Thursday, July 31, 2008

Daily Encouragement (07/31/08) "Are You On The Right Road?"

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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Church sign
Church sign on Route 772 in Lancaster County Pennsylvania

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"Are You On The Right Road?"

"Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road that you take" (Jeremiah 31:21).

Dave and Millie DonnerYesterday we made chaplain visits throughout Lancaster County and finished with a visit to United Zion Nursing Home in Lititz to see our friends, Dave and Millie, who celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in April. For many years we fondly referred to them as our "pew neighbors" since they sat directly behind us in church. Dave has had a rough time the last several weeks but maintains his strong faith in God and a great sense of humor!

On the way home we passed a country church that sits on an interesting lot. As you approach the church from the west, you come to a fork in the road. We assume the original road went straight, directly past the front of the church. But at this point the "new" highway veers right. Someone in the church considered a thoughtful witness sign to place at this very small point which is both practical and spiritual. It merely asks, "Are You Sure You're on the Right Road?"

In smaller letters under the question there's a Scripture reference. I wonder how many have looked this up through the years! "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13,14).

We want to especially consider a phrase from Jeremiah today. It was originally pronounced to the Southern Kingdom some 2,600 years ago and remains a relevant reminder to all generations, "Take note of the highway, the road that you take" (Jeremiah 31:32).

It is a fact that we are all presently on the road to our eternal destination. God has placed us in the driver's seat to steer our lives in the direction of our choosing (free-will). Since there are many roads we may travel He equips us with the Bible roadmap that tells us what to expect when we choose a particular route.

One road is broad, well-travelled and seems very enticing. But since the futile end of this road extends beyond our initial view, Solomon warns travelers, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12).

Jesus gives unambiguous directions to those who travel the narrow road when He declares, "I am the Way, the Truth, the Life. No one comes to the Father but through me" (John 14:6). It will not be through our good works, religious affiliation or other man-centered efforts, but those traveling on the Highway to Heaven will get there only through the saving blood of Jesus Christ!

Bible Road (Centre County, PA)
Jeremiah instructs, "Set up road signs; put up guideposts." When we travel on an unfamiliar highway we appreciate periodic signs informing us that we're on the right road. Even on familiar routes we still value guideposts that assure us we're going the right way.

In my preaching I often quote from Hebrews 12:1 where the writer of Hebrews urges believers to confidently persevere in "the race marked out for us." We don't have to flip a coin or make a blind guess as to which direction we take but we can move forward in confidence.

On the spiritual highway road signs and guideposts are surely the directions given us in the Holy Scriptures, God's owner's manual. The Scriptures are an absolutely reliable map to direct our paths in the course of this life and to direct our hearts toward the life hereafter.




Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, this journey of faith began at Mile Marker One which was, for those who believe, the moment we personalized the tremendous sacrifice of Jesus' death on the cross. After we repented of our sins we began this faith journey and the milestones along the way have assured us that the route we're on leads to eternal life. We reject the philosophies that originate from this world and follow Your roadmap that keeps us on the highway of holiness. All the while we are ever watchful for the prowling enemy who attempts to steer us off course. Though sorrow and mourning have accompanied us on this journey, we will enter Zion rejoicing and singing as You crown us with everlasting joy! And the marvelous blessing is that the end of this earthly journey is really only the beginning of eternal bliss! Thank You, Jesus, for making it possible! Amen.



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

(Click on the link to play)

"I Am A Poor Wayfaring Stranger" Video This old spiritual is a great reminder that the sickness, toil, and danger that accompany us on this earthly journey will cease when we get to our heavenly destination. If you're going through a difficult experience and need to move beyond your discouraging circumstances listen to this song. Make it your song and God will lift your heavy heart and give you a future vision of heaven.

"My Help Cometh From The Lord" Video The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

Info about multi-media files used on daily encouragement.

Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.
32nd anniversary photo
Stephen and Brooksyne Weber - May 6, 2008
"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update
Revised 04/15/08

DonateEach 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 to Daily Encouragement Net through 7/30/2008: $13,424.00)

Free email subscription
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 inserted 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 these messages 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.


Christianbook.comDaily 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."

Four Spiritual Laws

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
Chaplaincy logo

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

www.dailyencouragement.net


Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Daily Encouragement (07/30/08) "A Heart Of Wisdom"

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Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Sunset from the Weber's home
A sunset view from the Weber's home
(Click here for a larger desktop-sized photo)

ListenListen to us share this message on your audio player.

"A Heart Of Wisdom"

"So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). "Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding" (Proverbs 2:2). Acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding" (Proverbs 4:7).

We often speak or write about the outstanding sunset view we enjoy from our front yard. We have photos from various seasons although I find taking a sunset photo a real challenge.

Our present view at sunset is a dense field of 10 foot high corn with a couple of stone barns and tall silos in the background. The sun sets as a huge ball of orange fire glows above the corn field. The sun's rays light the tassels that top the corn stalks making them look like glistening icicles in the distance.

Brooksyne is still unable to take long walks along the trail so
last night I walked with a friend as the sun was setting. It was a 90 degree day in Lancaster County and the sun was especially brilliant as it gradually disappeared from our view.

Each sunset is a reminder that God is drawing yet another day to a close. We often get up in the morning as the sun is rising in the east. Sunrise and Sunset are like a pair of daily "bookends" reminding us that the passing of our lives happens one day at a time.

We associate most of the Psalms with David but Moses wrote Psalm 90 and makes the petition found in our daily text: "So teach us to number our days." Indeed our days are numbered. Today (July 30, 2008) my numbered days since my birth are 19,648.

All of us have an allotted number of days. These days are in God's hands. Certainly we have a responsibility in practicing safety and maintaining our health and can be very thankful for the role of modern medicine in prolonging life. But one day these allotted days will end for all of us.

Last week our daughter Ester had an impacted wisdom tooth extracted which brought back memories for Brooksyne and me as we went through that dreaded experience many years earlier. Wisdom teeth generally appear between the ages of 17 and 25 at a time of life that has been called the "Age of Wisdom." Thus they are referred to as wisdom teeth. Our "extra" teeth don't pop out as proof that we have become people of wisdom just because we have grown to adulthood. But as adults we should all have the desire to be growing in genuine wisdom.

According to the daily Scripture we are to number our days that we may present to God a heart of wisdom. We usually consider wisdom a faculty of the mind but today's text uses the term "heart of wisdom." We have been studying what this wisdom is as opposed to one's innate intellect or degree of education, and have determined that the "heart of wisdom" is an altogether different thing.

A dictionary definition of wisdom is "the knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action." As we ponder this subject we personally describe wisdom as the ability to see the sequential consequences of actions and this is largely a benefit of the life experience that comes as we age. Another helpful understanding of the word is "seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference." That's why we should seek the counsel of those who are older or more spiritually mature than ourselves in areas where we might need wisdom and guidance.

The "heart of wisdom" is living each day with the implementation of God's eternal principles as we accumulate and process information. Let us also incline our prayerful heart toward God and the Holy Scriptures so that He will guide us in the experiences of life with needed understanding that only He can provide. Let us do this today and everyday and truly present to God a heart of wisdom!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, we earnestly seek You for wisdom regarding the daily circumstances of our lives. Help us to incline our hearts toward You for understanding all that You have to teach us in the lessons of life. During the quiet sessions when Your voice seems silent help us to trust You knowing that You work all things out for our good, for Your glory, and in Your time reference. Amen.


Purple malva
We have an abundance of beautiful perennial flowers all around our house and now Brooksyne is much better able to tend them! (This is Malva from the Hollyhocks family)

Brooksyne's Health Update: Yesterday I went to see my doctor – the first visit since I started walking two weeks ago using my left ankle. The x-rays revealed that the healing continues from the break that occurred on May 7 and Dr. Lyons is pleased with my progress. Unfortunately I sprained my right ankle over 7 years ago and it is very problematic at times, especially in the last three weeks. Due to the instability of the sprained right ankle in addition to the need for increased extension in my left ankle the doctor has set up physical therapy to strengthen both ankles. So that's the next step for my recovery. I also learned that it takes a good year, for some two years, to fully recover from the type of break I endured. So, endurance, here I come!

I have such a new perspective in the blessing of mobility. Before I broke my ankle I could only imagine being unable to walk. Over the years out of gratitude I would periodically thank God for my working faculties: my hearing, my voice, my mind, my fingers, and my mobility. But when I thank Him now it is from an experiential perspective, if there is such a term. Personal experience comes to mind right away, no imagination is needed.

My compassion, endurance, understanding, and gratitude have grown through this difficult experience. I certainly desire complete healing but hope that I will never forget this most important life experience that has increased my understanding. It is truly a reflection of our Bible lesson we wrote about today.

One helpful thought I'd like to pass onto readers from my wheelchair experience. Weeks ago I attended a large, crowded gathering where much of the visitation time involved people standing. It was as though I became "invisible". It is extremely difficult to maneuver the wheelchair in a tight crowd so you pretty much sit while the action goes on all around you. There were a number of people I would like to have seen but was unable to do so. From that troubling experience I hope that I will remember to intentionally seek out a person that is immobile since they may be unable to find me. It was one of the few times in my life where I felt a little like a "social outcast." Once again God had a new perspective for me to learn that day. With that frustrating experience I have a new understanding and heightened compassion for people in those circumstances.

Thank you, readers, for your continued interest and prayers offered on my behalf. I have been deeply touched by your loving compassion.



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

(Click on the link to play)

"You Are God Alone"
Audio

A brief perspective on wisdom by John Piper Video


Info about multi-media files used on daily encouragement.

Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.
32nd anniversary photo
Stephen and Brooksyne Weber - May 6, 2008
"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update
Revised 04/15/08

DonateEach 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 to Daily Encouragement Net through 7/27/2008: $13,424.00)

Free email subscription
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 inserted 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 these messages 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.


Christianbook.comDaily 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."

Four Spiritual Laws

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
Chaplaincy logo

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

www.dailyencouragement.net

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Daily Encouragement (07/29/08) "The Promised Harvest"

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

Home · About Us · Donate · Podcast · Free email
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<Previous Message · Archives · Print Archive/print edition

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Hyacinth bean vine
Hyacinth Bean Vine on one of our lamp posts


ListenListen to us share this message on your audio player.

"The Promised Harvest"

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9).

Last night we had a missionary couple over for dinner and fellowship. Bruce and Merly Bundy have served in Spain for over twenty years as church planters in Madrid. Spain is a notoriously challenging country for missions and we shared together about the inevitable discouragements of ministry as well as the tremendous blessing of impacting others for Christ and eternity.

Mr. Genor
Bruce reminded me of an incredible message I heard several months ago about the story of Mr. Genor, a man who faithfully witnessed in a simple way in Sydney, Australia for forty years. He saw no visible fruit from his spiritual labors, but learned only weeks before his death that scores of people's lives were changed through his faithful testimony. (The link to the story is below and will bless you tremendously.)



Those of us living for Christ are called to impact the world around us for His cause. Husbands and wives are to demonstrate unity in their love for one another. Parents are to raise their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ministers are to "preach the word". Yet we at times may wonder if we really are making any difference. Some do not have a marriage characterized by love and unity. Some have children that reject the Lord. There are ministers who faithfully "preach the Word", yet see little receptivity.

The perspective we must have is the future harvest promised in Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." But we do at times become weary in doing good, don't we? The apostle Paul knew the Galatian believers were growing weary and encouraged them to keep on keeping on for the future harvest. In our "instant gratitude" society we especially have difficulty waiting for "the proper time" for God's blessings to be revealed. Our mindset is more like a lot of commercials selling high priced items on credit, interest free, for the first year. They appeal to customers who have the attitude, "I want it and I want it now", rather than save up money for a future purchase.

At times our lives just don't seem to be making much difference from our visual perspective. But Paul reminds us that, "at the proper time we will reap a harvest." That "proper time" ("due season" in the KJV) will most assuredly come. Don't give up! Your life, lived for Christ, is making a difference. Our primary motivation for all that we do in the name of Christ must be based on our desire to obey Him. A competitive spirit, statistics, people's expectations or a desire to impress others can too easily become the driving power that misguides our actions.

But, as always, God works from the inside out. We can't impress Him but we can respond to His love for us. And our love for God must always be the motivation for all that we do. "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all."

He will bless us with an abundant harvest at His appointed hour as we stay faithful to Him.


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, help us to be faithful in the big and small things You have called us to do, that You may be honored. Amen.



The amazing story of Mr. Genor's (Jenner's) faithful witness for Christ. Audio Text of story

Being from Missouri (the Show-Me state) I tend to take incredible stories like this,
however inspiring they may be, with a grain of salt, and apparently others have as well. However this man dug into the story and documented it. See here.



Bruce and Merly Bundy
Bruce and Merly Bundy

Bruce, Merly, and I took a walk last night and saw some interesting sights along the way. (Photos by Bruce and our neighbor Laura.)
Baby goat
One day old baby goat, Miriam, with our pleasant neighbor, Ciara.

Roxie and Rerun
Along the way Roxie encountered Rerun, our neighbor's giant 85# St. Bernard. They may look angry but they just greet each other and peacefully depart. Not seen in the photo is the very pronounced ridge on Roxie's back that raises up when she is frightened. She is part Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Baby Chick
Baby chick



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

(Click on the link to play)

"It's Gonna Be Worth It"
Video This musician (Rita Springer) has an interesting voice and this song has a powerful message.

"Field Of Souls" Video
This song often ministers to me when I consider agricultural analogies and travel throughout our region. I especially enjoy the Brooklyn Tabernacle version but this fellow does a great job as well.

"Fishers Of Men"
Video
I came across this song several months ago and enjoy the distinct bluegrass sound.

"Make Me A Blessing"
Video An instrumental version of this old-time gospel song.

Info about multi-media files used on daily encouragement.

Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.
32nd anniversary photo
Stephen and Brooksyne Weber - May 6, 2008
"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update
Revised 04/15/08

DonateEach 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 to Daily Encouragement Net through 7/27/2008: $13,424.00)

Free email subscription
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 inserted 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 these messages 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.


Christianbook.comDaily 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."

Four Spiritual Laws

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
Chaplaincy logo

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

www.dailyencouragement.net