Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Daily Encouragement (06/30/10) "Servant Leadership"

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

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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

A flower bed
A real begonia "flower bed" we pass near Paradise PA
We have used this scene before when the bed is really covered with flowers later in the season in the early fall.

ListenListen to this message on your audio player.

"Servant Leadership"

"Do to others as you would have them do to you" (Luke 6:31).

Yesterday a company we work for as chaplains had a picnic for their employees. Serving as business chaplains over the past twelve years we've attended a lot of company picnics through the years but this one was distinct in that instead of having the meal catered the Human Resource Department planned the event, and then prepared and served the meal. The company leadership got personally involved by grilling the meat which turned the usual machine like smell of the company into a succulent barbeque aroma that drifted throughout the air. We also noted the very intentional attempt by the leadership to express interest in the employees.

A term popularized during our lifetime is "servant leadership". The concept asserts that servant-leaders achieve results for their organizations by giving priority attention to the needs of their colleagues and those whom they serve. Servant-leaders are often seen as humble stewards of their organization's resources (human, financial and physical).

According to Robert K. Greenleaf who coined the phrase in an essay in 1970, "The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions…The leader-first and the servant-first are two extreme types. Between them there are shadings and blends that are part of the infinite variety of human nature."

The particular issue I would like to discuss today does not necessarily impact every reader. But certainly a large number of you who receive these messages are in some form of people management. Most are also under a manager or supervisor and would like them to read and practice this Scriptural principle! It is greatly lacking in the secular employment world.

An effective manager needs to lead with confidence and authority. I have appreciated this quality in several of my employers through the years and in the company owners whom we have served with as chaplains.

We particularly remember our boss, Anthony Muccio, when we drove school buses during the early years of our church planting work in Northern Pennsylvania. He was a good administrator and there was no question as to who was in authority. Yet he was also very kind and treated his employees well.  (This was especially appreciated since he followed an owner who was very much the opposite.) Most all of us have had managers who arrogantly abused this authority and lorded it over their employees. They act as though they're superior because they're "the boss".

Jesus' statement in our daily verse is known as the "golden rule".
"Do to others as you would have them do to you." Can you imagine how different things would be if this rule was universally practiced in the workplace, the home, the neighborhood, the church, public places, etc? But today let's especially consider its application in the workplace.

Paul gives a directive to "masters" which I believe can be used in principle by anyone that has a place of managing authority: "Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven" (Colossians 4:1).

As you manage today and every day may you put the teachings of Jesus and the Bible into practice! A powerful word from our Lord applied first to Kingdom living but really to all of life is, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all" (Mark 9:35). Today let us make it our prayer, "Lord, make me Your servant!"


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, I'm reminded of the acronym, JOY, which serves as a prompting to put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourselves last. As we do so we find ourselves to be more like Christ who gives us fulfillment and joy as we serve others. We find the mysterious pleasure that comes with the Scriptural teaching, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." "Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." And once again we find ourselves acknowledging that Your ways are superior to the ways of humankind. Show us the many ways we can assist and serve others and help us also to joyfully receive from others when they serve us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.



Servant leadership - Company leaders cooking for employees
Here's a photo taken yesterday at the company picnic with the company leadership cooking the meal on the grill. Working the grill is Ron Hoover (left) Chairman of the Board and Joe Wetzel (right) CEO.  Mark Griffin, VP of HR, is talking to the chicken! Today we have another picnic (at a different location) and Ester is excited since she has been asked to wear the chicken costume! (In case you're wondering, among the product lines this company makes are products that go into chicken houses, such as cages, ventilation and water systems.)

Tractor seat on milk canLongtime readers know I like old stuff and I saw this  interesting stool at an auction. A tractor seat welded to an old milk can!












Celosia grown for wholesale
A colorful scene on our evening walk.
Last year a neighboring local farm was sold to a wholesale flower grower and it is beginning to really be interesting with a large variety of flowers they planted such as these long rows of green and red Celosia flowers, also known as cockscomb.  (You can imagine Brooksyne's pleasure when we arrive at this spot.)



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
Click on the link to open and play.
(In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.)

"Make Me A Servant"  Video  Maranatha Singers

"Make Me A Servant"  Video  A children's song with a great message!

"If You Want To Be Great In God's Kingdom"  Video  Maranatha Country Praise

Finally today:

Horehound candySome of our childhood memories are actually our parent's childhood memories. When I was a kid I recall my Dad loved horehound candy and would tell us he always liked it as a kid.  Although it wasn't a popular flavor when I was young whenever I see some, as I did yesterday in an old-fashioned store, I buy some to bring back my own childhood memories of my dad's childhood memories and enjoy the rather unique taste! Here's an article about horehound candy for the terminally curious.


Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.
Photo of Stephen and Brooksyne Weber
"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update

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 daily encouragement ministry? Donations are tax deductible and will be receipted directly by my chaplaincy endorsing ministry. Thanks!  See here for details.

2010 YTD financial offerings as of 6/29/10 $6,593.00

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

Free email subscriptionWere you forwarded this edition of Daily Encouragement Net?  If you desire you can receive your own free! To receive these "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe. This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR a friend forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the rss feed or as an email subscription through feedburner.

Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If you no longer desire to receive these messages you can remove your address from the list by merely using the link automatically inserted by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each email message. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.)


Weekly Version:
The weekly version is intended for those who may not check their email regularly or who may desire less frequent mailings. 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.


Reader Survey:  Please take a few minutes to assist us in improving our ministry effectiveness by filling out this online reader survey. To take the survey click here.

Please feel free to pass these messages on!


Our other blogs:
"A Daily Prayer" - A blog simply posting the daily prayer. We keep this up each day since it's merely the prayer from the Daily Encouragement Net message!
"A Little Foolishness" - Humor/satire blog (a great outlet for non-serious writing but at times with a subtle message!) Last updated with the story of Mildred Swanson, who joyfully discovers her "spiritual gift" is sending forwarded emails! (Note: This material is satire!)
"Clear Minded" - Longer, periodic articles on specific issues impacting the faithful believer and church. (Actually this is my intent but I haven't done much with it!)
"Hymns of Hope" - Brooksyne along with two friends made a CD using classic hymns. Brooksyne tells the background story of the 11 hymns. All of these songs are also available for download on the site.

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, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.


© Copyright 2010 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved

Daily Encouragement Net
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552
Contact us
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"Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation"

www.dailyencouragement.net



Daily Encouragement is issued Monday-Friday.  To make sure you continue to receive these e-mails in your Inbox (so they're not sent to a junk folder), please add scweber@dailyencouragement.net to your address book or safe sender list. You are receiving these recurring messages as a subscriber to Daily Encouragement Net because you signed up on our website or otherwise requested it unless someone forwarded the message to you. If you desire to unsubscribe use the link below.  However, please do not use this link unless your address is the subscribed address below as you will otherwise unsubscribe the person who forwarded it to you!


 

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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Daily Encouragement (06/29/10) "Keeping Up With The Weeds"

Daily Encouragement Net - A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.
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The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.

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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Old Village Hardware, Bird in Hand, PA
Flowers along wall of Old Village Hardware, Bird In Hand, PA

ListenListen to this message on your audio player.

"Keeping Up With The Weeds"

"Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?"  He replied, "An enemy did this" (Matthew 13:27b, 28a).

We have really had the hot weather here in Lancaster County and it's been rather dry as well. Nevertheless I am able to report that the weeds are growing extremely well in our garden and in various landscaped portions of our yard.  We have a couple of small garden plots in our back yard where we have planted tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, corn, lima beans and many herbs.  Popping up through the soil all around the intended plants are scores of weeds that appear to be thriving.

Our daily verse has often intrigued me.  Jesus is telling a series of "Kingdom" parables in Matthew 13, the most familiar of which is the Parable of the Sower.  The statement found in the daily verse is from the second parable which begins in verse 24.  This parable speaks of a landowner who sowed good seed in his field, but while he slept his enemy came in and sowed weeds.  Later when the weeds appeared beside the intended crop his servants, knowing that he had sown good seed, asked him what most gardeners often ask themselves, "Where then did the weeds come from?"

Isn't that also the very question we often have in our own lives and in the work of God? The answer in the parable as stated by the landowner expresses a vital truth: "An enemy did this."  Later, in explaining the parable Christ plainly says, "The enemy that sowed them is the devil" (v. 39).  Indeed, this enemy continues his dastardly work individually and all throughout the world.  Martin Luther wrote, "But still our ancient foe, doth seek to work us woe."

We must follow some good advice I recall my parents saying every summer after planting our garden, "You've got to keep up with the weeds!"  Whether we get down on our knees and uproot them one at a time, use a hoe or cultivator, or spray for them which we saw last night on our walk as we passed our Amish neighbor's farm.


Now let me make it clear; I don't attribute the weeds in our little vegetable garden to a literal enemy, but they're sure a reminder of the truth of this parable.  Today, may God help each of us as we continue to overcome the work of our archenemy in keeping up with the weeds and let us also remember, "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, the pesty weeds in the garden are pervasive, persistent, and problematic to the gardener until pulled out by the root.  Weeds are like sin in our lives and in order for us to be productive and thriving in our Christian walk we must uproot the growing sins that seek to choke out the Word of God in our lives. Alert us to the weeds in their infancy stage lest they overtake the precious implanted truths of Your Holy Scripture and we begin to live for the worthless weed instead of the precious Bread of Life.  Keep us diligent, zealous, and hopeful as we nurture our daily lives with the spiritual tools of forgiveness, patience, forbearance, enduring love and so many other productive attitudes as written in the Scriptures.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

PS:  A special note to those discouraged by the persistent and never ending weeds.  Don't let your discouragement paralyze you.  If some weeds have gotten out of hand call out to God for help, become diligent in the Word and get some support from other believers and begin to weed.  A wonderful Bible promise I have committed to memory speaks to this: "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).

Brooksyne grows a lot of basil each year since we enjoy it in our salads and she makes a lot of basil pesto as well. In our photos today you can easily see the row of basil where she has already weeded and mulched and contrast it with the section overgrown with weeds.

Basil with mulch
Basil plants without weeding and mulching
 (as if we really needed to point it out).

Basil with mulch
Basil plants after weeding and mulch.



Old Village Hardware, Bird in Hand, PA
We pass this store often but decided to stop and take a look.

Old Village Hardware, Bird in Hand, PAThe interior of the Old Village Hardware

Sweet corn on wagon 6/26/10
We, along with many others, sure enjoy it when the first locally grown sweet corn is ready each season! These stands (in this case a  small wagon) are all over the place.



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
Click on the link to open and play.
(In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.)

"Psalm 1"  Video  

Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.
Photo of Stephen and Brooksyne Weber
"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update

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 daily encouragement ministry? Donations are tax deductible and will be receipted directly by my chaplaincy endorsing ministry. Thanks!  See here for details.

2010 YTD financial offerings as of 6/28/10 $6,568.00

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

Free email subscriptionWere you forwarded this edition of Daily Encouragement Net?  If you desire you can receive your own free! To receive these "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe. This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR a friend forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the rss feed or as an email subscription through feedburner.

Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If you no longer desire to receive these messages you can remove your address from the list by merely using the link automatically inserted by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each email message. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.)


Weekly Version:
The weekly version is intended for those who may not check their email regularly or who may desire less frequent mailings. 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.


Reader Survey:  Please take a few minutes to assist us in improving our ministry effectiveness by filling out this online reader survey. To take the survey click here.

Please feel free to pass these messages on!


Our other blogs:
"A Daily Prayer" - A blog simply posting the daily prayer. We keep this up each day since it's merely the prayer from the Daily Encouragement Net message!
"A Little Foolishness" - Humor/satire blog (a great outlet for non-serious writing but at times with a subtle message!) Last updated with the story of Mildred Swanson, who joyfully discovers her "spiritual gift" is sending forwarded emails! (Note: This material is satire!)
"Clear Minded" - Longer, periodic articles on specific issues impacting the faithful believer and church. (Actually this is my intent but I haven't done much with it!)
"Hymns of Hope" - Brooksyne along with two friends made a CD using classic hymns. Brooksyne tells the background story of the 11 hymns. All of these songs are also available for download on the site.

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, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.


© Copyright 2010 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved

Daily Encouragement Net
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552
Contact us
Chaplaincy logo
Endorsed chaplain

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

www.dailyencouragement.net



Daily Encouragement is issued Monday-Friday.  To make sure you continue to receive these e-mails in your Inbox (so they're not sent to a junk folder), please add scweber@dailyencouragement.net to your address book or safe sender list. You are receiving these recurring messages as a subscriber to Daily Encouragement Net because you signed up on our website or otherwise requested it unless someone forwarded the message to you. If you desire to unsubscribe use the link below.  However, please do not use this link unless your address is the subscribed address below as you will otherwise unsubscribe the person who forwarded it to you!


 

You are currently subscribed to dailyencouragement as: stephencweber.dailyencouragement@blogger.com
Add scweber@dailyencouragement.net to your email address book to ensure delivery
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Monday, June 28, 2010

Daily Encouragement (06/28/10) "The Mystery Of Divine Providence"

Daily Encouragement Net - A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.
Trouble reading this message?  Read online or see archives
RSS feed       Podcast feed
 Daily Encouragement Net Header
The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.

<Previous Message  ·  Archives  ·  Archive edition

Monday, June 28, 2010

Sunset over farm pond 6/27/10
Last night's sunset over farm pond

ListenListen to this message on your audio player.

"The Mystery Of Divine Providence"

"The Lord is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all He has made" (Psalm 145:17).

Last Thursday afternoon I visited a friend in the course of my chaplain work. I specifically recall how he proudly showed me a photo of his wife and young daughter. As I walked away I remember the big smile on his face as he bid me farewell.

The very next evening he was killed instantly when a tree fell on the pick-up truck he was driving. His wife, who was with him, suffered only minor injuries. "I'm pretty sure he was killed instantly," an officer at the scene said. "It was an act of God. A split-second either way and there probably would not have even been an accident or anyone injured."

The phrase "act of God" may seem irreverent to some but ultimately it's a reasonable expression of the Biblical doctrine of God's providence. Divine providence is the means by and through which God governs all things in the universe. The doctrine of divine providence asserts that God is in complete control of all things. This doctrine stands in direct opposition to the idea that the universe is governed by chance or fate.

Now this is a teaching that certainly does not lend itself to a short summary and is never really understood completely on this side.  But let me share five observations concerning this mystery of God's providence, especially in regard to tragedies such as the untimely death of my friend:
  • Tragedies are experienced by people of every age and generation. All throughout the Bible, such as Stephen's stoning right at the beginning of his ministry, throughout church history and in our own life's experience we've all witnessed heartbreaking tragedies; some personal and others at a distance. (A little baby was killed Saturday in Central Park in New York City when a tree branch fell on her.)
  • Tragedies ultimately stem from God’s curse as a result of the sin of the human race. Please note this is not saying that each and every tragedy is a result of specific human sin (see point 4) but rather are a part of this fallen world.
  • Tragedies show us that life is fragile and that death and judgment are imminent so our hearts must be right with God through true repentance before we die and face judgment. (Luke 13:1-5)
  • It is futile to try to figure it all out and in doing so we can easily make wrong judgments. Two examples are Job's friends throughout the book of Job and another tragic story as told in Luke 13:1-5.
  • The Scriptural assurance of God's control and care through all circumstances (Romans 8:28).
Today's daily text expresses a timeless truth concerning God: "The LORD is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all He has made" (Psalm 145:17). The greatest testing of our faith comes during these intense times as we may find ourselves questioning God's providence and goodness in these kinds of tragedies. Some of our readers have had very difficult experiences in this regard. I can think of a number of friends who have experienced very severe heartache yet hold on to their faith.

Here's a Scripture passage that we've recently been distributing in our chaplaincy ministry. Brooksyne has posted it above the kitchen sink, bathroom mirror, and next to our computer as a prompting to memorize it.  Let it speak to your heart this day. Store it up in your spirit so that when tragedy strikes and the endurance of your faith is tested it will not come as a surprise nor will the troubling circumstances overpower your faith:

"In His great mercy He has given us … an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for you. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold which perishes even though refined by fire, may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed" (I Peter 1:3b,4,6,7).


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily payer: Father, we know that the processing of gold requires extreme temperatures so that impurities are separated from the genuine. Likewise our faith which is of greater worth than gold goes through a purification test especially when we endure extreme trials. It is through these trials that we have opportunity to prove the genuineness of our faith and declare along with Job who went through extreme and prolonged testing, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." It was in the painful process of losing those things which he could touch with his hands and see with his eyes that Job learned to praise You with an inexpressible and glorious joy. This attitude of praise comes only by faith, not by what we can touch or see. Help us, Father, to give thanks in all circumstances and trust You for all that concerns us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Here's a common prayer that expresses repentance to God and faith in the plan of salvation. I urge you to pray this prayer from your heart today. "Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and desire to turn to You in repentance. I believe that You came to this earth and died on the cross as a substitute for me. I place my faith in You and what You have done for me. I receive You into my life and choose this day to follow and serve You. Thank You for hearing my prayer."

Expressing ourselves to God in this way is how we all begin our new life as a Christian. I earnestly pray that everyone reading this will do so as well!  I would be very blessed and encouraged if those of you who have done so for the first time would let us know.

Brooksyne's Note: When God lays a Scripture passage on my heart I type it out, make duplicate copies, laminate them, and then post it in several locations in our home where I spend time doing "mindless work." When washing dishes or drying my hair at the bathroom mirror I read the Scripture(s) over and over and then begin the exercise of memorizing them. After memorizing the passage(s) I then review them each time I see the posting or when I take walks so that I don't forget them. I'm always amazed as to how these verses work in my heart as a spiritual meditation. The very passage I have just memorized not only speaks to me personally but so often is the very word an individual needs to hear either in our business chaplaincy, our daily encouragements or our pastoral ministry. I recently memorized I Peter 1:3-9 which we shared a portion of today. I encourage you to print out verses to memorize as well. I
f you'd like a laminated copy of I Peter 1:3-9 just send me a self-addressed, stamped envelope to this address: 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 and I'll be glad to send you a copy.


 
Oren Hofstetter's retirement party 6/27/10
Last night we joined many of our local friends for a surprise retirement party on a beautiful farm here in Lancaster County. This farm has been in the same family for 8 generations since the 1700's!

Oren Hofstetter's retirement party 6/27/10
Our friend Oren (pictured with his daughter, Cassie, granddaughter, and daughter-in-law Rachel in background) recently retired after 22 years of working for Kelloggs. Oren and his wife Naomi demonstrate great servant's hearts and are representative of the millions of Christ-followers who serve faithfully in their local churches and communities without much fanfare.  Here's a message we wrote about them several years ago and a more recent photo of Oren and Naomi.

John & Florence Zimmerman 50th
John and Florence Zimmerman recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  We sat across from them and enjoyed their fellowship.

Feeding cows on Amish farm 6/26/10
Saturday evening I helped my Amish friend with his chores prior to milking. (In case any may wonder I am not Amish even though I am aware the black suspenders may lead some to believe that I am.  Don't know how the shorts and colorful shirt would fit in!)

Amish girl on scooter
Friday I shared a photo of two scooters leaning on a barn. I should have explained that these scooters are a common mode of transportation among the Amish. This young lady had just picked up some items at our local hardware store.  (She's one of few who wear shoes in the summer months.)  When I see them scooting along in their bare feet I consider how calloused and tough their feet must be!

Amish school construction
The Amish in our neighborhood are building a new one room schoolhouse.  The men all pitch in together to do the work and the women serve a big meal. The children are playing on the dirt pile, something I recall as being a lot of fun when I was a kid.

I saw one of those heartwarming sights that would have made for a great photo as I drove onto the property Saturday. A big family of all ages was looking out toward the railroad tracks watching intently and talking about the train coming. When the Amtrak passenger train sped by they all jumped up and down and waved excitedly. The mother explained to me that their 21 year old son was on the train heading out to Wyoming to work in the hay harvest. He was looking for them all to be there waving, and he certainly
was not disappointed.  I'm sure it was an encouraging site that he will draw strength from far away from home. (See Acts 27:15)



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
Click on the link to open and play.
(In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.)

"Farther Along"  Video  This old gospel song expresses well.

"Thank You Lord For The Trials That Come My Way"  Video   This song has very thought-provoking lyrics and is one of the first songs I recall Brooksyne playing at the piano and singing when we held service at a Rehab.   It was popular in the seventies. Today's version is by a Croatian singer.

"He Will Carry You"  Video  Scott Wesley Brown  We dedicate this song today to all our readers going through a tough time.

The definition of divine providence used in today's message comes from this website

For further study: Here are two insightful books I have read on the topic of God's control and the mysteries of His providence.

The Invisible Hand: Do All Things Really Work for Good?The Invisible Hand: Do All Things Really Work for Good? 
By R.C. Sproul 
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.

Trusting GodTrusting God
By Jerry Bridges / NAV Press
Does trusting God come easily to you---until adversity strikes? Amid troubles and tribulation, do you sometimes doubt whether he really cares? Exploring three essential truths about God---his complete sovereignty, his infinite wisdom, and his perfect love---Bridges shows you how to rely on God implicitly in every circumstance. 240 pages, softcover from NavPress.

For many years Jerry Bridges has been one of my favorite authors. In the course of preparing these resources I came across a book I have not read yet but due to Jerry's insight am confident it would be a good read.

Is God Really in Control? Trusting God in a World of Terrorism, Tsunamis, and Personal TragedyIs God Really in Control? Trusting God in a World of Terrorism, Tsunamis, and Personal Tragedy
By Jerry Bridges / NAV Press
There's no more crucial topic in today's world than understanding what God is up to in the midst of personal and global tragedy. Author Jerry Bridges helps readers answer the question "Is God in control?", offering comfort and hope by exploring the greater purposes of God in light of Scripture.

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"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update

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 daily encouragement ministry? Donations are tax deductible and will be receipted directly by my chaplaincy endorsing ministry. Thanks!  See here for details.

2010 YTD financial offerings as of 6/27/10 $6,568.00

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Our other blogs:
"A Daily Prayer" - A blog simply posting the daily prayer. We keep this up each day since it's merely the prayer from the Daily Encouragement Net message!
"A Little Foolishness" - Humor/satire blog (a great outlet for non-serious writing but at times with a subtle message!) Last updated with the story of Mildred Swanson, who joyfully discovers her "spiritual gift" is sending forwarded emails! (Note: This material is satire!)
"Clear Minded" - Longer, periodic articles on specific issues impacting the faithful believer and church. (Actually this is my intent but I haven't done much with it!)
"Hymns of Hope" - Brooksyne along with two friends made a CD using classic hymns. Brooksyne tells the background story of the 11 hymns. All of these songs are also available for download on the site.

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, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.


© Copyright 2010 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved

Daily Encouragement Net
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552
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