A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. <Previous Message ·  Archive/print editionThursday, April 10, 2008  Church sign near Hershey Pennsylvania  Listen to us share this message on your audio player."Today's Forecast - God Reigns, The Son Shines" "God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne" (Psalm 47:8). "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!" (Revelation 19:6,7). "God shines forth" (Psalm 50:2). Yesterday we passed a church on a busy highway outside of Hershey, Pennsylvania that has a very active sign ministry. Someone regularly changes the message and we have often been blessed with a rich nugget of Biblical truth as we drive by the Fishburn Church. The Christian workers who keep up with this “street ministry" have a great opportunity to influence passersby. When I see changeable church signs it usually brings to mind our dear friends Bill and Veda Shibilo, a senior couple, who for many years changed our church sign each week in Taunton Massachusetts, rain or shine, snow or wind. Due to God's immutable (unchangeable) nature the Biblical forecast: "God reigns; The Son shines" is always true, not at all like a typical weather forecast which can change in the course of a day. In our area over the past winter meteorologists put out quite a few incorrect forecasts. But I don’t feel like I’m stepping out on a limb to confidently declare that each new day, “God reigns and the Son shines!” What a great peace and deep sense of assurance the Lord's reigning control brings to our lives. This is a wonderful truth that is emphasized through the entire Bible. Consider the following Bible texts: In the Old Testament after God's remarkable deliverance from Egypt Moses and the Israelites sang a song that declares: "The LORD will reign forever and ever!" (Exodus 15:18). The Psalmist proclaimed in our first daily text that "God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne" (Psalm 47:8). The prophet Isaiah pronounced a central tenet of theology, "God reigns!" (52:7). At the very time the nation was going into Babylonian exile Jeremiah's faith rises out of his despair and he asserts, "You, O LORD, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation" (Lamentations 5:19). In the New Testament Mary received a powerful message concerning Jesus from the angel Gabriel when he announced her role in Christ’s birth: "He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end" (Luke 1:33). Our second daily text is a glimpse of the other side as we read this awesome description: "I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: 'Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns!'" Brother and Sisters in Christ, allow this truth to minister to you in regard to those situations on your heart today. In each of the following examples we have some specific friends on our hearts that we hope will read this. The health matter that is so uncertain; The Lord reigns! The job or financial situation that looks like a long, dark tunnel; The Lord reigns! The family troubles that seem to only worsen, the troubled memories that don’t seem to go away; The Lord reigns! Today as we contemplate the absolute truth of God's reign, "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!" Following the message is a powerful video titled, "I Know My Redeemer Lives" that has really blessed both Brooksyne and me as we prepared today's message. You’ll be so glad you took the time to view this touching video as it puts life’s difficulties into perspective and reminds us of the steadfast love and care of a loving father. Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Jesus, You reign over all the earth and You also reign in my heart! What an awesome blessing this truth brings to me today. As I consider that it is not by my might, nor by my power but by the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts that my personal mountains are removed. Jesus, I know that many of the mountains I face are not just blown away by a simple prayer of faith, but these mountains are often the very essence of how You work through my life to reveal Your faithfulness and Your power in the midst of my struggles. You develop godly character as I am challenged to remain steadfast and faithful in my Christian walk. You make my feet like hind's feet and You make me to walk upon high places. Help me to keep my gaze continually upward during the climb so that I see You reigning on Your throne as I bring You glory and honor! Amen.  We took a back road home from Hershey and passed these dilapidated barn remains. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources Featured video: "My Redeemer Lives" Video This is a great song set to a video of the Hoyt Team, a dedicated father and disabled son, who run in marathons and triathlons. It is really touching! We recall seeing the Hoyt team on Heartbreak Hill at the Boston Marathon many years ago. That for me was one of the most memorable times of all the sporting events I have witnessed in my entire life. "He Reigns" Video (Newsboys with accompanying photos) Audio "Jesus Shall Reign" Video An Isaac Watts hymn 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? Thanks! See here for details. (2008 YTD financial offerings through 4/8/2008 $3,960.00)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! "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  |
