Monday, April 30, 2007

"Purity"


A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.


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Monday, April 30, 2007

White fence
A bucolic meadow right around the corner from our house.
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"Purity"

"I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl" (Job 31:1). "Keep yourself pure" (1 Timothy 5:22).

I recall a time we lived in New England when Brooksyne had an evening appointment with her hairdresser. It is extremely rare that I would accompany her to the beauty shop, but since it was in a part of the city where overnight shootings were frequently reported I went with her. I felt very much out of place as I waited so I decided I'd read to make the time pass quickly. After sorting through many women's glamour type magazines, I finally found "Sport's Illustrated" magazines to peruse. After flipping through the only two available I searched for another one and spotted one under a chair so I reached over and picked it up.

Ester, who was about 8 years old at the time, saw what I had done and didn't lose a second in telling me, "Mommy hid it under the chair cause she didn't like it. She said it wasn't a good magazine for you to read." Well, as you have probably guessed it was the "swimsuit issue" (a popular edition that resembles a girlie magazine.) As I looked toward Brooksyne she was looking back at me through the mirror and smiled as I sheepishly slid it back under the chair.

Yesterday my Pastor concluded a sermon series on living sexually pure lives with a very pertinent message on resisting pornography. I was again reminded of God's call to purity and the pernicious wiles of the enemy of my soul.

The counsel of God's Word is timeless. Our first daily text speaks of a personal covenant Job made that godly men would do well to repeat today. I really don't know the ways temptations came to Job since he lived during the patriarchal age some 4,000 years ago. But I sure know the way they come today and a covenant with the eyes remains a wise practice. In Job's time did they have anything near the equivalent of swimsuit editions of sports magazines, Victoria Secret catalogs, graphic billboards or lingerie ads? Today the internet, which I believe is such a powerful tool for ministry, is also a major, major purveyor of porn and has trapped far too many. Lust inducing images abound. But true followers of Christ must know and obey God's call to purity and holiness.

Staying pure has always been a challenge. I wonder how many visually enticing ways girls were able to be seen some 4,000 years ago? But all through the Bible we read candid reports of Bible heroes and their battles in this regard. Joseph ran. David didn't. Samson really struggled. Judah failed miserably.

Both daily verses enjoin us to personal responsibility. A personal covenant (contract) with the eyes is a powerful decision and needs to be renewed regularly. The straightforward command of the Apostle Paul to "Keep yourself pure" can easily be memorized and recalled at the time of temptation. Let us renew this commitment today and obey God. In doing so we take a stand against the tide of moral decadence in our land!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Jesus, we know that You desire the very best for Your children. We also know that Satan is a thief who "comes only to steal and kill and destroy" and because he masquerades his destructive schemes millions fall victim to his enticements. You created within us a physical and emotional desire to have sexual intimacy. Knowing our inclination to sin, You clearly established and presented Your laws to us that are needed to form a healthy foundation for our relationships. Help us to see these laws as our protection so that we will enjoy Your blessing upon our marital relationships. Forgive us where we have resented, ignored, or disobeyed Your truths in this area of our lives. As we apply Your Word would You repair shattered marriages. We will trust You to restore the joy and intimacy of the marriage covenant.

Personal note from Stephen: Let me be quite blunt here. It occurs to me that there are likely those reading this who have godly materials on your computer such as Bibles, devotionals and other spiritual helps. But you also have pornography. You really need to make a decision and I share Joshua's ancient challenge: "Choose this day who you will serve." A powerful personal reminder might be to print out the daily verses and place them right above your computer screen, or make a banner type screensaver with this message! (You may need to do so above your TV as well.) If that isn't deterrent enough rid yourself of the tool of temptation altogether.

Personal note from Brooksyne: I have counseled with women who were devastated after finding that their husbands were involved with pornography. It made them feel that they were inadequate in meeting their husband's physical and sexual needs. It also made them feel like pornography was a mistress who had stolen their husband. Pornography creates unnatural and excessive desires in their husbands that a wife is unable to fulfill nor should she be expected to do so. It replaces the beauty of sexual intimacy in a marriage to one of shame and degradation. Husbands who generously love their wives and are wholly devoted to them will be blessed by wives who will give generously of themselves in a marital relationship. Certainly we're aware that women are also caught in the grip of pornography and their husbands experience the same kind of emotional pain as the wives described above. "Guard our hearts, Lord Jesus, from that which defiles Your law."



Additional Resources On This Topic

Here are several online resources that deal with the topic of moral purity.
Pure Life Ministries
Pure Intimacy
Resisting the Lure: Recognizing the Dangers of Sexual Temptation
(an online booklet from RBC)
Pornography and Cybersex

For deeper study I highly recommend this book, which I have used in discipleship classes for men.

Disciplines of a Godly Man, 10th Anniversary EditionDisciplines of a Godly Man, 10th Anniversary Edition By R. Kent Hughes / Crossway Books
Our churches and homes need men who aren't afraid to work up a "spiritual sweat." Using engaging illustrations, scriptural wisdom, and practical advice, Hughes helps you "train" in the areas that matter most, including marriage, fatherhood, friendship, purity, integrity, leadership, prayer and ministry. Through this revised edition complete with study guide, discover what it means to be an effective and godly witness as a man in today's world.

The Purity Principle: God's Guardrails on Life's Dangerous RoadsThe Purity Principle: God's Guardrails on Life's Dangerous Roads By Randy Alcorn / Multnomah
Looking for a way to open up discussions about sexual integrity with your family---or at your church? Alcorn's biblical, practical one-stop handbook deals with everything from teaching young children about sexuality to relationship principles for teenagers, older singles, and married couples; from special advice for those in ministry to transforming hope for those sorely tempted. 96 pages, hardcover from Multnomah.

Pastor Bob VernoYesterday my pastor, Bob Verno, completed his series on sexual purity with a candid message based on Matthew 5. Here's an audio file of that message. I recorded it using my laptop and had some problems with feedback so it's not of the best audio quality but it is still quite listenable and you will really laugh at the opening illustration!



Today's music features a song I had never heard before prior to a search for another song (which I was unable to find!)

Guard Your Heart (mp3)
From a group called "Fields of White"



With friends at Red Robin, Carsisle, PA
On Friday evening and all day Saturday we attended a marriage conference in Carlisle, PA and had lunch with some friends.

Lavere and DottieOn Sunday afternoon we attended a 50th wedding anniversary for Lavere and Dottie, friends of ours from York County, whom we came to know when I served as an interim pastor in Spring Grove Pennsylvania last year. It's a real blessing to honor marriage in this manner.









Mike and LyndseyNewlyweds Mike and Lyndsey, also a part of the church, attended the celebration. They were married only a week ago!










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Weber family photo 9/30/06
The Weber Family
Stephen, Brooksyne & Ester
"Our family wants to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"
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Donate Each weekday Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. Would you please consider a financial offering to support us in this encouragement ministry? See here for details.

Friday, April 27, 2007

"The Hardworking Farmer"


A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.


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Friday, April 27, 2007

Lime Valley Covered Bridge
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"The Hardworking Farmer"

"The hardworking farmer" (2 Timothy 2:6a).

Living in a farming area we see the farmers buzzing all around us with huge tractors tilling the soil and planting. Yesterday all throughout the day a tractor hauling a humongous manure spreader ran up and down our road. We also drive by farms where the Amish still work the fields with mule teams. We have a neighbor who farms the old-fashioned way and it's a very interesting sight. One thing is for sure; regardless of the equipment, farmers work very hard!

Ester and her PaPaI recall from my childhood when my mom's cousin, a farmer in southern Missouri, would drop by to visit. He wore bib overalls which was very common for farmers to wear at that time. Brooksyne's dad also wore them after he retired from trucking. I found this photo of him sharing a lollipop with Ester when she was about 9 years old.

Galen MartinGalen is a farmer friend in my church and I often greet him by quoting the daily verse. In this portion of Scripture Paul uses three vocations to illustrate the need for diligence in Christian service: the soldier, the athlete and the farmer.

The Bible uses timeless illustrations that span all cultures. After all, we still have soldiers, athletes, and farmers. Virtually anywhere the Bible is read listeners can identify, although living in the midst of a farming area makes the third example particularly relevant to me. One of the first sermons I ever preached was based on this passage.

As I was studying for this encouragement I used the online Bible Gateway and found it interesting the way a paraphrase introduces this passage. "So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ." I like that descriptive phrase for zealous service. Today, like a hardworking farmer let us diligently serve the Lord!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, help us to apply ourselves diligently and enthusiastically to the work You've called us to do. In the midst of the frustrations that accompany our work may we remember that our work is ultimately and most importantly an act of obedience to You. Thank You for the earthly rewards that come from our physical labors and for the rewards we receive from You for the good that we do. Amen.



PS: I saw a sign along a rural farm road that caught my attention and its message brought a chuckle: "Don't criticize the farmer with your mouth full." My word of encouragement to you today is to thank God for all who are expressing obedience to God by engaging in productive work that benefits society. This morning I also want to thank all of you who in one way or another are working hard and producing a beneficial product or providing a wholesome service. And before you judge or criticize anyone (particularly farmers) consider the contribution they are making to your life!



As I prepare today's message there's a great analogy in a song I have been blessed by titled "Field of Souls" from a CD by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. The song was written by Wayne Watson. Although I was only able to find two short sample clips of this song it's enough to remind us of our different roles in spreading God's message!
Audio clip #1

Audio clip #2

We work the field of souls, together you and I.
Some fields are blooming now, other fields are dry.
We are not the same, but differences aside,
We will work the fields, together you and I.

One is off to foreign soil to work a distant land,
Another anchors close to home to hold a neighbor's hand.
Who has served the Father most and who has labored best?
That life devoted to our God, that devotion will be blessed.

One shouts the gospel in the streets for everyone to hear.
He's bold to everyone he meets and the Word is loud and clear.
Another cries alone and prays in silence on her knees.
Before the throne from day to day where human eyes don't see.

I am working on a message based upon this interesting quote I came across. "Truth is hate to those who hate the truth"



Some Farm Country Photos

Manure spreader

Amish team
I took this photo during harvest time last fall. The Amish will use a team to pull the machinery but a small engine to run the hay bailor.

Corn planter
Yesterday a field across the road from us was planted in corn. This planter can seed 12 rows at a time.


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Weber family photo 9/30/06
The Weber Family
Stephen, Brooksyne & Ester
"Our family wants to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"
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Donate Each weekday Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. Would you please consider a financial offering to support us in this encouragement ministry? See here for details.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

"Pure Spiritual Milk"


A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.


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Thursday, April 26, 2007

Dairy barn art
Lancaster County barnart
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"Pure Spiritual Milk"

"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good" (1 Peter 2:2,3).

One of the joys of driving through the country is barn-art; large mural-like painting on barns. Yesterday I passed a large dairy farm and spotted today's photo. When I saw the huge image it stirred up a craving for some milk and later that afternoon I stopped by a Sonic drive-in for a vanilla malted milkshake!

Many years ago I recall an ad for a toothpaste that claimed to have a very unique quality. Apart from brushing your teeth it claimed that after you brushed your tongue with this special toothpaste it would decrease your appetite. Now for anyone having a hardy appetite, this just sounds like something I may need!

Appetite can be both good and bad. We once cared for a little boy from Guatemala who had a very serious heart disease. When Heber came to our home he was 18 months old but weighed only 13 pounds. He was diagnosed with a condition known as "failure to thrive" and had very little appetite. He was so physically weak he couldn't even sit up on his own. Thank God he improved dramatically following heart surgery. We had the pleasure of returning him to his family in Guatemala in much better condition than when he came to us.

Spiritual appetite is an issue we deal with regularly as Christians. There are phases when our appetite is great. When the things of God are new to us we just can't seem to get enough. There are times of intense hunger where each word of the Scriptures seems to jump off the page. However as we grow older in our walk and become more familiar with spiritual realities many will testify to a declining appetite. "I've read that Scripture passage many times" or "I've heard the Pastor speak on that topic already" are but a couple of thoughts that might cross our minds.

The Apostle Peter has a powerful word for all believers in today's passage. A healthy newborn has a ravenous appetite. We had guests for dinner last night who have a three month old baby. We were enjoying our dinner together when all of a sudden baby Veah let her mom and dad know she was hungry (it didn't go without our notice either, as was her intent.) Peter calls his readers to have this same appetite for "pure spiritual milk" ("sincere milk of the Word" in the KJV). The underlying Greek word translated "crave" means "to intensely crave, to desire greatly."

Frankly, I know what this craving means when it comes to physical food. I can picture in my mind a big bowl of New England Clam Chowder at Lyndsey's restaurant near Cape Cod or a big platter of burnt ends at Arthur Bryant's Barbecue in Kansas City.

I also know what it means spiritually, but admittedly deal with a fluctuating spiritual appetite. Wouldn't it be great to have a bottle of "holy ointment" to stimulate our spiritual appetite!

Newborn calfThis is calving season. I assisted the farmer in delivering the calf in this photo, which was taken right after the calf was born. Moments after birth this newborn calf desired milk; a positive sign of the calf's good health. A lack of desire to nurse signals a serious problem.


Spiritual hunger is a vital sign of spiritual health as well. Peter illustrates this hunger with the analogy of a newborn baby and their craving for milk. But he speaks of craving "pure spiritual milk." I believe he is referring to the Word of God. This is the prime means of spiritual growth. It seems to me that Peter is making this appeal to all believers not just new ones. Whether we're new in our faith or have walked with the Lord for many years, like newborn babies we are to crave spiritual milk.

How's your appetite?


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Jesus, enable us, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to hunger and thirst for the pure Word of God that feeds the soul. May our desires for worldly wisdom diminish as our desires for the eternal truths of Your Holy Word increase. Amen.



Brooksyne's Note: As I edited Stephen's work today I noted that he sneaked in a vanilla malt yesterday. He's been trying to account for his physical appetite these days and it appears he gave into his physical cravings yesterday. It's rather interesting as to how his illustration got him into a little confession session with his editor today.




Two songs that relate to today's message.

We are hungry

Hungry A local church version



Visitors to our home yesterday

Bill Hoke
Bill Hoke, a friend from CBMC (Christian Business Men's Committee), dropped by yesterday with sub sandwhiches to share for lunch. Bill and I have been friends since 2001 shortly after we moved to this area and we share a common commitment to Christ and His cause.

Matt, Shannin and Veah
Matt and Shannin are friends we met several years ago in our corporate chaplain role. They dropped in to have dinner with us last night and to introduce us to their new beautiful daughter, Veah, who was born in February. We rejoice in the way God is working in their lives. Several years ago they came to our home and made a commitment to follow in the ways of the Lord. After attending church with us for several months they got connected to a church in their own area. God has blessed them abundantly and we sure do treasure their friendship.



For what it's worth here's information but about the appetite suppressing toothpaste mentioned in today's message!


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Wednesday, April 25, 2007

"Light Dwells With Him"


A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.


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Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Country Flower Cart
"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves is heard in our land."
(Song of Solomon 2:12)
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"Light Dwells With Him"

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him" (Daniel 2:20-22).

This morning I had the opportunity to share for a few minutes with a young man and share perspective on life based on the bigger picture. That's why the instruction from God's Word is vital in every area of our lives!

The daily Scripture portion is a powerful proclamation of the providence of God. Here's an historic definition, "God's works of providence are His most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all His creatures and all their actions."

King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and God revealed to Daniel both the dream and its interpretation; a panoramic sweep through hundreds of years into the future and the rise and fall of various kingdoms. We look back now and see how this has marvelously been fulfilled.

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever." Before Daniel revealed the dream to the king he offers praise to God. He "blessed the God of heaven" (v. 19).

"Wisdom and power are His." This timeless truth is so instructive and encouraging in light of the many issues of uncertainty each of us face, those things which causes anxiety and fear. Some we commonly deal with such as world turmoil, others are personal and unique to us. It may be a health need, a job situation, a family matter or many other issues that trouble your spirit.

"He changes times and seasons." Once again as we are in the midst of springtime we see the hand of God in the changing of the seasons as He ordained at creation. Following the great flood God made a covenant with Noah and seasonal changes have been an evidence of God's faithfulness ever since.

"He sets up kings and deposes them." History sure validates this. Some 2,600 years have passed since Daniel made this statement and history abundantly demonstrates that many kings and many kingdoms have come and gone. We live out our lives in a tiny window in the scope of God's providential dealings. Our perspective is so skewed if we don't constantly seek the bigger landscape of God's dealings with humankind.

"He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things." We must look to God as we direct our focus toward Him. A great need for the earnest follower of Christ in this information age is godly discernment. We need revelation from God's Word concerning the deep and hidden things. These are so often revealed in the midst of hardship and suffering.

"He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him." This last phrase really, really blesses me as I prepare this message. As I fix my attention on it my heart is filled with renewed assurance and peace! Praise God!

I'm a child of the King,
I'm a child of the King,
With Jesus my Savior,
I'm a child of the King!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, Your vast wisdom and Your incalculable power reveal Your glory and majesty day by day. You are the bright light that comes bursting in when darkness overtakes the godly. All foes are rendered powerless in Your presence. Thank You for the marvelous standing I have as a child of the King.



I want to suggest two books that I have found helpful in regard to today's subject. Here are links for more information or to purchase them online from CBD.


Trusting GodTrusting God By Jerry Bridges / Nav Press
Do you find it easy to trust God---until adversity strikes? When life clouds over, do you suddenly begin to suspect that you only imagined His care for you? Bridges uncovers three essential truths about God: He is completely sovereign; He is infinite in wisdom; and He is perfect in love. Building on these three rocks, Bridges shows how we can learn to trust God, even when we don't understand what He is doing. 215 pages, softcover from NavPress.

Stephen's note: In my 35 years as a Christian I would rate this as among the most influential books
I have ever read concerning my personal walk with the Lord. I met Jerry Bridges at a Pastor's training conference many years ago at Gordon-Conwell.

The Invisible Hand: Do All Things Really Work for Good?The Invisible Hand: Do All Things Really Work for Good? By R.C. Sproul / P & R Publishing
In a world steeped in anguish and evil, how can God be in control? Do all things really
work for good? With head-on honesty and biblical insight, Sproul examines the difficult doctrine of divine providence. Discover how your Lord lovingly guides the events of your life without creating human wickedness or destroying human freedom. 224 pages, softcover from P & R.



Today's suggested music (audio files):

"Consider it Joy (Though trials may come)" from Graham Kendrick's website.

"Lord You've Been Good To Me" from Graham Kendrick's website.

"I'm A Child Of The King!" (This is from a local church in Elkton, Maryland.)

"There Is A Hope So Sure" from Graham Kendrick's website.



Administration Information
Weber family photo 9/30/06
The Weber Family
Stephen, Brooksyne & Ester
"Our family wants to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"
(Click on photo to enlarge)

Donate Each weekday Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. Would you please consider a financial offering to support us in this encouragement ministry? See here for details.

Join:
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Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com

Personal Mission Statement:
"I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

How to become a child of God

Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

© Copyright 2007 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved

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Tuesday, April 24, 2007

"Sing Praise To God!"


A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.


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Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Woodpecker on Noah's ark
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"Sing Praise To God!"

"The birds of the air … sing among the branches" (Psalm 104:12).

After an extended cold spurt in early April we are now getting warm, summer-like weather. We enjoy leaving our windows open at night and the melodious birds have voluntarily become our alarm clock. There are two differences we note: their singing is much more pleasant to still sleepy ears than the unnatural sounds of an alarm clock and their wake-up call is 4:30-5:00 AM instead of our usual 6:00 AM alarm clock. We gradually awakened this morning to the loud, cheerful songs of the birds who congregated in the branches of a tree line about 200 feet behind our bedroom windows. We not only hear the combined sound of many birds, but with intentional focus we clearly hear individual birds as well.

My favorite bird sound is a woodpecker at work. I haven't heard one yet this morning but when I do I stop and listen carefully to discern which direction the pecking is coming from. Occasionally I spot the woodpecker and its temporary habitat in the distance. This unique bird is an example of persistent diligence and has unusual design features.

Downy woodpeckerIn my study I found it very interesting that the woodpecker's strong, pointed beak acts as both a chisel and a crowbar to remove bark and find hiding insects. It has a very long tongue, up to four inches in some species - with a glue-like substance on the tip for catching insects. While most birds have one toe pointing back and three pointing forward on each foot, woodpeckers have two sharply clawed toes pointing in each direction to help them grasp the sides of trees and balance themselves while they hammer. Many woodpecker species also have stiffened tail feathers, which they press against a tree surface to help support their weight as seen in the photo.

Let's consider an amazing aspect of birds today. A robin only weighs about 3 ounces. Of course some of the birds I see are larger and others are smaller such as the beautiful bluebird. I (Stephen) weigh over 800 times what a typical small bird weighs. As noted above I can clearly hear an individual bird from that tree line 200 feet away. If my math is correct that is the equivalent of a human having the vocal ability of being heard from some 160,000 feet away or about 30 miles! Can you imagine how annoying life would be if we all had the same vocal capability as a bird! *

Our daily text notes that the birds of the air "sing among the branches." Psalm 104 is a majestic expression of praise, beginning with the exclamation, "Praise the Lord, O my soul!" Throughout the Psalm the Father's greatness is exhibited in nature.

As we look out from our home office window we observe and proclaim with the Psalmist, "How many are your works, O Lord in wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures" (104:24). We make a renewed commitment this day using the words of the Psalmist, "I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to Him, as I rejoice in the LORD" (Psalm 104:3, 34). Will you join us?


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer: Father, in Psalm 5 the Psalmist directs His prayer to You: "O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayers to You and I will look to You with expectation." Though You neither slumber nor sleep and certainly have no need for an alarm clock, we know it brings delight to Your ears to hear Your children vocalizing their praises first thing upon awakening to a new day. Your steadfast love never ceases and Your mercies are unending. We declare our praises to You, Faithful Father, as You lead us in paths of righteousness. For You bless the godly, O Lord, and surround them with Your shield of love and protection. Amen.



* Although we live out in the country we have over 1,000,000 people that live within 30 miles of us. I have a louder than normal voice so I suppose people would hear me for some 45 miles!

Brooksyne's Note: Stephen's analogy of the volume of the bird's vocal skills as it compares to the human volume is quite interesting. He volunteered to use me as an example and being the sensitive woman I am I figured any readers who are excellent in their math skills just might come up with my current weight. The truth of the matter is I'm not sure that Stephen's math is correct; I think it just might underestimate his current poundage in his analogy!


Brooksyne suggests this classic hymn as musical reinforcement to today's message. "All Creature of Our God and King" (instrumental)

For many years we have enjoyed a group called "Phillips, Craig and Dean." They have a song that I felt would go well with today's message titled, "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." I couldn't find this song but in searching I found an online video from their site with another song I enjoy called "Friend of God".



Here's an informative page about woodpeckers, along with some outstanding photos. Here's the woodpecker sound I enjoy!



Yesterday I shared a challenge concerning sexual purity. Steven Cornell, a local pastor here in the Lancaster area, also wrote an interesting perspective on this very topic on his website yesterday.



The woodpecker cartoon shown above comes from an email someone sent us and I don't know how to properly attribute. We both thought it was rather cute!


Administration Information
Weber family photo 9/30/06
The Weber Family
Stephen, Brooksyne & Ester
"Our family wants to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"
(Click on photo to enlarge)

Donate Each weekday Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. Would you please consider a financial offering to support us in this encouragement ministry? See here for details.

Join:
To receive these free "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe.

Cancel: To remove your address from this mailing list merely use the link placed by the mailing list software at the very bottom. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.)
Permissions Please feel free to pass this message on!

Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com

Personal Mission Statement:
"I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

How to become a child of God

Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

© Copyright 2007 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved

Daily Encouragement Net
495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552
Contact us
Chaplaincy logo

"Living securely today anchored
in God's solid foundation"


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Monday, April 23, 2007

"God's Will"

A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.


Previous Message · Easy read/print edition

Monday, April 23, 2007
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"God's Will"

"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality" (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

Pastor Bob VernoMy pastor, Bob Verno, is preaching a series concerning the Biblical standards of sexuality. He's tackled the subject with candor and forthrightness and my, have I noticed an exceptional level of attentiveness from all ages in the congregation (although the younger children are in children's church.)




Yesterday's message was about chastity and was based on Paul's words to the Thessalonian believers. He defined "chaste" as being "sexually pure in conduct and character."

He shared an interesting story illustrating the absence of moral standards. Mother Teresa was at Harvard to receive an honorary degree and speak at a graduation. When she rose to speak to the assembled graduates, many who had been aided by alcohol in their enjoyment of the ceremonies, she launched her speech with, "Young people, there is nothing more important than for you to be chaste." The graduates sat for a moment in befuddled silence, unsure of what she was talking about. "You must be chaste; your body is a temple," she continued. Some audience members brightened and said to one another, "Yeah, I want to be chased! Sure, chase me all you want!" Hoots and shouts accompanied the rest of Mother Teresa's speech. What a sad, foolish response to such wise counsel.

The daily verse is a clear command from God's Word. It's amongst the clearest commands in the entire Bible and is found abundantly throughout the Scriptures. Yet the world's "system" screams at us to violate this command.

This "system" diligently seeks to obscure the consequences of disobedience. Probably one of the most familiar phrases to the young people of our time is "safe sex". Many may not have the slightest notion of how to balance a checkbook but they know the various methods of contraception. The "system" is no less relentless on adults resulting in scores of broken marriages, shipwrecked lives, confused children, and ruined ministries bear ample witness to this.

But as earnest believers we desire to do the will of God! At times the will of God is difficult to determine, but in many other instances God's will is abundantly clear. The Scriptures forthrightly declare, "It is God's will that you should be sanctified." Sanctify means to be "set apart, holy."


The Scriptures goes on to specify one area of how our sanctification is demonstrated: "That you should avoid sexual immorality." Today, I encourage all readers to heed the Scriptures in this regard particularly. The attacks will continue as the old adversary continues his quest to steal and kill and destroy. Let us, armed with God's Spirit and His holy Word, "resist him, standing firm in the faith" (1 Peter 5:9).


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Daily Prayer: Father, I long for a pure heart that is set apart, holy and undivided, completely devoted to You and Your wise instruction. You warn us to resist the tempting lure of sexual immorality by remaining sexually pure before marriage and to remain sexually pure in our marriage relationship. It is in the sacred sanctity of marriage that we seek to bless our partner and do that which brings continual good and not lasting harm to the relationship established within the marital covenant. Help me in doing my part to build trust, respect and interdependence with my partner. Amen.




Many years ago I discovered an article in regard to this issue that I have found very helpful in my own life. It's from a 1988 "Leadership" magazine article by Randy Alcorn. I have personalized it and added several additional points. I keep it before me as a solemn reminder of the consequences of moral failure. Here's an online version. Randy leads a ministry called Eternal Perspectives. I really appreciate a video introduction he has on his website.

We also suggest these online booklets from RBC for those who may want to explore today's topic further.
"Resisting The Lure: Recognizing The Dangers Of Sexual Temptation"
"Building Blocks To A Strong Marriage"


A song of consecration that we enjoy is called "Holiness" and expresses an aspiration to please the Lord. This audio clip is from a live worship service at the Covenant Community Church in Lake Mary, Florida.

Yesterday Dan Fry joined the worship team with his banjo. Here's a
song we recorded here in our home several years ago. I even found this short video clip I recorded with my camera at a Men's Retreat several years ago!



Jeff and Lois Worrall and familyJeff Worrall is a long-time friend we met in northern Pennsylvania in the mid-eighties. In the early nineties he moved to upstate New York where he met his wife Lois. Jeff came into our church as a "seeker" and gave his life to the Lord within a short time and has been serving Him ever since. Friday evening we enjoyed dinner with them as they were down our way visiting Lois' mother in Myerstown, PA.




Finally today: The story of the graduation ceremony at Harvard caused me to reflect on our graduation from Central Bible College. We didn't have a famous speaker, but Mark Ryder, a fellow senior, gave the message and I still remember it, a tremendous challenge from Joshua 1. I called Mark this morning and he is still in ministry for Christ, pastoring a church in Ohio!


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Weber family photo 9/30/06
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Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

© Copyright 2007 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved

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