A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. <Previous Message · Archives ·  Archive/print editionFriday, April 18, 2008  Brooksyne took this photo yesterday as she drove by a church. This is a flower bed on the side of their church.  Listen to us share this message on your audio player."Little Is Much" "But what are they among so many?" (John 6:9). Many years ago I read an inspiring mission story that I have never forgotten and hope I never do. I wish I had my pastor's clipping and filing disciplines as I sure would like to read the entire article again! It was about a man who had a very severe disability that greatly limited his ability to function. Yet he had a love for the Lord and a giving heart toward missions. He was determined to do what he could to support the worldwide cause of Christ. At his request he was positioned under a walnut tree where he sat on the ground. One by one he laboriously picked up walnuts that would then be sold and the proceeds given to missions. Most every reader in this encouragement series has heard of Fanny Crosby. She died in 1915 but her songs have endured and are still sung in churches all around the world. When we lived in New England we often drove through Bridgeport, Connecticut on I-95 where Fanny Crosby's body was laid to rest. This simple inscription is written on her tombstone: "She hath done what she could."  Do you recognize the daily Scripture portion? I purposefully selected a short phrase from the verse apart from the context. The disciples were confronted with a great need of how to feed the multitude.” Philip did some quick math and determined the immensity of the food deficit. I appreciate people that can do quick mental math calculation.  Jesus didn't answer Andrew's question but merely instructed: "Have the people sit down." Then He commenced with the marvelous, miraculous feeding of the five thousand. What little food supply the lad provided was more than enough since God was in it. God purposes to use each of us for His cause regardless of our apparent limitations. So what is the lasting answer to the question, "but what are they among so many?" It is always "absolutely adequate" when God is in it! Stay faithful to your call and mission today. Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Almighty God, help us not to look at the immensity of the task before us, but help us to look at the immensity of our all-powerful God. With humankind many things are impossible but with You, our Father, nothing is impossible. We want to trust You for supernatural workings in our lives and in the duties before us. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen. An individual with a current ministry demonstrating this attitude is Joni, who has faithfully served God for over 40 years since a diving accident left her a quadriplegic. She is a remarkable blessing to so many and I am one of them. Joni has developed many other ministries with a special direction to the worth of those with disabilities. Joni's ministry Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Little Is Much" Video This song has a powerful message of encouragement for the faithful laborer! "Blessed Assurance" Audio from the Lifespring Hymnstory podcast This is one of Fanny Crosby's most beloved hymns. This version has the story as well as a nice version of the hymn. "Enough" Audio We first heard this song in a church in the Hartford Connecticut area several years ago when we were up that way for a wedding and have enjoyed it ever since. Last night Ester volunteered at a concert where Aaron Shust was featured along with two other young musicians. She was pretty excited when her name was drawn to win a CD from each musician and a TShirt from Aaron. She met each of them as they autographed their CD's for her. Here's our favorite Aaron Shust song! Note: Yesterday I shared a photo of an Amish boy and his pony and cart. A reader had a question about the appropriateness of taking such a photo. Living here in Lancaster County we regularly interface with the Amish and I am occasionally a "driver" (the term used for those of us who haul the Amish around.) We have Amish neighbors and friends and we attended an Amish wedding! I take facial photos (upon their request) of our Amish friend's children for their safekeeping. However they have requested that I not post them on the internet and of course I honor that request. These are old order Amish but the specific way they draw the line on photos will differ. Some will allow their photos to be taken. The main objection, as I understand from my talking to them, are displaying portraits that are facially recognizable. (However there are many Amish photos on promotional literature for Lancaster County and many can be facially identified.) I took the photo at a distance through the windshield and the boy's face is not recognizable. Info about multi-media files used on daily encouragement. Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne. |
Administration Information  Stephen and Brooksyne Weber  Each weekday morning 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? Donations are tax deductible and will be receipted directly by my chaplaincy endorsing ministry. Thanks! See here for details.(2008 YTD financial offerings through 4/17/2008 $5,155.00) Join: To receive these free "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe. You can also subscribe to the rss feed. Cancel: To remove your address from this mailing list merely use the link automatically placed by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each message. Weekly Version: The weekly version is designed for those who do not check their email regularly. It is merely the Friday message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.) Please feel free to pass this message on! Our other blogs: "A Daily Prayer" - The daily prayer from each daily encouragement message. "A Little Foolishness" - A collection of humorous and satirical stories drawn mostly from our years of ministry, as well as my sometimes fertile imagination. "Clear Minded" - Longer, periodic articles on specific issues impacting the church. Musical playlists Classic hymns mix Christian eclectic mix  Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for using these links when purchasing online through CBD!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 2008 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 Contact us  "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation" |
