biscuits.
But most in our culture draw the line at eating locusts. Entomophagy is the scientific name for insect eating. There are more than 1,450-recorded species of edible insects, many of which are lower in fat, higher in protein, and have a better feed to meat ratio than beef, lamb, pork, or chicken. So locusts were actually a good diet choice for an active prophet!
John the Baptist is one of the most interesting characters in the Bible. His start in life was unusual and his death gruesome. He was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, a godly infertile couple, who were both “well along in years” (or as the KJV colorfully puts it “well stricken in years”).
Zechariah was a priest who had a mighty encounter with an angel of the Lord informing him that he would have a son. I’ve wondered what in the world his wife thought when her speechless husband got home and had that twinkle in his eyes! Anyway, she became pregnant and they received a blessing they surely hadn’t planned for.
John’s mission in life was very clear and he fulfilled it well in his brief lifetime. His mission was summed up in the words, “Prepare the way for the Lord.” Jesus commended him with these words, “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” John died in his early thirties as a result of his stern rebuke of Herod followed by Herod’s order to have him beheaded. (Matthew 14:10)
On this day, as we live out our lives and seek to please God in a world with many Herods, let us recall the faithfulness of John the Baptist. I note particularly his bold declaration to Herod, renouncing his sin. He was not interested in being liked or living on the politically safe side but in speaking out for God’s truth. And for that he literally* lost his head.
May the Lord empower us today to stand as John did no matter the consequences! As the apostle Paul said “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we count our lives on earth as nothing compared to the glory of heaven where we will worship You for all eternity. Among us will be John the Baptist who will tell us of the way He was used to prepare the way for Christ’s mission on earth. We’ll listen with keen interest as Elizabeth tells of how the disgrace she felt among family and peers due to her barren state was lifted after learning of her miraculous pregnancy. Zechariah will speak of his amazing nine month silence before baby John arrived. Heaven will be filled with people through all the centuries who have amazing stories to share. We will be in personal fellowship with each of them; no longer will the time line separate us nor the geographic location. What a glorious day it will be when we come together around Your throne singing Your praise with every generation blending their voices together. We give glory to the Holy One of Israel right now and for all eternity. Amen.
A very early Sunday morning on the way to choir sound check along Donegal Springs Road in Mount Joy. The sun was seeping through the fog and it turned into a refreshing sunny morning after many dismal days of cloud and rain.
“A Prayer To A Holy God”
September 18, 2018
Father, like Isaiah, I was born into a sin-filled world and recognize that I am unclean before You, apart from the saving blood of Jesus Christ. I also declare along with the prophet, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I have unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips” and am made aware of this when I focus upon You the King, the Lord of Hosts. I envision You, high and lifted up with Your glorious raiment filling the temple. Falling to my knees I cry, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty who was, and is and who is to come.” Come, Lord Jesus, come! Amen.For this message, photos, links to music and other resources related to this message see our archive version on the website. https://www.dailyencouragement.net/archives/2018-09-18.htm
“A Lesson From Trains”
September 18, 2018
Thomas the Tank Engine on the Strasburg Railroad.Listen to our message on your audio player.
“In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple” (Isaiah 6:1). “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).This last weekend was one of the more popular weekends for the Strasburg Railroad when Thomas the Tank Engine attracts people from near and far for a special ride. Sunday afternoon we visited our friends on the Old Windmill Farm, celebrated a couple of the children’s birthdays and heard the distinct sound of the train whistle, although the train itself is over the ridge and thus
unseen from the farm.I have liked trains since I was a small child. Like most boys growing up in the sixties I had a train set and made my first cross country trip out to California on a train. We live near an Amtrak station in Mount Joy and can take passenger trains to anywhere Amtrak goes. About fifteen years ago we rode across the state to Pittsburgh but we mostly use it for trips to Harrisburg or Philadelphia.
An old chorus we sang in Bible College was taken from Isaiah 6:
He was high and lifted up and His train filled the temple,
He was high and lifted up and His train filled the temple,
The angels cried holy, the angels cried holy, the angels cried holy is the Lord.
Well, it turns out that is not the meaning of this verse, which is probably a bit disappointing to a child who loves trains but the real meaning is much greater. The NASV elaborates, “the train of His robe”. Isaiah’s vision is one of the many glimpses we have into the heavenly realm.
Isaiah’s response to this vision is so spiritually instructive, “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5). Indeed when we come into the presence of God we are cognizant of our own sinfulness.
But God, as is His nature provided a provision for Isaiah: “Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged” (Isaiah 6:6,7).
That was the customized provision in Isaiah’s vision. The New Testament provided a solution applicable to all following the completion of Christ’s mission, “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
Are you “walking in the light”?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, like Isaiah, I was born into a sin-filled world and recognize that I am unclean before You, apart from the saving blood of Jesus Christ. I also declare along with the prophet, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I have unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips” and am made aware of this when I focus upon You the King, the Lord of Hosts. I envision You, high and lifted up with Your glorious raiment filling the temple. Falling to my knees I cry, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty who was, and is and who is to come.” Come, Lord Jesus, come! Amen.
Another reference in the Bible to a train capable of being misunderstood by a child concerns the visit by the Queen of Sheba to visit Solomon, “And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart” (1 Kings 10:2). Can’t you just picture that long train track coming up all the way from Ethiopia and the train cars filled with all kinds of goodies!
“Jesus, Only Jesus” Video Phillips, Craig & Dean
“Hallelujah” Video
Triumphant Quartet “The Great I Am, Still Is” Video Triumphant QuartetThe area around the Old Windmill Farm is a great place for those who love trains. In addition to the Strasburg Railroad mentioned in our message, there’s the Pennsylvania State Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Center and even the Red Caboose Motel where you can stay in cabooses! Note: BTW, If you like airplanes in Stockholm you can stay in an airplane hotel?
Finally today:
“The Sight Of Encouragement”
September 17, 2018
Listen to our message on your audio player.
“The brothers there [Rome] had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged” (Acts 28:15). “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).
Yesterday as I was departing our church service I spotted Ron Hoover, a friend who was coming in for the second service. (Brooksyne was not with me as she was singing with the choir in both services.) He was visiting the church since it was the last Sunday for his granddaughter and husband (Grant and Sarah) before they leave for Austin, TX to serve in a ministry position.
Ron and I visited briefly which brought to mind today’s rather obscure text. It reminded me that at the sight of some people, like Ron, one is instantly encouraged!
Paul’s journey to Rome is recorded in the latter chapters of Acts. It was a wearying journey with lots of disruptions along the way, including a harrowing shipwreck. As Paul approached the great city some brethren had heard he was coming. They adjusted their schedules, laid aside other commitments and traveled from Rome so they could come out to personally greet him: “The brothers there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us.”
Today’s Scripture portion records Paul’s joy-filled response when this group of brothers met him and his fellow workers. Paul had never been to Rome prior to this and these brothers are not identified by name. Perhaps they were men he had met elsewhere in previous ministry locations. However I wonder if he even knew these men. Perhaps he was just overjoyed that the church cared enough to send out these brothers to meet him.
“At the sight of these men” Try to picture the scene with us. Before there’s any evidence that Paul had even spoken to them his heart must have been warmed at the sight of these welcoming brothers. What an energizing joy this must have brought him. Early on in Paul’s Christian walk he was discipled by Barnabas, a man who had attained a nickname meaning, “Son of encouragement”. Many passages of Scripture indicate that Paul was a man who encouraged others (e.g. Acts 20:1,2). And now others were encouraging him! That’s the real blessing of mutual and reciprocal ministry.
I know many people like these men and I hope you do as well. Their very presence is a source of joy. Just seeing them from a distance brings a measure of encouragement. I use the term “energy giver” to describe these kinds of people. A reading of Romans 16 will indicate Paul’s rich reservoir of human support and friendship among his Christian brothers and sisters in Rome alone.
“At the sight of these men” Paul did two things:2) He “was encouraged.” Regular readers know this is a major emphasis in my life and is at the very heart of this “daily encouragement” ministry. I pray that my presence may bring spiritual courage to those whom I interact with day by day.
We offer several challenges to our readers today:
2) Seek to be a friend such as these men whom Paul saw on his way to Rome. Find ways to encourage others and share God’s love with a world in need. May we be the sight of encouragement to others!
3) Do not compartmentalize your efforts to be an encourager! Everywhere you go seek to leave your mark; at work, in the marketplace, wherever.
4) Pastors and church folks: Are you visiting the shut-ins, those no longer able to attend regular services who may be homebound or in nursing homes? Many of these places have chaplains, but the importance of continuity from the past cannot be overestimated. You are their connection to the “real world” and their life as they once knew it. Your visit will be a blessing and you will also be refreshed as I was yesterday when I saw Ron!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we think of the people in our lives that refresh us at the very sight of them or at the mention of their names. They have poured into our lives fruitful blessings by their kind actions and words, by their exemplary lifestyle and so often by their personal overcomings of life’s hardships. May we be not only recipients of such tender mercies, but diligent dispensers of lovingkindness toward others. May our actions and words refresh them. Not that it should be our major motivation, but we know that when we refresh others, we ourselves are refreshed. So as we bless others, we too are blessed and we honor You as well. Amen.
Texan longhorn cattle on the Ironstone Ranch
Click on photo to enlarge
Click on photo to enlarge
Click on photo to enlarge
“Consider Blessings, Resist Temptations”
September 14, 2018
Note: Due to heavy schedule and weariness we did not prepare a podcast for this message.
“And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more” (2 Samuel 12:8).
Have you noticed that the devil tempts us with only the seemingly positive outcomes from forbidden momentary pleasure. The devil does not disclose the long term consequences that we’ll deal with as result of giving into sinful desires.
- Have you ever seen a tobacco ad that shows someone wasting away in the late stages of lung cancer?
- Have you seen an alcohol ad that shows the aftermath of a DUI accident or an abusive father?
- What about a gambling ad that shows the desperation of a chronic gambler?
David was a man after God’s own heart but one night he got his eyes off the Lord and onto temporary pleasure which led to a succession of serious events; lust, adultery, murder, cover-up, deception and more.
When it was over David thought he had all his bases covered. He thought he was getting away with it. He thought he could avoid the consequences.
David thought to himself, “I’m OK”. But he wasn’t OK. God was watching. God is always watching. Chapter eleven of 2 Samuel ends with these words: “But the thing David had done displeased the LORD” (11:27).The words in our daily verse were a part of the prophetic rebuke that David received from the courageous and godly prophet Nathan. They were presented as a result of David’s immoral dalliance with Bathsheba and all the accompanying sins. Nathan proclaimed a message of judgment and serious lasting consequences. That’s not a popular message today, but one very much needed.
Let’s consider the daily Scripture portion: “And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more.” This is the Lord speaking to David
through Nathan. Its first focus was to David and all the blessings he had received from the Lord. Nathan reminded him of how the blessings of God had been so abundant in his life. David had sought the Lord from his earliest days and surely knew all this. In a broader application consider the abundance of God’s blessings in your life. Indeed we proclaim, “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!” The eternal God speaks to each of us today. Listen to His voice, “And if all this had been too little”. Our response should be, “It’s not too little, God, it’s more than enough. It’s infinitely more than I ever deserve.” It was true for David and it’s no less true for each one of us.But God says, “I would have given you even more”. That’s powerful. God is ever ready to give us more and keep on giving. That’s His nature.
Consider God’s marvelous provision in our lives today. Let this brief selection of verses feed your spirit:
- Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
- Paul wrote about “Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20).
- Paul writes to the Ephesians, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (1:3).
- To the Corinthians he writes, “For in Him you have been enriched in every way” (1 Corinthians 1:5). He reminded Timothy of “God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 5:17).
- Peter writes, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3).
- And finally the classic statement in Romans “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all–how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).
We exhort you, keep your focus on God and His blessings today!
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we praise You from whom all blessings flow. Your blessings are abundant and continuous. When tempted by the things of this world may we recall your blessings and also remember the most certain consequences of sin. Help us to give You praise continually, for every good gift comes from above. For the gifts of family, friends, food, health, material provisions, and above all the gift of salvation we give You heartfelt thanks. Amen.
While living in Massachusetts Ester’s adopted granny, Marita Murphy (above), worked as a bagger at Shaws Supermarket. Marita gave her a Shaw’s apron and Ester enjoyed pretending to be a bagger. Who knew that she would become a bagger many years later at Darrenkamps which is now closing all four of their stores.
