“From The Rising Of The Sun”
February 19, 2015
Sunrise over rural Lancaster County, PA 2/18/15Click to enlarge.
Listen to this message on your audio player.
“From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3). “As is Your Name, O God, so is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness” (Psalm 48:10).
When we left for chaplaincy visits yesterday morning before sunrise the temps were below zero. Our first stop takes us across the County where we visit with employees at a home improvement company and laser shop. Before our visit we prayed for these hardworking employees who must work in harsh temperatures. As I was visiting with some roofers I looked out over a loading dock and viewed the sunrise in our lead photo. The snow sure makes for some nice landscape photos.
A reader from the Caribbean wrote that he had only seen snow in photos. I suppose many in our parts and certainly New England would now say, “We’ve seen all we want to see!”
The changing seasons, including wintery seasons of snow, present a variety in the landscape, the vegetation, outdoor activities, clothing attire, and extremes in temperatures. At this point many of us who’ve settled in for a few cold months are now ready for a thaw! This sign, “free snow” made us chuckle when we saw it alongside the road, although we doubt if there were any takers.The first daily Scripture is set to music. Perhaps you sing it and know it by memory: “From the rising of the sun to its setting the Name of the Lord is to be praised.” What an interesting way the Psalmist expresses the universal call to praise the name of the Lord to all the people on this planet.
This call is not limited geographically, for each part of planet earth experiences the rising and setting of the sun. This call is not limited to a specific time, for this event happens daily, and in fact is always happening. This call is not limited to a specific people, for all peoples on earth today live where the sun rises and sets. (Now, some astute observer will probably point out that there are certain times of the year when the sun never sets at the Polar Regions)!
We have many choices today. Some are relatively inconsequential, others are very important. The most important choice we make is to love and serve God. And one way we can do that is by joining millions of our redeemed brothers and sisters on this earth in praising the name of the Lord!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, from the time we awaken to the time we lie down we declare that You are worthy to be praised! Your name is exalted far above the earth, Your worth much greater than any jewels. Help us not to be people who use the same tongue for cursing and praises. Instead we engage our mind, surrender our hearts and employ our tongue to praise You, our Lord and Father. Be glorified in our lives so that we bring praise and glory to You this day and each day. Amen.
Here’s another photo from a different direction of the red barns on Harvest Road we showed in yesterday’s photo. Click to enlarge.
Visiting the employees at a machine shop yesterday we saw 90 year old Gene walking his dog through the plant. He worked at the plant through his 90th birthday early last year and finally retired but still likes to walk through the plant to visit his friends. We were both glad to see him along with his grandson’s dog, Daisy.
With all the snow they are having in New England some have been “Blizzard Jumping” that is, jumping out of windows and off roofs into huge snow piles. Ester found this old photo from some twenty years ago of me blizzard jumping when we lived up that way in the mid-nineties. In this case I was jumping off the roof.
“From The Rising Of The Sun” Video Another version by Shane and Shane
“From The Rising Of The Sun” Video Maranatha Singers Country
“Your Name” Video Paul Baloche and Glenn Packiam
“He Reigns” Video Newsboys
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.
“The True Higher Power”
February 18, 2015
Yesterday I passed these bright red barns on Harvest Road in northern Lancaster County.Listen to this message on your audio player.
“Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the city full of idols” (Acts 17:16). “So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:22,23).
Joe is a friend of ours who works as a Marcom specialist* for Val-Co, a company that designs and manufactures equipment for agriculture. Early this month he went to Atlanta for a huge Poultry Trade Show where his company was demonstrating their products. Buyers came from all over the world and, if you have ever been to these types of shows, you know that many vendors offer free stuff so you will remember their brand and hopefully call upon their services.
Joe came up with a neat idea; an egg-shaped hand held stress reliever with the company name on one side and “The Higher Power In Egg Production” printed on the other.
I called Joe to clarify what the device was called (I had initially used “squishy toy”) we chuckled as we discussed the desire that these stress reducers are now on desks all over the world regularly utilized by potential buyers to reduce stress.
But I also think the phrase “The Higher Power In Egg Production” is interesting. This company makes products for egg production in many countries all over the world and very likely many of you have eaten an egg that was produced in a facility that uses this company’s equipment. Their promotional device explicitly states Val-Co to be the “Higher Power” in egg production.
But sadly there is often a vagueness about the higher power as the phrase was originally used. Higher Power is a term coined in the 1930s in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and is used in other twelve-step programs as well. Perhaps they originated that term so they can address a broad group of people who have different spiritual leadings and thus no one is offended.
But the Scriptures are very clear regarding the specific identity of the true higher power.
In Acts 17 Paul preached to the Athenians, the intellectually elite of that age. An interesting parenthetical description in verse 21 states, “Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.” (It seems to me that’s what a lot of intellectual elites do to this day!)
Paul sought to connect to his listeners by appealing to an altar he had seen with this inscription, “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” Apparently the Athenians wanted to make sure they had all the bases covered so they erected a generic altar for a god they didn’t know. This is similar to the generic “higher power”.
Paul used the situation to his advantage and proclaimed this God in one of the great sermons of the New Testament, “Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.” We know through the immediate context as well as the entire record of Paul’s sermons and writings the One whom he proclaimed. In Athens and every place he visited, “he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection” (Acts 17:18).
Today we appeal to a world where so many do not know Jesus personally. God created within our inmost being the need to follow after One greater than ourselves. Of course He desires that we worship Him not in ignorance, but in Spirit and in Truth. And the way we follow the one True God is to open His Word to our hearts making it a lamp unto our feet, a light unto our path and a light for others to see. Don’t be an undercover Christian, Proclaim the true higher power!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we thank You for those who make known the “unknown God” to the people of a foreign land or right here in our own homeland. More and more we hear of those who pray or look to a “higher power” for help in their day to day struggles. How unfortunate for them if they do not know You personally, Father God, to be the Highest Power available to all creation. From the very beginning You created a hunger within our hearts to serve you, but far too many misfeed that hunger and rather look to “gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill”. Instead we are to feed our spiritual hunger by serving You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. As we draw near to You, You promise to draw near to us. Thank You for making Yourself known to us in Your Word as we immerse ourselves in Your truths. Amen.
Here is what Paul proclaimed following our daily text: “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead (Acts 17:29-31).
Brooksyne’s Note: I wonder if the Israelites would have been released sooner if Moses had approached Pharaoh by saying, “A Higher Power has sent me” or “The Man Upstairs has sent me.” On a more serious note, it was Moses’ concern as to how he would approach the Israelites to persuade them that God had sent him. The Egyptians had many gods by many different names called upon for many different reasons. Moses wanted no confusion and he needed authority. God’s response to him from the burning bush was, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites. I AM has sent me to you.” God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, the Lord, the God of your fathers – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob- has sent me to you.” This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation” (Exodus 3:14, 15). No subtleties or guess work here!
Yesterday I had a follow-up note concerning the matter concerning Muslim-dominated countries and freedom of religion addressed in our message Monday. A reader wrote and suggested that Malaysia is a Muslim-dominated country where Christ-followers are able to practice their Christian convictions safely and unhindered.
Yesterday we received this observation is from a longtime friend who was raised in Malaysia, “I wanted to comment on your comment about Malaysia. Christians in Malaysia definitely do not have complete freedom to be Christians. As noted in the report you shared, Christians cannot legally share the gospel with muslim people. The government is actually increasing restrictions on Christians and non-muslims, such as banning them from using certain ‘religious’ words that the muslim majority claims are reserved for muslims. This is like if we in the U.S. were to create a law that says non-Christians cannot use words such as God, prophet, faith, or Bible! The 2014 Open Doors list of the top 50 countries where it’s most difficult to be a Christian has Malaysia at 37.
* Marcom (sometimes spelled “marcomm”) is an abbreviation for “marketing communications.” Marcom is targeted interaction with customers and prospects using one or more media, such as direct mail, newspapers and magazines, television, radio, billboards, telemarketing, and the Internet. A marketing communications campaign may use a single approach, but more frequently combines several.
“There’s A Higher Power” Video Buddy Miller Same song, different rendition
“Lord I Believe In You” Video Lauren Talley
“No Other Name” Video
“Jesus Saves” Video Travis Cottrell A very powerful song!
Here’s info about the photo of the altar used in our message today
Yesterday we shared a link to an unusual photo and asked what it was. Kudos to several who provided the correct answer which is here!
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
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.
“He Was A Faithful Man”
February 17, 2015
We had a light snow last night (several inches) and awoke this morning to a beautiful sunny day although it’s still very cold! Above is the view outside our bedroom window.(Click on photo for larger view)
“He Was A Faithful Man”
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“Now when the wall was rebuilt and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levites were appointed, then I put Hanani my brother, and Hananiah the commander of the fortress, in charge of Jerusalem, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many” (Nehemiah 7:1,2). “A faithful man shall abound with blessings” (Proverbs 28:20a).
The way he showed his faith was how he lived it out
His hands were rough and calloused
and his shoes were old and torn
And the lines that framed his smile
were lines so well and deep and worn
So what will be remembered of what he left behind?
What will stand the test of time?
Today my dad, Eugene Clark Weber, is celebrating his birthday in heaven (if they have such celebrations there). Born in 1919 he turns 96 today so that’s on my heart this morning as I share the following message using my Dad as an example.
My Mom was outgoing and gregarious. My Dad was quiet and I suppose not really much of a people person. My Mom carried that distinction for both of them! Daddy had a deep but quiet love for his wife and children and we all knew it. His love was shown especially in certain memorable moments.
He also loved his grandkids and they all have such great memories of him. Due to her young age and the distance that separated us (essentially Boston, MA to Kansas City, MO area), Ester has less memories, though she fondly recalls falling asleep on his rather substantial belly as he lovingly cradled her in his oversized easy chair. It could be that the photos we have of this grandpa/granddaughter “time together” prompts and reinforces her distant memories as well.
Daddy taught me faithfulness not so much by his words but by his example. He and Mom were married for 53 years. He was faithful to his marriage vows, provided for his family, and was a hardworking man who practiced integrity in his business dealings.
After I learned to drive he bought a ’65 Chevrolet pickup truck and had a magnetic sign made, “E.C. Weber and Sons”, which he attached to the driver’s door. Two of his sons, my older brothers, no longer lived at home so it was really just his and mine. I recall how much he enjoyed driving that truck.
One of my first business ventures was selling firewood when we lived in Independence, Missouri. I would get an order, really having no idea what to charge for the wood, my labor, or my expenses. It was about twenty-five miles to the wooded lot near Belton, Missouri where I had permission to remove some trees. After cutting the firewood, I loaded (actually overloaded) the truck, and drove back to Independence to unload the wood for my customer. He paid me in cash and it sure seemed like a lot at the time and felt real good in my hands! I think it also made me feel very grown up.
I’m pretty sure my dad understood there was a serious flaw to my business plan since I wasn’t really figuring in expenses. But he never stopped me. I think he was pleased to see me working hard and learning responsibility. It didn’t take me long to understand I really wasn’t making much money! (In fact I might have been losing money!) Sharing this story from my youthful years once again reminds me of my dad and his positive influence on my life, faithful in his duties as a loving father.
In previous generations it was common to place portions of Scripture as an epitaph on tombstones and is still practiced by some today. A phrase from today’s verse has been used on many tombstones, “He was a faithful man and feared God more than many”. The pictured epitaph is on a tombstone in Greenwich, Connecticut of Deacon Samuel Peck who died in 1793. It would be interesting to hear his story.
The verse initially described a man named Hananiah who was the commander of the fortress at the time Nehemiah was rebuilding Jerusalem. Today let us focus on just the words, “He was a faithful man”. That brief descriptive phrase is packed with meaning!
Faithfulness is often most evident in the later years of life. I know quite a number of believers who are just coming out of a life of sin and are still dealing with the consequences of their past. That includes a number of you reading this message, as you’ve shared your conversion story with us.
The road to being faithful is a long steady slog, the accumulation of many small decisions made throughout life. You decide each day that you will live faithfully but the characteristic of being faithful takes time. Good intentions and reality too often do not present the same outcome.
Senator Dan Coates defines character like this, “Character cannot be summoned at the moment of crisis if it has been squandered by years of compromise and rationalization…the only preparation for that one profound decision which can change a life…is those hundreds of half-conscious, self-defining, seemingly insignificant decisions made in private. Habit is the daily battleground of character.”
Faithfulness has its rewards, both in this life and the one to come. Even though you are actually abounding in blessings now, salvation being the greatest one, you can easily become discouraged with ongoing trials. God’s Word is ever true. Perhaps you need to consider someone who has served God faithfully for many years and observe how they abound with blessings.
I suppose you all know some people like my Dad don’t you? I’ve met several in my life but not as many as I would like. Almost always they’re not famous.
And they’re getting harder and harder to come by. Character qualities like faithfulness, steadfastness, and consistency sound boring to many people today, but they still matter to God and to other observers. “A faithful man shall abound with blessings”, and he does, both in this life and the life to come. And I am confident that my Dad has heard those wonderful words from the supremely Faithful One, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, may our lives be marked by faithfulness and integrity. These character traits are not developed over a short period of time, but rather over one’s lifetime. Help us not to become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. For some of us that harvest will not come until we reach the other side. So help us not to give up, if we don’t see it here, for the great and eternal harvest is yet to come. Remembering that truth helps us to be more committed to remaining faithful to the very end. May it be said of us; He is a faithful man or she is a faithful woman. All glory be to God. Amen.
Note from Brooksyne: Interestingly, this day on our calendar is marked by two major events with our fathers. Stephen’s family celebrated his dad’s birthday on this day and my father, Brooklyn Sherrell, went to be with the Lord on Feb. 17, 2000, 15 years ago. So, it holds great sentiment for both of us. God did a supernatural work in Daddy’s life the last six weeks he lived. He was a believer but certainly had a rough exterior, much like you’d expect from a truck driver. Though he experienced a great deal of pain and discomfort the Holy Spirit filled him with a kind, gentle and extremely loving nature the last six weeks of his cancer ordeal. In some ways Daddy’s Christian testimony was much greater and effective as he was dying than the years when he was living cancer free. God taught me a great deal through his suffering and his response to suffering. This photo was taken in 1999, three months before his death at 66 years of age.
Yesterday I asked this question: “Can anyone name a single Muslim-dominated country where people of faith are invited to practice their Christian convictions safely and unhindered?” A reader suggested Malaysia as such a country. I do know we have readers in Malaysia and there are churches operating there.
I found this report online and thought this line interesting: “The law strictly forbids proselytizing of Muslims by non-Muslims, but allows and supports Muslims proselytizing others.” Although it may be comparatively more peaceful than many Muslim countries, forbidding Christians from proclaiming the gospel to all (Matthew 28:19,20), it hardly seems conducive to one being able to “practice their Christian convictions safely and unhindered.”
Quiz for the day: What is this photo? If you know what this is answer here and we will post the correct answer tomorrow.
“Legacy Of Love” Video David Phelps
“A Man You Would Write About” Video 4HIM
“A Few Good Men” Video Woody Wright, Terry Blackwood, Sherman Andrus, Reggie Smith, Wesley Pritchard, Guy Penrod A tribute to NYC Firefighters following 9/11
Who dares to go against the grain & works without applause;
A man who’ll raise the shield of Faith, protecting what is pure;
Whose love is tough & gentle; a man whose word is sure.
God doesn’t need an Orator who knows what just to say;
He doesn’t need authorities to reason Him away;
He doesn’t need an army to guarantee a win;
He just needs a Few Good Men.
Men full of Compassion, who Laugh & Love & Cry-
Men who’ll face Eternity & aren’t afraid to die-
Men who’ll fight for Freedom & Honor once again-
He just needs a Few Good Men.
He calls the broken derelict whose life has been renewed;
He calls the one who has the strength to stand up for the Truth.
Enlistment lines are open & He wants you to come in-
He just needs a Few Good Men.
Men full of Compassion, who Laugh & Love & Cry-
Men who’ll face Eternity & aren’t afraid to die-
Men who’ll fight for Freedom & Honor once again-
He just needs a Few Good Men.
Men full of Compassion, who Laugh & Love & Cry-
Men who’ll face Eternity & aren’t afraid to die-
Men who’ll fight for Freedom & Honor once again-
He just needs a Few Good Men.
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
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.
“Considering Their Threats”
February 16, 2015
Early Sunday morning it was clear but very windy with temps in the single digits.
Snow drifts had essentially blocked us in and many churches cancelled including our own.
“Considering Their Threats”
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Note: Today’s message is a followup to the message we wrote Thursday on the “Hidden Heroes” of those suffering for Christ.
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak Your word with great boldness” (Acts 4:29).
We have a reader in Pakistan that sent us photos this morning of his evangelist father praying for the sick at Christian gatherings in his country. Of course his life is under great threat. This morning I read of the beheading of 21 Coptic Christians in Libya.
All throughout the Islamic world our brothers and sisters in Christ are under extreme danger, enduring persecution while many are dying daily for their faith. The cursed lie that this is a religion of peace must be exposed. Just consider the strife in so many countries that are Muslim dominated. Consider the inability of Christians, Jews and other religions, to freely practice their faith in even “moderate” Muslim countries. Can anyone name a single Muslim dominated country where people of faith are invited to practice their Christian convictions safely and unhindered? Yet in the last couple of weeks a prominent leader in our country proclaimed that 99.9% of Muslims are moderate and peaceful!
Certainly it’s not only Muslim countries that threaten Christians. In China our brethren face persecution as well as other countries. We have a long-time reader from China who reported how church buildings in his city are being demolished since the Church is seen as a threat to the secular government.
He shared about the work of the Holy Spirit going forth in the city where he lives with many turning to Christ. It touches our hearts to see our Chinese brothers and sisters worshipping Jesus at a great personal cost! (Sharing facial photos on this site could jeopardize believers but this photo is a reminder that all over the world, the Spirit is moving! This photo is posted with our reader’s permission.)
Here in America one can sense the winds of persecution as we read our Bibles and tune in regularly to the news events. Consider those who act in Biblical conviction regarding moral issues. Even those who assert the Biblical teaching on marriage are labeled as hateful. All over the country business owners who do not accede to the demands of activists are facing persecution such as a husband and wife who own a bakery in Oregon. They were recently fined $150,000.00 for their unwillingness to bake a wedding cake for a same sex couple’s “wedding”, due to their biblical views regarding marriage between a man and a woman.
The early church knew threats and persecution. Within the context of the daily text Peter and John had already been imprisoned for their faith and, in the coming days, they would again be imprisoned and flogged. They did not know the outcome at the time and later Stephen would become the very first recorded Christian martyr.
In Acts 4:24-30 we have one of the great prayers of the Bible. Peter and John’s prayer petition was not, as we might expect, for God to remove the threat or opposition, nor was it an appeal for an easy life. Jesus had made it very clear they would face opposition and they seemed to have accepted this. There is no mention in the prayer for protection or deliverance, which on the balance of Scripture is certainly appropriate, but they lifted an impassioned cry to heaven, “Enable your servants to speak Your word with great boldness.”
We belong to a worldwide family of believers. John, in the book of Revelation, records this about Jesus, “With Your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). Today let us pray for our spiritual family, certainly considering their protection and deliverance from evil. But let us also pray that God will “enable Your servants to speak Your Word with great boldness” (verse 31). Their prayer was answered as the Spirit-empowered disciples went forth and “began to speak the Word of God with boldness.”
The next chapter discloses ongoing and increasing persecution and ends with this summary: “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ”.
Then the focus turns to Stephen who, instead of being on the defensive, boldly proclaims Christ through sharing his personal faith about Israel’s relationship with God from the Old Testament up to the present time when he refers to those who betrayed and crucified Christ. Stephen’s persecution and martyrdom is recorded in the Scriptures and the list goes on through the remainder of the New Testament, throughout the church age till this very day; the unsung heroes, both men and women, who are boldly standing for and declaring their faith in Christ no matter the cost.
We are all called to be a part of this faithful proclamation! We must ask, “Am I doing my part?”
All over the world, today, O God may your Word indeed be proclaimed with great boldness. “Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus” (Acts 4:30).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, in this depraved generation, darkness is broadly sweeping across the land. At one time morality and virtuous behavior was applauded, but we now live in a time where good is called evil and evil is called good. Those who uphold Biblical truths are seen as archaic, old-fashioned, unenlightened. May we not be confused by where the line crosses Your perfect will for our lives. We know in our hearts that teachings or lifestyles that defy Your holy Word is evil, not good. “Enable us to speak Your Word with great boldness” like Peter on the Day of Pentecost and Stephen prior to his stoning. May we not be intimidated or allow ourselves to be bullied into supporting a position that contradicts that which is revealed in Your Holy Word. We rely on the power of Your Holy Spirit to live out our lives in a way that honors You and shows others the way to heaven. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Ester’s grandfather (Brooksyne’s dad) gave her a stuffed Scooby-Doo stuffed dog over 15 years ago and she won’t part with it. Now we allow him to “guard” our property as Dottie looks on! I wonder which would scare away the prowler?
Knowing the winter blast was coming we wrapped Scooby-Doo up in an old quilt.
View out our front window early Sunday morning.
Our side yard. Actually we didn’t get much snow as can be seen on our neighbor’s lawn. It just blew into drifts.
When I opened our lower door the blowing snow had managed to come in right through the storm door.
I went out to check on Dottie who stays in the barn. She was in the barn loft all bundled up and Mollie is checking on her. Notice all the snow that blew in through the cracks around the loft door! She’s now indoors till the cold passes.
The inside of our garden shed was covered in snow.
The snow drifts in the front part of our driveway.
Thankfully it’s a very light snow and I can move it easily.
Mollie is always ready to play frisbee and will trudge up the snow drift as needed!
“We Will Hold On” Video Paul Baloche
“Wear The Crown” Video Bill Drake Written in response to the martyrdom of Bonnie Witherall
“Martyr’s Song” Video Todd Agnew
“Only Our God And King” Video David Page
“Monuments” Video Legacy Five
“His Life For Mine” Video The Talley Trio
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
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.
“Hidden Heroes” Those Who Serve In Quiet Anonymity
February 13, 2015
Whitefish Mountain, MontanaPhoto by Nelson Longenecker
Click on photo for larger size
Today in our final message in this series let us consider the many who serve in Quiet Anonymity.
Florence Bogdan is nearly 90 years old. Stephen, her late husband, served as a pastor in a neighboring community when we first began our ministry in the mid-seventies. They befriended us and were very encouraging. Florence is now essentially homebound and deals with painful chronic arthritis. Beside her chair sat a bag full of slippers she had knitted for a Ukrainian ministry that provides for the needs of children.
George is a friend of ours who is a supervisor in his company. One of the workers he supervises is an older Romanian immigrant who has been deaf most of his life due to a bout with Scarlet Fever as a child. George took it upon himself to learn sign language so he could better communicate with the worker, motivated in large part, by his desire to be a friend.
Bob is a friend who weekly prepares and preaches a message to nursing home residents, a segment of the population easily forgotten. But Bob prayerfully seeks God as he prepares each sermon and shares his Biblical messages each Sunday with the residents. He emails us a copy each week and we are always blessed by Bob’s faithfulness.
Dean’s commute took him through the city where he saw day workers at a bus stop on a cold winter morning waiting to go to work. The Lord prompted him to drop by with coffee to share. Soon he began making coffee at home before going to work and stopping at the bus stop with two carafes!
What do Florence, George, Bob and Dean have in common? They each serve in relative quiet anonymity. I am confident that there is no one else in the entire world but Brooksyne and I who know all four of these people, although there just might be a few readers who may recognize any one of them. And there are many millions just like them, including many you know and many of you!
The accumulative significance and impact of this vast army of quietly anonymous servants is overwhelming. As mean and ugly as our world can be can you imagine what it would be like with the many who act in kindness?
The early church had people like Florence, George, Bob and Dean though we know the names of very few. One notable exception is Tabitha who is more commonly known by her Greek name, Dorcas. An active part of the faith community in Joppa, she was characterized as a “woman who was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.” In verse 39 we read that she was a seamstress and blessed others by the garments she sewed for them.
You and I can think of those whose lives are characterized by their continuous kind and charitable acts toward others. We all know people like them regardless of where we live. There are many in the church like her. Little known and sadly, in too many cases receiving little acclamation or appreciation. But they are really the backbone of the church!
Be sure to let them know of their great value, to you personally and to the church, as they give of themselves heartily as unto the Lord. And if you are serving in quiet anonymity realize your service is never hidden from the Father.
Hidden heroes are His special sons and daughters.
He sees them singing in the rain, loving through the pain.
Heaven knows they always bring a smile to His face.
Hidden heroes are never hidden from the Father.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, keep our hearts open to those who are in need of a compassionate touch, a charitable act, or a kind word. Let it come naturally from our hearts that are in tune with the heart of Jesus. May I view others through the eyes of Christ, walking in His compassion and His benevolent ways. We thank you for the scores of people like Florence, George, Bob and Dean who have served you in local churches, throughout the community, in their neighborhoods, schools, and families, all through the church age. Amen.
Yesterday I heard a great report in one of our companies about an employee in another. Marlin had a new heating system installed and a service tech stopped by to explain the new “smart” thermostat. He shared what a pleasant tech he had in Nieve who courteously walked him through and explained how the new system worked.
This morning I was able to visit for few minutes with Nieve and share the good report with him. I also learned a little more about him since due to the nature of his service work we usually don’t have much time to talk. (And today heating service techs are very busy due to the very cold blast of temps we are experiencing!)
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“Hidden Heroes” The Suffering Church
February 12, 2015
Tufted Titmouse
(Photo by Doris High)
“Hidden Heroes” The Suffering Church
Listen to this message on your audio player.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:10,11).
Today let us consider a huge segment of our Christian brothers and sisters that are essentially hidden from our view while we live in places where we still have peace and freedom to live out our faith relatively unhindered (although this is certainly decreasing here in America). These are essentially “hidden heroes”, who remain true to their faith through great suffering, imprisonment and for a growing number, death.
This week our hearts ached for the family whose daughter, 26 year old Kayla Mueller, was killed in Syria by the ISIS barbarians. Due to her being from America her story is being published but there are scores of godly people being slain who go down without public notice, though their sorrowing families certainly take notice, along with their fellow believers.
Christians who refuse to embrace Islam are killed in atrocious and violent ways too barbaric to describe. If you want recent examples, they crucified two youths in Syria for refusing to proclaim Islam’s credo, saying to them, “Perhaps you want to die like your teacher [Christ] whom you believe in? You have two choices: either proclaim the shehada or else be crucified. One of them was crucified before his father, whom they also killed.”
According to the World Evangelical Alliance, over 200 million Christians in at least 60 countries are denied fundamental human rights solely because of their faith. Researchers Barrett, Johnson, and Crossing, in their 2009 report, in the International Bulletin of Missionary Research (Vol. 33, No. 1:32), estimate that approximately 176,000 Christians will have been martyred from mid-2008 to mid-2009. This, according to the authors, compares to 160,000 martyrs in mid-2000 and 34,400 at the beginning of the 20th century. If current trends continue, they estimate that by 2025, an average of 210,000 Christians will be martyred annually. That’s about 575 martyrdoms per day!
Most of this happens below the radar and receives little attention here in the US. Many of us give little thought to the plight of our brethren undergoing this persecution. I hope today’s message will reach some of you who live in areas of persecution and will be a source of encouragement to you. We also hope it is a reminder to all our believing friends to, “remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (Hebrews 13:3).
Peter is writing to the persecuted church of his time; a church very familiar with suffering that surely faced discouragement. According to reliable church tradition Peter was crucified under Emperor Nero, the cross being upside down at his own request, since he saw himself unworthy to be crucified in the same way as Jesus Christ.
Let’s consider the phrase, “the God of all grace” in our daily text. A wonderful aspect of God’s character alongside His comforting assurance is found in this tiny clause. We may often think of grace as pertaining only to our salvation, but the God of all grace is constantly bestowing His unmerited favor on His needy people.
God extends His grace to all believers in all situations. When believers undergo persecution and have opportunity to tell their story the common theme of their experiencing God’s amazing and unanticipated grace is woven into their narrative from the beginning of their capture to the time of their release. Donnie Lama, who has been a reader for many years, contacted us years ago and told us his story of being persecuted for his faith, but experiencing God’s grace in the midst of brutality and suffering. And, if we could only hear their voices from heaven I have no doubt whatsoever that martyrs, at the time of their death, experience a divine grace from God such as Stephen when he saw Jesus standing at the Father’s right hand. Such grace emboldens the devoted believer to withstand anything the enemy hurls at them!
God’s grace is customized to whatever it is that has your personal attention today, leading to stress and worry. For some it’s dealing with a severe medical condition, in some cases an ongoing, chronic struggle. For some couples it’s an aging parent facing a major living arrangement transition. And yet others are nervous about their job security. Many carry a heavy burden for children and other loved ones who aren’t walking in the truth. The list goes on and on.
Whatever situation weighs heavy on your hearts this day, let’s consider from our daily verse several blessings from the God of all grace:
- He has called us “to His eternal glory in Christ”. This should prompt us to keep an eternal perspective. May God strengthen those enduring persecution with this truth.
- Our suffering is very real but is only for “a little while”. This is a reminder of the temporary nature of our time on this earth!
- He will restore. A promise of future restoration. What we see or are presently enduring is not the final picture. Even the most vivid imagination cannot envision the blessed future restoration God has for those who remain obedient and faithful to Him.
- He will make us strong, firm and steadfast. Staying faithful and true by God’s grace regardless of what we’re dealt is a result of His work in us. Turn over your weakness to Him, confess your doubts and fears, and invite Him to do the work needed to make you strong, firm, and steadfast.
- To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen”
Remember this important truth: Suffering is for a little while, but sharing in His glory is for all eternity!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we see the greatest example of temporal suffering in the person of Jesus Christ. By giving His all to pay the full ransom for our sins He underwent inhumane persecution to the fullest extent of giving His life through death that we might live. What seemed a hopeless cause turned into a victory above all other victories when His resurrected body made it possible for us, as His followers, to join in His eternal glory. But for now we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. We like the glory, but are repulsed at the idea of suffering, and are mindful of those presently undergoing injustice and persecution, as well as the families undergoing tremendous stress and often grief. Fix in our hearts and minds the needed perspective that it’s just a little while that we suffer, but it’s for eternity that we share in Your glory. May we be found faithful along the way! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
* Testimony of Donnie Lama When Donnie sent us his testimony it was in very broken English, very difficult to read and understand. With his permission and blessing I, Brooksyne, translated it and he oversaw the changes, so that we could make this more readable to those who read only English. It’s a longer story but it will bless you. Donnie contacted us this past year and continues to boldly stand for our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Hidden Heroes” Video The Talleys This morning we received an email from Dixie Phillips, who wrote the song, “Hidden Heroes”: “Thank you for your kind words about our song ‘Hidden Heroes.’ Your words were such an encouragement.”
“What Grace Is Mine” Video Keith and Kristyn Getty
“Grace Alone” Video Maranatha Singers
“Follow Me” Video Kelly Willard This is among my many favorite old hymns written by Ira Stanphill.
“Just A Little While” Video Gaither Homecoming
Just a little while to wait
Just a little while to labor
In the path that’s always straight
Just a little more of sorrow
In this low and sinful state
Then we’ll enter Heaven’s Portals
Sweeping through the Pearly Gates.
Earlier this week we shared two messages touching on Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. Lou Guiliano is a long-time friend from New Jersey who serves as a hospice chaplain shared these two resources dealing with end stage dementia.
Dear Lord,
Please grant my visitors tolerance for my confusion,
Forgiveness for my irrationality and the strength
To walk with me into the mist of memory
My world has become.
Please let them take my hand and stay awhile,
Even though I seem unaware of their presence.
Help them to know how their strength
and loving care will drift slowly
into the days to come just when I need it most.
Let them know when I don’t recognize them
that I will. . . I will.
Keep their hearts free from sorrow for me,
For my sorrow, when it comes,
Only lasts a moment, when it’s gone.
And finally Lord, please let them know,
How very much their visits mean,
How even through this relentless mystery,
I can still feel their love.
Amen!
Requests from People with Alzheimer’s
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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.
“Hidden Heroes” Enduring Honor
February 11, 2015
Andy and Nancy with Fern, Andy’s mother
“Hidden Heroes” Enduring Honor
Note 2: Today’s message is similar to Monday in regard to aging but Monday our focus was on a faithful spouse and enduring vows. Today we will focus on faithful children and enduring honor.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).
This week we are considering “Hidden Heroes”; those who faithfully serve others with no desire of gaining attention or acclaim. On Monday we considered a family’s faithful journey with a husband and father who had Alzheimer’s Disease. Yesterday we considered a mother, with two special needs adult children, who has essentially devoted her life to their 24/7 care. Today let us consider a special dimension in God’s command that we honor our father and mother and recognize as “hidden heroes” those who are faithfully heeding this command till the very end.
For a number of years now we’ve seen Andy and Nancy faithfully visit his mother, Fern, at the personal care home where we serve as chaplains. With their permission we share this message to encourage those caring for elderly parents. Fern has grown quite frail and is fairly unresponsive at this point, quite different from the day she became a resident, eagerly interacting with others with her outgoing personality. Most residents dress daily in their comfort clothes since that’s what we wear around “home”, but Fern stands out in such a nice way when she wears her dressy Sunday apparel, looking like she’s ready for church or is headed to work in the business world.
The aging process can be brutal for many, and as their health declines, it’s all the more reason why the elderly need supportive, loving, and patient children. Many times we’ve seen Andy and/or Nancy sitting with Fern prompting her to eat her otherwise untouched food. At times I’ve (Brooksyne) sat next to her and fed her bite by bite since she has little will to eat on her own. But Nancy will much more patiently coax her to eat, one bite after the other, until she willingly complies since it’s important that Fern not only be nourished but that she is also engaged physically in the act of feeding herself. She’s pretty fond of dessert (as am I) so that food course is a little easier. Andy and Nancy’s three grown children regularly visit their grandmother which is always an enjoyable sight.
Living with or caring for an elderly parent (particularly while raising your own children) is a real challenge. In the five years my mother lived with us my patience and gentleness was put to the test and I came up short too often. There were instances where I really struggled with honoring her as I knew I should. But now I look back and see that season of honoring her as a blessing that I presently miss. God was not only caring for Mom’s needs through me and my family, but He was shaping and pruning me as a caregiver.In order for us to willingly express honor toward another it must come from feelings of deep respect and devotion. Honor denotes admiration, respect, or esteem that we have toward the individual(s). The honor we show our parents is a microcosm of our spiritual honor toward God. Failing to honor our parents, as He commands, is certainly dishonoring to Him as is any type of disobedience. On the other hand when we honor our parents it is a tangible demonstration of our honor toward God.
Of the Ten Commandments the last six deal with our behavior toward one another (the first four deal with our behavior toward God). The first of these “horizontal” commandments is the only one of the six that is worded positively as a command rather than a prohibition. It is the only one of the Ten Commandments that includes a promise. Fundamental to wholesome human relationships it is an essential building block in the practice of the remaining five commandments. If each generation would truly honor their parents, it would be a powerful deterrent to the breaking of the other commandments!
The breakdown in parental honor in our society is evident everywhere and will likely worsen as we continue to reap the results of violating God’s holy law. A fundamental aspect in the transmission of truth and order from one generation to another is the honor shown to the older from the younger and the blessing given to the younger from the older, as evidenced often by the patriarchs in the Old Testament. So very often this is not the case. Parents who had no time for their children will increasingly find that their grown children have no time for them.
Are you honoring your parents today? In your conversation, in your actions, in the way your children observe your relationship toward them, or in the memories you share of parents now deceased? God blesses those who express honor, and one day you will not only be giving it but you will also be the recipient of honor. The demonstration of the continuum of love in society’s most basic unit is so fundamental. In holding a newborn baby and the hands of our dying parents we affirm the preciousness of life. Is there a parent or loved one who needs to hear from you today, “I love you”? Don’t put it off.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, each spring as we see tiny featherless fledglings pressed tightly against their mothers in the hollow of their family nest, we’re reminded of the human love children experience from their parents’ safekeeping. We thank You for the love and care You extend to us through the preordained parents who sacrificially love and care for us all our days on earth. Thank You for their model of love, sacrifice, duty, protection, and other virtuous qualities seen in their parentage. Their example greatly influences the way we raise our own children.
We also pray for those whose relationship with their parent is a role reversal where they must act as the adult when their own parent behaves like a needy and at times a defiant child. May Your multiplied mercies sustain these caregivers in their ongoing stress-filled role so that, above all, You are honored and they find Your peace in the midst of the seemingly unending demands. Father, we thank You for our human family and our spiritual family. And we thank You for our heavenly family that awaits our arrival on the other side. In the name of Christ Jesus Your Son we pray. Amen.
SURE, IT WAS A HANDSOME BUILDING IN ITS DAY. But then, there’s been a lot of winters pass with their snow and ice and howling wind. The summer sun’s beat down on that old barn till all the paint’s gone, and the wood has turned silver gray. Now the old building leans a good deal, looking kind of tired. Yet, that fellow called it beautiful.
THIS SET ME TO THINKING. I walked out to the field and just stood there, gazing at that old barn. The stranger said he planned to use the lumber to line the walls of his den in a new country home he’s building down the road. He said you couldn’t get paint that beautiful. Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scrorching sun, only that can produce beautiful barn wood.
IT CAME TO ME THEN. We’re a lot like that, you and I. Only it’s on the inside that the beauty grows with us. Sure we turn silver gray too…and lean a bit more than we did when we were young and full of sap. But the Good Lord knows what He’s doing. And as the years pass He’s busy using the hard wealth of our lives, the dry spells and the storm seasons, to do a job of beautifying our souls that nothing else can produce. And to think how often folks holler because they want life easy!
THEY TOOK THE OLD BARN DOWN TODAY and hauled it away to beautify some rich man’s house. And I reckon someday you and I’ll be hauled off to Heaven to take on whatever chores the good Lord has for us. And I suspect we’ll be more beautiful then for the seasons we’ve been through here…and just maybe…maybe even add a bit of beauty to our Father’s house. (Author unknown)
“A Parent’s Love” Video A thoughtful perspective
“A Tribute to Parents” Video
“The Toll That Caring For Elderly Parents Can Take” Video
“Song To My Parents” Video Keith Green
Note: All of these resources are not necessarily Christian but offer what we feel is a helpful perspective.
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
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.
