Monday, June 02, 2008

Daily Encouragement (06/02/08) "In Whom We Trust"

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Monday, June 2, 2008

Horse and colt (Photo by Brenda Harry)
Horse and Colt
(Photo by Brenda Harry)

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"In Whom We Trust"

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7).

Years ago it was common to hear Scripture put to a musical tune, making it very natural to memorize Scripture without a great deal of effort.  That's how Brooksyne and I learned the Scripture text today and I would guess that many of you sang this Jewish tune as well in years past. We especially recall Freda, a very enthusiastic lady who just loved this song. The last time we saw her she still had great joy and zeal for the Lord, now in her 70's.  Praise the Lord for joyful and faithful saints! (Romans 12:11)
 
The daily verse is a great reminder of where the source of our trust should be. We do not put our trust in horses and chariots today. At first glance the Scripture phrase may make no sense to us at all in our present culture.  The featured photo of the mare and her colt was taken on an Amish farm in Bird-in-Hand. Although horses are certainly a more practical and utilitarian part of Amish life than the average household, even the Amish do not put their complete trust in horses. Several years ago we had an Amish friend whose horse died and I recall his expression of trust in God even at the time of such financial, functional, and personal loss.

The daily verse is speaking militarily.  Chariots and horses were a major component of military strength at that time. Of course today's military vehicles used throughout the world far surpass the finest of chariots and horses of David's day. Much strategic planning goes into training soldiers to utilize and rely on their vehicles for defense and combat against the enemy.  Their security is reliant on their vehicle much like the Bible warriors depended on their chariots and horses.

Here in the US we have been in the midst of a long drawn out heated political campaign for our next president even though the election is not until November. So many place their trust in political leaders who clamor for votes spouting promises they can never fulfill. Candidates can even have a messiah-like following but hope does not come from politicians. Militarily many trust in the latest weaponry to assure us of safety and security, but really, nothing man does can protect us from evil men intent on bringing terror.  Economically many trust in the latest report from Wall Street or the Commerce Department, but real financial security is a pipe dream.  Medically it may be the latest wonder drug or medical procedure, but we know there are many situations beyond the wisdom or control of even the very best medical facility. 

Our ultimate trust should always be in the Lord our God.  He alone is "Mighty To Save."  Yet failure to trust God is so often at the very heart of our problems.  We place our trust in Jesus to be saved from our sins yet we must live daily in a trustful attitude to experience the abundant, fulfilling life He has for us. 

Paul prayed for the Romans, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit"  (Romans 15:13). 

Are you living in trust today?  Some of you have a problem that's robbing you of the peace and joy that Christ provides.  The words of a great old hymn tell us how to experience God's perfect peace: "They who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true.  Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest.  Finding as He promised, perfect peace and rest."  Turn your doubts and fears into absolute trust so that you may experience His abundance today!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
 
Daily prayer: Jesus, the day to day circumstances in our lives are so uncertain.  The solutions to our problems can be very perplexing and seem beyond our grasp.  You don't expect us to have all the right answers or to fully understand all that concerns us, but You do want us to trust You, as we hold on to Your unchanging hand.  Jesus, we have trusted You over and over throughout the circumstances of our lives, and today we pray for grace to trust You even more.  Amen.



Last Friday I shared this riddle:
Methuselah was the oldest living man recorded in the Bible yet he died before his father.  How could this be? The answer: Methuselah's father was Enoch, who "walked with God: and he was not; for God took him."  All who responded got this answer right!



Val visit (Photo by Brenda Harry)Brooksyne is getting out with a little help from her friend. Since breaking her ankle early last month we have both gained a new appreciation and understanding of the special challenges the disabled face. Several times we have recalled Andrea, a lady from our church in New England, who is partially paralyzed from a childhood auto accident and is a true overcomer! She and her husband, Steve, have raised twin daughters who recently graduated from college.  We now understand how differently a household is operated when one is using crutches or in a wheelchair. Brenda Harry, who took the photo of the mare and colt, also took this shot of Brooksyne and me as we were walking through one of our companies last week where we serve as chaplains.  Usually we go our separate ways with Brooksyne visiting women and I with the men, but these days I'm rolling her from building to building opening doors, etc.


School to work graduation
This last Friday afternoon Ester completed a special program she attended this last school year called "School to Work" (STW) designed to help special needs students develop skills to enter the job market. Here she receives her certificate from her favorite teacher, Jane Walker.  We celebrated her graduation from High School last year with her class of 2007, but she only received her official diploma this week following her completion of STW.  She has applied for work at a number of places and we are praying for a door to open soon.

School to work graduation
Brenda Kaufman (above), supervisor of the School to Work Program, brought a brief address to the graduates of STW.  Her concluding thoughts were most inspiring:  "As you graduate, work, and become members of our community, my wish is for you to have enough.....
  • Enough good people and things in your life to sustain you.  
  • Enough support to help guide you through challenging times.  
  • Enough sun to keep your attitude bright.  
  • Enough rain to appreciate the sun more.  
  • Enough reminders ... or should I say stop cards...to ensure that you always make the right choices.  
  • Enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.  
  • Enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
  • Enough succcess to sustain your confidence.  
  • Enough deterimation to remain focused on the things you know are right.
  • Enough pride to do your best - most of the time.  
  • Enough courage to follow your dreams.
School to work graduation
Here is a photo of Ester on her first day of school in Taunton, Massachusetts! She's wearing her Barney jacket and carrying her Lion King lunch pail.


Today's Suggested Music  and Supplemental Resources

"Some Trust In Chariots"  Audio  This is a sample of the song referred to in the first paragraph.

"Mighty To Save"  Video  This is a song we have both been enjoying, especially Brooksyne. What a blessing to hear it in our worship service yesterday!

"Lay Your Burdens Down"  Audio  I had never heard this song prior to this morning when I came across it while looking for an online version of "Like A River Glorious."  It's got a great message.
 
"If the ground your world is built on is feeling fragile and unstable
If the cares of life consume you and weariness abounds
Come and lay the things of value on a Back that's stong and able
You can lean on me and lay your burdens down."


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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.


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