“Educated Into Imbecility”
June 13, 2018
Early yesterday morning we passed this hay field in Lebanon County.
(Click on photo to enlarge)
“Educated Into Imbecility”
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“Professing to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:22). Regardless of translation used, this verse is rendered very similarly (see here).
The Babylon Bee is a website that has grown immensely popular in a very short time since it was founded on March 1, 2016. It uses satire to convey the foolishness of our age. The original developer of the Bee, Adam Ford now has a site called the “CHRISTIAN DAILY REPORTER” which compiles news of interest to Christians. It regularly includes links to stories that sound so crazy they seem like satire but are actually real. For instance today’s post has a link to an article, “Today in ‘Not Satire’: HuffPo: If you eat at Chick-fil-A, you hate gay people [warning: language]”
Malcolm Muggeridge was a British journalist who died in 1990. I recently came across a quote of his that seems uncannily prophetic, although it was actually a condition he could see while he was alive on this side at least thirty years ago, probably longer:
“So the final conclusion would surely be that whereas other civilizations have been brought down by attacks of barbarians from without, ours had the unique distinction of training its own destroyers at its own educational institutions, and then providing them with facilities for propagating their destructive ideology far and wide, all at the public expense. Thus did Western Man decide to abolish himself, creating his own boredom out of his own affluence, his own vulnerability out of his own strength, his own impotence out of his own erotomania, himself blowing the trumpet that brought the walls of his own city tumbling down, and having convinced himself that he was too numerous, labored with pill and scalpel and syringe to make himself fewer. Until at last, having educated himself into imbecility, and polluted and drugged himself into stupefaction, he keeled over–a weary, battered old brontosaurus–and became extinct.” *Today’s brief text speaks to this condition. The phrase “having educated himself into imbecility” is quite insightful!
“Professing to be wise.” Professing means to affirm, allege, pretend, profess. The idea conveyed is that one is speaking with an air of certainty, stating something with a high degree of confidence, even forcefully or aggressively. One may confidently assert his or her view without need for proof or regard for evidence.
Paul wasn’t writing of one specific time period in this text but rather describes the universal condition of the human race in rejecting the truth of God. Bible commentator Marvin Vincent states, “Thinking they are wise, they have become fools because their own speculations cannot replace the revelation they reject.”
This inspired truth that Paul espouses is especially applicable to our own age. We live at a time when advanced education is rampant where so many highly educated individuals consider themselves superior intellectually and wiser than previous generations. I refer to this as “generational snobbery” (or what C.S. Lewis called “chronological snobbery”). Many of these who claim to be wise are indeed very “educated” but take their wisdom from this world which leads to foolishness. Sadly, many try to make the Bible say something it doesn’t or silences that which it does say.
“They became fools.” Those who deny the God of creation become fools and are “without excuse” (Romans 1:20) Yet they come to such a foolish decision in the belief that they are wise and scientific in trying to explain the infinitely complex, majestic, beautiful creation without a Creator.
Man rationalizes his sin and proves his utter foolishness by devising and believing his own philosophies about God, the universe, and himself. The next stage of downfall consists in asserting as truth its opposite—evil is really good, darkness is really light, futility is really wisdom (see Isaiah 5:20). George Orwell who wrote 1984 wisely observed, “The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it.” My, O my, don’t we see that happening today!!!
The fact is, once a person rejects the truth of God in Christ, he will fall for anything foolish, and trust far more tenuous and fanciful systems (like evolution, sexual anarchy, the latest gender fads, etc.). This futility of thinking, darkening of the heart, and folly must be seen as one way God’s righteous wrath is demonstrated against those who have rejected His revelation.
- Let us supremely seek to know the ways of God who is all-wise so that we recognize foolishness, in whatever form it may appear. Most often academia, political, cultural, media, government and even particular religious circles that are reckoned as the authoritative sources of wisdom for our day. However in so many cases they present utter foolishness.
- Let us eagerly receive this unchanging, age-old word of wisdom from Daniel: “He (God) gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning” (Daniel 2:21). Amen! May God give to each of us wisdom and discernment to navigate our way through this tempest-tossed world in which we temporarily reside. The surest way to wisdom and discernment is to be an eager student of the Scriptures and their application to our life’s experiences.
- Let us continue to grow in our understanding of God’s ways which begins when we recognize that any wisdom conflicting with the wisdom of God is foolish and dangerous. Let us resist watering down or explaining away the hard teaching of Scripture to make it fit in better to the world-based wisdom or philosophy of our day. Instead let’s align our hearts and minds with the wisdom imparted through the Scriptures. This day join us in seeking to know the Lord and His ways better!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, when we gave you our heart, we made the willful choice to no longer conform to the trends and philosophies of this world. Instead we ask You to daily renew our minds so that we see this world and its philosophies through the eyes of Christ. We are put to the test daily in deciding what is truth and what is error. May Your Holy Word be our reference point and Your Spirit be our Guide as we are exposed to countless philosophies based on human understanding and the basic principles of this ever-changing world rather than Your eternal, foundational, unchanging truths. Sharpen our discernment and grant us courage so that we readily know truth from error and are fearless in saying so. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
A nice touch!
Audrey’s, a wholesale distributor of home decor items, is a company we visit in the course of our chaplaincy ministry. They have a courtyard for their employees to take their breaks that includes this refreshing waterfall.
One of the many uplifting messages seen on gift items at Audrey’s.
Last night we attended a picnic with other ministers near Carlisle, PA. It was nice to visit a few minutes with Phillip Bongiorno who was my District Superintendent when I served as a pastor in Pennsylvania from 1977 to 1993. Now in his mid-eighties he is still doing well.
Phil Bongiorno with Jesse Owens who served as a missionary evangelist all over the world. Jesse helped arrange a mission trip I was on to Fusagasugá, Colombia some 30 years ago. He is very witty and still has that characteristic now in his mid-eighties! He told us he interviewed the other Jesse Owens many years ago.
* Malcolm Muggeridge, Vintage Muggeridge: Religion and Society (see here)
Commentator Gary Bauer makes a powerful point in this phrase concerning the virulent atheist Richard Dawkins who is popular among the cultural and political left for mocking those who believe in God. “Unfortunately, because he lives in the heart of the West and has all the appropriate degrees from prestigious universities, his barbarism comes dressed up and might even seem compassionate to some warped minds.” I consider the deadly lure for many of academic prestige and acceptance and consider this Bible verse, “Professing to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:22).
For further study: I find much richness in using the Precept Austin Online commentary of Romans 1:22 (This commentary has become one of my first “go to” resources the last several years. Essentially it is a compendium of many commentaries. It is also a work in progress. I use several thoughts from the commentary today.
The Babylon Bee – Satire but many times all too true
“CHRISTIAN DAILY REPORTER” – an often interesting collection of links to actual stories of interest to Christians
“Complete” Video The Parachute Band
Finally today:
This last weekend our neighbors were out of town so they invited Brooksyne to come over and collect farm fresh eggs. As she opened the door to the nest box the chickens came back into the chicken coop in to check out the new farm hand collecting their eggs.“Lessons From A Broken Cistern”
June 12, 2018
We use this old pump as a decorative feature in front of our home office. It has no date on it but was manufactured by the Columbiana Pump Company in Columbiana, Ohio.
Looks like Mollie photo bombed this picture!
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“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water” (Jeremiah 2:13). “Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him” (John 7:38).
Indoor plumbing is one of the greatest blessings of modern living. Yet it is usually taken for granted. It is a relatively recent innovation in human history. My grandparents on Mom’s side did not have indoor plumbing in their Missouri house till they were in their 60’s. My dad, who was a plumber, installed an indoor bathroom for my grandparents (his in-laws) when he and Mom got married in the mid 1940’s. But the old three seater outhouse was still functioning all through my childhood in the late 50’s and 60’s. It was especially helpful when there were large family gatherings.
Brooksyne recalls when her grandparents living on the mountain in Arkansas had no indoor plumbing and also used an outhouse and carried water in from the well for cooking and bathing. Sometimes the well went dry and her grandmother would walk 3/4 mile to the spring and carry back a bucket of fresh spring water. During her visits the grandchildren helped her carry the buckets. There were even a few years in the early 60’s when Brooksyne’s family in West Tulsa used an outhouse after her parents purchased their first home.
At the time it didn’t seem that old fashioned; it was just the way it was and part of our colorful memories of childhood. At that time we weren’t thinking about how it would seem in 2018 anymore than kids today consider what they are doing will seem like in 2068.
But indoor plumbing can also provide some colorful stories!
Mark is a friend of ours who works as a project manager at JK Mechanical, an HVAC firm where we serve as chaplains. He shared an interesting story about a problem in his home when he went, along with his family, to Grove City College (about 250 miles away) to attend his son’s college graduation. When they returned home they walked into a BIG mess.
While they were away their toilet tank had cracked (see photo) and flooded their home. Since it wasn’t just the water that was in the tank when it cracked but a continuous flow since the fill valve would never shut off but kept running and running, ruining the carpet and even a portion of the walls where the water had wicked up. Some of their furniture was also ruined.
Mark has a Bible College background so I asked him if he could think of any spiritual lesson from this experience. He recalled the daily verse about “broken cisterns”. After all, his cracked toilet tank was essentially a broken cistern, which by definition is a receptacle for holding water.
Methodologies used in everyday living during the Bible period are archaic in comparison to the newer and easier methods implemented over the generations. Yet the timeless illustrations in Scripture convey spiritual truth that is always applicable. Some 2,600 years after Jeremiah wrote the first passage, we all, regardless of where we live, need water to survive!
Jeremiah lived during a time of great national apostasy (falling away from faithfulness to God) and persistently called the people to repentance. In fact it was at the time of his ministry that the Kingdom fell and the people were taken into captivity. Among other truths this period of history reminds us that judgment does eventually come.
In the daily text God declares, “My people have committed two sins”:
Living water is a wonderful descriptive phrase concerning the spiritual life God wants to impart to His people. This is what the people had forsaken. In this prophetic declaration Jeremiah is speaking spiritually using a natural example all can identify with. Yet then, as now, so many have forsaken the Lord and this source of living water, the only source of truly abundant life. Consider the words of Jesus: “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).
2) “And have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” A cistern is a receptacle for holding liquids, usually water. God desires to supply living water but man seeks his own flawed substitutes, exchanging the spiritual living water with efforts to build their own cisterns, “broken cisterns that cannot hold water”. The Full Life Study Bible note on this passage observes, “They seek life and pleasure in the idolatrous things of the world, things that have no real or lasting value”. Today we note so many ways the vast majority are digging their own cisterns, determined to live their way rather than God’s way.
Jesus said in John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” Perhaps our Lord is referring to the passage in Jeremiah when He made this statement, where God identified Himself as “the spring of living water”.
Today we encourage each reader to turn to the Lord and partake of the living water that comes from Him. Broken cisterns leak and dry up but the living water supplied by God continuously overflows with His abundant blessings!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we know that drinking fresh water is essential to our health, and without it we battle bodily disease and struggle to survive. Drinking from the springs of living water is essential to our spirit as we battle sin diseases of pride, jealousy, rage, gluttony, bitterness, lust, lying and so many other carnal attitudes that can result in spiritual death. As we drink from the springs of living water we flush out those carnal diseases that would seek to destroy us. Scripture assures us that we will be fully alive in Your Spirit as we drink regularly from Your life giving streams of living water. Amen.
Yesterday we showed a photo of miniature horse and cart we passed on very busy Rt. 322 east of Ephrata, PA. I asked, “Can anyone tell us what kind of equipment the driver is hauling in the back beside the boy with the straw hat?”
Our friend John Keefer, who grew up in one of the farming valleys north of here, responded:
Dad or I would kill the chickens by chopping off their heads on a wooden chopping block with an ax. Instant and painless death for the chicken. We then would use an old open water heater to heat the water in an open tub where we would totally soak the chicken in the hot water. Then we would start up the machine with this large drum with rubber tits all over it. It would spin around as we would hold the chicken against it thus removing the wet feathers. All the feathers would be taken off and then the last step we would hold the chicken over an old coal oil stove where the tiny hairs would be burn off and ready then to be butchered and dressed for market or just cleaned out and sold whole.
Oh my, I can still remember the smells and sight of all that work with my dad. Wish I could now spend a day with him! Great memories looking back now.
Here’s a photo of our fountain pump which we can see and hear from our office. My latest project was sanding down and painting the old milk jug which we now use as a planter.
My first memory of seeing a water pump was at my grandparents’ small white frame house in the tiny town of Harwood Missouri about 100 miles south of the Kansas City area where I grew up. I distinctly remember that, upon our arrival, I’d run over to the water pump which was right beside the house. There I’d vigorously pump the long handle till water came gushing out. What a vivid memory I still have! However we knew not to drink the unhealthy water since it was merely run off which had gathered in a shallow cistern. It likely included a few dead critters. The photo is a similar pump I saw several years ago in Franklin County, PA along a bike trail.
“Drinking At The Springs Of Living Water” Video The Calvary Men’s Choir, Magherafelt, N. Ireland
“Enough” Video Chris Tomlin
Finally today:
Eenie, meenie, miney, mo….catch a puppy by the toe! Which of the eight pups will you take home? We had lots of fun cuddling these Shih Apso pups on the Old Windmill Farm on Saturday.
“Marketplace Ministry”
June 11, 2018
We never know what we’ll see in our travels throughout Lancaster County! We passed this miniature horse and cart on very busy Rt. 322 east of Ephrata, PA. Can anyone tell us what kind of equipment he is hauling in the back beside the boy with the straw hat?
“Marketplace Ministry”
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“So he (Paul) reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there” (Acts 17:17).
This past Saturday afternoon we attended a gathering at our friends, Ron and Bonnie Hoover’s home. They both have a mentoring ministry seeking to impact others for Christ, in which they are very effective. Our association began in 2007 when we made a presentation regarding our chaplaincy ministry to a group Ron leads called “Convene”. This is a forum for business leaders who seek to honor God in their business and family. We now serve several of the Convene-related companies in our chaplaincy ministry and have made friends with many others in the group.
Aaron and Barbie Fisher, Ron and Bonnie Hoover at Convene gatheringAt the gathering we visited with Aaron Fisher and his wife Barbie who are newer Convene members with an interesting business/ministry. He operates a food distribution service called “Blessings Of Hope” arranging with food suppliers to receive large quantities of donated food and then distributes them to 117 ministries from New York City to North Carolina. Their “customers” include local food banks, missions like the Bowery Mission in New York City and ministries like Teen Challenge.
On the same day as our gathering the local newspaper had an article about “Blessings of Hope” (link below). The article begins, “Growing up in Kirkwood (a small town in Lancaster County), Aaron Fisher knew what it was like to be hungry. ‘My dad was in a wheelchair,’ he said. ‘We were pretty poor. Somebody would bring us food once in a while and I thought this was amazing. It was almost like Christmas. So I determined at that point I would do something with my life to help people’.”
Aaron joined Convene to better equip himself for the business aspects of his ministry, which has an annual budget of $700,000.
Our daily text is frequently used by those who have a broader vision of ministry and speaks of an essential element of the Apostle Paul’s ministry. The example from ministry in very secular Athens applies to ministry in very secular modern America.
Paul saw the city from a spiritual perspective and, grounded in his solid knowledge of the Law of God, he was “greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols” (v. 16). These idols are among the tourist attractions of Athens today but to Paul they were a stark reminder of man’s ignorance and rebellion toward God. Rather than being impressed Paul was distressed. As we walk with a spiritual perspective this should be our reaction as well, even to the many wonders of our modern day “Athens”.
But Paul was not intimidated nor did he remain silent.
2) “As well as in the marketplace.” This is ministry outside the church. This teaches that genuine ministry is not limited to a specific place. Marketplace translates the Greek word Agora which was the central public space in ancient Greek city-states. The literal meaning of the word is “gathering place” or “assembly”. The agora was the center of the athletic, artistic, spiritual and political life of the city.
3) “Day by day” This suggests ministry is not limited to a specific time. It conveys the ongoing, non-compartmentalized view of ministry practiced by the early church. Many have compartmentalized their faith and ministry to a place (church) and a specific time (Sunday). Surely God’s call is that we serve and live for Him every day, wherever we are and in every way possible! Peter wrote “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).
4) “with those who happened to be there” God providentially places us in the way of those who need a witness and support. This applies to everyone reading this. Isn’t it a wonderful description of what I call providential evangelism and ministry? Ultimately in God’s providence He has placed you in your place of work or wherever you are today. “Those who happen to be there” are likely your fellow employees and God has appointed you to be His representative to them. As Brooksyne and I and make our rounds as corporate chaplains, we often pray that God will bring us into contact with those whom He would have us share a message of hope, encouragement or even a message of salvation with any who are seeking. Many are already believers and yet some are resistant or even hostile to the Christian message, as was the case in Athens.
Today we are all called to serve and witness. The need is all around us wherever we are, whatever we do. Look around and see who just “happens” to be in your circle of influence today? In what way can you express God’s redemptive message as you interact with them? We must realize that in God’s providential leading He has placed each of us where we are and His will is that we walk circumspectly and speak out as His witnesses. Many will mock and others might say, “We want to hear you again on this subject” as they did in Athens (v. 32). And some might begin to believe (v. 34). No matter the response let’s keep living and proclaiming the gospel message of salvation!
Empty people filled with care, headed who knows where.
On they go through private pain, living fear to fear;
Laughter hides the silent cries, only Jesus hears.
We are called to take His light, to a world where wrong seems right.
What could be too great a cost, for sharing life with one who’s lost.
Through His love our hearts can feel, all the grief they bear.
They must hear the words of life only we can share.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize people need the Lord.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, You have called each of us, as believers, to take Your light to a lost and dying world where wrong seems right; where right is derided, mocked and considered old-fashioned. It’s challenging and often times awkward to go against the grain of our culture that calls evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. We can convey the message of truth and salvation, but only You can change the hearts of those who walk in darkness. Only You can replace darkness with light, evil for good, and sweet for bitter. We share the message and leave the results to You as the Holy Spirit convicts and changes the hearts of those who seek truth through salvation. Amen.
Ron and Bonnie Hoover have a great place for indoor and outdoor gatherings!
Book Recommendation: “God’s Guest List” Welcoming Those Who Influence Our Lives by bestselling Debbie Macomber. As we wrote about Ron and Bonnie Hoover early in our message and the tremendous influence they have on business leaders and many others, Brooksyne thought of an excellent book that speaks to this subject. Macomber’s book is filled with true stories and rich insight that will change how we regard various people, from all kinds of backgrounds, in our lives. She challenges us to anticipate lives that we can touch, to seize every opportunity to be a positive and faithful influence on others; to live with the doors of our lives wide open to greet each new person God brings across our thresholds.
Chaplains Randy and Trisha Christian and son Micah
The Christians were in the area for a conference near Harrisburg. They serve as chaplains at a Val-Co facility in Ohio. Both have tremendous testimonies of redemption.
While we were visiting at the Convene event on Saturday Ester visited with the Lapps at the Old Windmill Farm. The Christians met us there at the farm while visiting in Lancaster County over the weekend.
We are so pleased that the Old Windmill Farm is busy with farm tours. The brief time we were over on Saturday we visited with Daily Encouragement readers who were on a tour along with a German foreign exchange student they had hosted nearly 20 years ago. (Unfortunately we didn’t think to take a photograph of them which is not like us.) We also met some guests from Israel.
These colorful scooters, which look like a lot of fun to drive, were part of a tour group that visited the Old Windmill farm on Saturday.
And away they go!
Blessings of Hope newspaper article in Lancaster newspaper
Blessings of Hope website
Convene is a national organization. Our relationship with Convene is through Ron Hoover who chairs several of the Lancaster groups.
“People Need The Lord” Video Steve Green
“Broken World” Video Last night the Talleys were in Lebanon at an outdoor concert.
“The Broken Ones” Video Talleys
“I Want To Be That Man” Video Brian Free & Assurance Later this week we will share a message about Father’s day but today we challenge our men to consider this song!
Finally today:
Farewell Banjo Jimmy
In the course of our chaplain visits throughout eastern Lancaster County we often stop by to walk through “The Kitchen Kettle Village” in Intercourse, PA. This is a busy tourist destination in the heart of Amish country. We always enjoyed listening to “Banjo Jimmy & his Rose Ramblers” who have played at Kitchen Kettle Village for the past 30 years. Last time we noticed a new musician (see photo). Sadly, we read yesterday that Banjo Jimmy passed away. (Obit)
“Unshakable Confidence”
June 8, 2018
Old Windmill Farm with John Deere B tractor
“Unshakable Confidence”
Message summary: Today we need to demonstrate an attitude of “But if not” faith, and we know many who are doing so. We can indeed have “Unshakable Confidence”!
Listen to our message on your audio player.
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:16-18).
Today let us examine a three word phrase in the latter part of today’s text, “But If Not”. We feel this is one of the great faith proclamations in the Bible. It was uttered by three courageous young men whose story is recorded in the book of Daniel. Their testimony is an extraordinary example of uncompromising allegiance to the Almighty God in the face of our relentless enemy.
The account of these men of faith is surely one of the greatest acts of deliverance recorded in Scripture. It demonstrates to believers of all ages the incredible power of faith, courage and obedience. They got into serious trouble because they refused to compromise a core commandment of God in bowing down to the 90 foot tall golden image Nebuchadnezzar had set up. The consequence for failing to comply to the king’s command was being thrown into a fiery furnace.
The three Hebrew men (boys) were given a final opportunity to submit to the king’s edict but instead they boldly declared, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
Most of you have heard the story often, perhaps even from your early Sunday School years, and you remember it for the amazing deliverance that took place. But going into it the three Hebrews did not know what the outcome would be so their faith-based resolve was not dependent on the deliverance they experienced. They knew ultimately that it was God whom they would answer to. Their training as earnest, faithful Jews clearly stipulated that bowing down to an idol was forbidden.
“If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace.” Notice the phrase, “our God whom we serve”. This probably infuriated Nebuchadnezzar who was accustomed to demanding the service and even worship from his subjects. “[God] is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace.” Indeed He is able to do all things, for He is a supernatural, miracle working God.
But what follows is a three word phrase that powerfully demonstrates their unconditional, unwavering faith, “but if not”. Some versions word it, “But even if He does not”. In other words, though all things are possible with God, if He chooses to work in another way, “be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
We know the Bible events of deliverance such as the fiery furnace or further on with Daniel in the lion’s den. These events are recounted later in the Book of Hebrews in the “Faith Chapter” and specifically alluded to in this portion, “And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection” (Hebrews 12:32-35a). The author is summarizing here that God accomplished His will in the lives of His faithful followers by providing deliverance of various sorts.
But midway through verse 35 the outcome, as it pertains to this earthly life, changes, “and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground” (Hebrews 35b-38).
The Bible also has this record with those such as John the Baptist, Stephen, and James who were martyred while faithfully serving God. They were not delivered in the same sense as that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
But no matter the circumstances God is no less God and no less powerful, faithful, good, or merciful. Our narrow, temporal outlook may be “skewed” because we can only see this side of heaven but as we consider God in the eternal realm we realize that He is working for our eternal good, no matter what. As the oft repeated phrase from years ago states, “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.”
Today we need to demonstrate an attitude of, “but if not” faith, and we know many who are doing just that. If we exhibit that kind of faith we too will have “Unshakable Confidence”!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, the dynamic story of the three Hebrew men speaks of Your miraculous deliverance for all ages and throughout all generations. Their unyielding devotion to You is a tremendous model to those of us who call You our Father. It is by testing that we are strengthened and conformed into your likeness. Trials come upon us to produce perseverance, build character, and draw us closer to Jesus. They also enable us to help others in similar situations and because of our own personal experience we have a greater sense of how to help and pray for them in their hour of need. We love You, Father, and want to be found faithful no matter the circumstance. We declare that “All things are possible with God” while also having a “nevertheless not my will, but Thine be done” for the glory of God. Amen.
- Such confidence we have through Christ before God. (2 Corinthians 3:4)
- In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
- So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. (Hebrews 10:35)
Yesterday was a great day for making hay
(Photo by Jesse Lapp, click to enlarge)
Late yesterday afternoon Stephen helped unload a hay wagon. This brought back to my memories of his first job after we married in 1976 when he helped a hay crew outside of Springfield, Missouri. Many times he wouldn’t get back to the parsonage till the early hours of the morning which was a little scary to me as a newlywed living out in the country with few neighbors that I knew at the time.
Loading onto the conveyor for the journey up into the barn loft.
Joining my co-workers with a sense of accomplishment after the wagon was unloaded and the early hay harvest is safely lifted into the barn loft!
These three mules still had work to do after the baling was done, raking another field.
“He Is Able” Video Maranatha Singers
“Thank You Lord For The Trials That Come My Way” Video The Continental Singers This was a popular song many moons ago that still has a power-filled message about the way God works trials out for our good.
Finally today:
Late yesterday afternoon Jesse took this photo on the Old Windmill Farm.
“Unswerving Courage”
June 7, 2018
Old Windmill Farm cow with photogenic calf a day or two old
(Photo by Jesse Lapp)
“Unswerving Courage”
Message summary: There is an ancient and ongoing contest between two opposing worldviews; one that is raging to this day and will do so until the return of the Lord. In fact we expect it will get far more intense as God judges the world and the compromising church. Today let us make a firm resolve that we will not compromise and will remain obedient to God regardless of the consequences with unswerving courage.
Listen to our message on your audio player.
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand” (Daniel 3:16-17).
There are so many mistaken notions about what comprises courage these days. The consistently humorous and insightful Babylon Bee had an article (satire) titled, “Hero: This Man Was Willing To Go On The Internet And Say That Nazis Are Bad”. It tells the story of Joe Sells who “gathered his courage, threw caution to the wind, and went on the internet Friday evening to declare, definitively and categorically, that Nazis are bad.” *
In the “not satire” category but surely an indication of how crazy our culture has become several years ago the Arthur Ashe Courage Award was given to a man who pretends he’s a woman.
But there are many modern examples of genuine courage as well which are often unheralded.
Today let us examine one of the greatest demonstrations of authentic courage in the entire Bible. This week’s messages have been on the lives of Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah who are better known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They demonstrated unwavering commitment when they refused to bow down to the golden image. Now they stand before King Nebuchadnezzar who is “furious with rage” (Daniel 3:13) and fully prepared to throw them into the fiery furnace.
He repeated the choice and gave them another chance, “If you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” (Daniel 3:15).
Their response is one of the most courageous faith statements in the Bible. “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand” (Daniel 3:16-17).
“If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace.” We know what happened and how it came out, but at this point they didn’t! Yet they were confident that God is able to deliver.
“And He will deliver us out of your hand.” They knew that whatever happened they would be delivered from the hand of the proud king.
The young Hebrew men’s decision to stand faithful to the one true God was deeply settled before the time of testing came; they had no time to deliberate or justify their actions should they choose to obey. The consequence of their actions did not drive their thinking. The answer came quickly because they had been making the right choices all along. Decisions, big and small, become easier when your will to please God outweighs your will to please those in the world, including authority figures. When one bases his life on Biblical principle, the most important decisions are already made.
When given the choice between bowing down to the image of gold or being thrown in a fiery furnace they told him, “Be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:18).
Since this is a famous Bible story many readers are familiar with the miraculous outcome and their supernatural deliverance from the fiery furnace. But their decision to be faithful and obedient was not contingent upon the outcome as to whether or not they saw deliverance on this side. Whatever happened, they were not going to compromise. That’s because they had “unshakable confidence” which will be our message tomorrow.
Here’s the application lesson for today:
There is an ancient and ongoing contest between two opposing worldviews; one that is raging to this day and will do so until the return of the Lord. In fact we expect it will get far more intense as God judges the world and the compromising church. Today let us make a firm resolve that we will not compromise and will remain obedient to God regardless of the consequences with unswerving courage.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we anchor our spirit to the words of Scripture, “that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other.” Like the followers in Scripture, “We want our hearts therefore to be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in His statutes and keeping His commandments.” If it requires that we lay down our life for You, may we do so willingly, knowing that full obedience to You on this side brings great reward in the eternal dwelling that follows. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Here are several other Bible verses on courage:
- “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
- “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).
- “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:20).
Driving out of Intercourse PA last week along Rt. 772 we passed these old cars.
We see a lot of these at greenhouses but we like the cross-shaped pan!
* Babylon Bee article, “Hero: This Man Was Willing To Go On The Internet And Say That Nazis Are Bad”
“I Am Persuaded” Video Travis Cottrell An outstanding song based on Romans 8:38-39.
“God And God Alone” Video Steve Green
“Broken People Like Me” Video Old Paths Although this song doesn’t necessarily go with our message today it has really been ministering to both of us, in part due to Ester’s current (and ongoing) health struggles. Today we think of those we work with in our chaplaincy facing brokenness of various types; a friend whose wife had a stroke and is at the edge, a young couple who just lost their infant daughter, another whose mother-in-law has Alzheimer’s, a father dealing with the ups and downs of a son fighting addiction. Indeed addictions are one of our most common discussion issues. And so many more.
“Just When You Thought” Video Joseph Habedank Great song!
Update on Ester: Thank you, praying friends, for remembering Ester and her parents in prayer. So many sent notes. Thank you! She went for lab work today and will see her doctor in a couple of weeks. We’ll update you accordingly.
“Unwavering Commitment”
June 6, 2018
Climbing rose arbor at Hershey Gardens“Unwavering Commitment”
Note 2: We did not post a message yesterday (Tuesday, 6/5). See note below.
Message summary: There are several things in life that should never be a “phase”, the most important being our life-long, unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ.
Listen to our message on your audio player.
“But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:12).
We often use the term “going through a phase” in life. We may have different interests in these various phases. In our twenties and thirties Brooksyne and I both really enjoyed playing tennis. Not so much anymore, actually not at all, due to aging factors such as knee mobility issues.
Brooksyne recalls her years of counted cross stitching, crafts, and sewing her own clothing. That too is a thing of the past. The sewing machine is used more for repairing than creating these days.
Some of our phases were really short lived such as inline skating. We were in our early forties at the time and had seen young people gracefully swoosh by on biking trails. It looked like so much fun! We each bought a pair and still remember the first and last time we tried them on a paved recreational trail near New Bedford, Massachusetts. We were not graceful and we certainly didn’t swoosh by anyone. I should have known from my lack of proficiency at roller skating that this was not a good idea.
In regard to certain expressions of ministry we have also had phases. For the first 25 years we focused on our service to local churches where I served as a pastor. In the last twenty years (which includes some overlap) we have focused on our corporate chaplaincy and this Daily Encouragement writing ministry.
But there are several things in life that should never be a “phase”, the most important being our commitment to Jesus Christ.
Today we consider the second of four characteristics Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah demonstrated: unwavering commitment. They faced their biggest test. (In this case it was just Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah better known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. It is assumed Daniel was away).
The ungodly edict was unambiguous and straightforward, “You must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up” (Daniel 3:5). The consequences also left little wiggle room, “Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace” (Daniel 3:6).
But these three men made a commitment to their God and surely recalled the first two of the Ten Commandments:
Second Commandment: “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”
To these three young men, following their God was not a phase. They had made a firm commitment and resolved in their hearts and actions to keep it. Thus the message to the king from the troublemaking tattlers was this, “They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Years earlier the prophet Elijah had challenged the people, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). “Waver” means to be undecided between two courses of action; be irresolute. Synonyms are hesitate, dither, equivocate, vacillate, waffle, fluctuate.
However there is no evidence that these three men of faith wavered at all. Rather they demonstrated unswerving courage as they faced this life or death test which we will share about tomorrow.
Are you demonstrating unwavering commitment in your walk with God? If so, you can blend your voice with the apostle Paul in declaring aloud, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, help me to thirst and hunger for Your Living Word where I find convincing truths to assure me, “This is the way. Walk in it.” I want to keep my heart fixed upon You and my mind certain of Your truths in this age where false religions abound and the broad way continues to widen. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and I gain entry to You, my Father, only through Jesus the Son. I’ve got a made up mind and I’m going to follow You during the good and the bad times, the lean and plentiful times. Whether I stand with many or whether I stand alone, I choose to wholeheartedly follow You because I have unwavering commitment. Amen.
Study note: In politics it’s common to overstate or generalize something to make a point even though the overstatement may not be true. This tactic can be used from both sides of the political spectrum. In today’s text notice carefully the first part of the charge, “who pay no attention to you, your Majesty”. That was not true. In the verses from chapter 2 that immediately precede the test of chapter 3 we read, “Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men. Moreover, at Daniel’s request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court” (Daniel 2:48,49). There’s no evidence they were in anyway derelict in their duties as administrators, but the broad brush smear was very effective then and still is in politics, in the church, the workplace, the family and other areas of life. That’s why we need to be thoughtful in our wording and in our discernment as well.
A view of Hotel Hershey from the Hershey Gardens
We both enjoy this view.
This is from the same tree we showed last week here.
Fully loaded (perhaps overloaded) hay wagons near New Holland, PA
We spend a lot of time at Hershey Medical Center and often walk in a hallway that features the following artist statement. Though we post only one photo of the maintenance man there are about 10 workers featured as described by the Artist Statement below. All labor is noteworthy and important so that much can be accomplished for the good of all.
This photography display intrigued us (read the text)
What a wonderful tribute to a hardworking father. Especially note the last part, “Seldom was he told that what he did was of any consequence. It was.”
Here’s a maintenance man dressed as a professor of medicine (though the western Bolo tie and belt buckle might be his personal preference!)
“I Choose Christ” Video Karen Peck and New River
“I Know Whom I Have Believed” Video Marshall Hall “For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).
“Farther Along” Video Legacy Five
“Pilgrim Man” Video Mark Smeby
Brooksyne’s Personal note: Ester was feeling poorly last week and last Thursday she had an elevated INR during a routine check. We adjusted her medication (Coumadin) and had a follow-up appointment on Monday morning, as her cardiologist ordered several tests. After labs were again drawn and tests completed her INR, expected to be between 2 and 3 after the decrease in Coumadin, was highly elevated to the critical level of 13.7. This means her blood is very thin. She was re-tested in the afternoon only to have it go higher so her doctor sent her to the ER. It was a very busy evening and Ester was cared for on a stryker bed in the hallway like a number of other patients. Finally, at 3:15 a.m. she was given a room and I came home at 4:30 AM yesterday morning. Stephen left early Tuesday morning for our scheduled chaplaincy call then went to the hospital to see Ester.
Kcentra, the medication they gave Ester to lower the INR, dropped her to 1.3 which is actually below the desired level now making her blood too thick. She was able to come home yesterday afternoon but is being monitored with labs to be drawn today and a follow-up visit in a few days. Her tests showed that she has a large gall stone and her liver is inflamed with some fluid retention, again requiring careful monitoring. Many of you have followed Ester’s health challenges over the years and we came across this article which pretty well describes Ester’s heart condition. As always, we are thankful for you, our many readers/friends; for your continued prayers and interest in our daughter, Ester.
Finally today:
Yesterday morning when I (Stephen) walked into the huge foyer of the Hershey Medical Center I heard stunningly beautiful sacred music and thought it was unusual they would be playing this type of music through the sound system at a very secular hospital. Upon observation it was actually not played through the sound system but live music being performed by this plain couple. This is a very rare sight since instrumentation is not usually permitted in their circles!
“Uncompromising Convictions”
June 4, 2018
Safe Harbor trestle
“Uncompromising Convictions”
Message summary: May God give us resolve and strength like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah to have uncompromising convictions!
Listen to our message on your audio player.
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).
Andy is a friend who develops web sites. He was just starting his business when he was approached concerning a sizable project that would have been a boon to his business. However as he began discussions with the prospective client he noticed the content would be of a nature he could not support so he declined the project. In this case his personal convictions cost him a job and income.
Our personal convictions are based upon Scriptural truth and applied to our individual life. They provide boundaries to live a godly life.
In the book of Daniel we have the record of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. These were their given Hebrew names but each was also given a Babylonian name. We best know Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These were four Hebrew young men who had been removed from their homeland during the exile and taken to Babylon.
One our favorite funny church moments took place in a Sunday evening service in the church we served in Massachusetts about twenty years ago. I referenced Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and asked the congregation if any knew their Hebrew names. A little hand shot up and loudly blurted out “Rach, Shak and Bennie.” Now if you have kids or grandkids you’re probably laughing right now as you might recognize these are their nicknames on a popular Veggie Tales story. I can understand why a child (or anyone) might assume these were the Hebrews names!
However Daniel, who was given the name Belteshazzar, is consistently self-identified as Daniel in the book bearing his name and the rest of Scripture, although the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, insisted on calling him Belteshazzar.
Early in the book of Daniel they faced a test regarding their personal convictions they had developed while living in Judea. It concerned a diet and the specific details as why this was an issue for them are not provided in the text. It likely had to do with foods prohibited in the Jewish law. However it was a “line in the sand” for them. Today’s text should be memorized and applied to each dedicated Christian’s life regarding keeping our personal convictions.
I find it helpful to study the text in various versions:
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (KJV)
“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself” (NIV)
“But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself” (NASB)
Here are three essential points in regard to developing and maintaining our personal convictions:
- Our convictions should be determined by Scripture, both explicit and from principles derived. By explicit we mean those commands and prohibitions that are forthright. For instance I don’t have to pray regarding God’s will in staying faithful to my wife. That’s an explicit command. On the other hand we will develop many convictions from Scriptural principles. These are issues that may not be explicitly commanded or forbidden but we find Scriptural principles that guide us.
- Our strength in maintaining our convictions is developed from early, less significant choices. The stand that Daniel and the three Hebrews young men took in regard to the dietary issue gave them strength for a much greater test later on when they faced the fiery furnace when called to violate the 1st and 2nd commandments and later when Daniel faced the lion’s den.
- Our convictions will always be tested. That’s the nature of life! With our society’s hastening slide into decadence true Christians will increasingly have their convictions tested.
May God give us resolve and strength like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah to have uncompromising convictions!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, it was faithful Joshua who issued this challenge to the Israelites: “Choose this day whom you will serve.” He reminded them that their fathers, before crossing over the Red Sea, lived among those who worshiped heathen gods in Egypt just as they now lived among the Amorites who worshiped heathen gods. This passage serves as an example to those of us currently experiencing the results of a pluralistic society where God our Creator is being viewed as just one of the gods we might be devoted to. But we, with uncompromising conviction, hold steady to the words of Scripture, “that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other.” Like the followers in Scripture, “We want our hearts therefore to be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in His statutes and keeping His commandments.” If it requires that we lay down our life for You, may we do so willingly, knowing that full obedience to You on this side brings great reward in the eternal dwelling that follows. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
I found these points regarding convictions online:
Biblical Convictions (Essential/ Objective) Without these biblical truths, Christianity and the ability to glorify God no longer exists.
Personal Convictions (Situational/Subjective) How does God want me to live in the gray areas of life that are not specifically spelled out in Scripture?
Biblical Beliefs (Non-essential/Objective) True believers in Christ may disagree on these theological beliefs or systems of belief.
Personal preferences (Autonomous/Subjective) What do I like, and want, and choose?
Saturday afternoon we attended a funeral service for Raymond Herr, who had a tremendous testimony of overcoming. He was critically injured as a young man in a collision with a train. After a very lengthy recovery he was able to return to his work as a mechanic. His 1932 Chevrolet, which he periodically drove to church, was parked in front of the church during the service! Raymond lived 89 years, 10 months and 28 days. He and his wife Miriam just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on May 18.
We dedicate this song to Raymond’s family:
“Hello After Goodbye” Video Legacy Five
I took this photo in June 2013 of Raymond and his wife Miriam leaving from a church service.
(Interestingly, their daughter Kay is seen through the window.)
More greenhouse wisdom
We saw this homemade sign Friday in a small Amish-owned greenhouse in southern Lancaster County
Good repurposing of old shoes!
And an old boot.
We think old pianos look neat wherever we find them, including in a greenhouse.
Tomorrow we will share an old piano story
“No Compromise” Video Keith Green This is a great song and was on an album with one of my all-time favorite album covers. Set in an Old Testament period the people are required to bow before the passing king. But one brave soul, true to his convictions, remains standing in obedient defiance. A soldier on a horse is pointing him out. We are left wondering what consequence he faced for doing the right thing in the eyes of the One True King.
We took today’s lead photo in southern Lancaster County on Friday morning. The Safe Harbor trestle is where two railroad lines had shared space along the Susquehanna River. The upper line, formerly known as the low grade, is being converted into a recreational path. The lower line is still heavily used by the Norfolk Southern. Here’s a photo I found of a train crossing the trestle in the 1980’s.
Finally today:
Last Friday we shared the above photo. Jesse, an alert reader, pointed out this is actually a swan family (not geese as we had stated in the caption Friday!)
