 The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. <Previous Message · Archives · Archive edition Tuesday, September 6, 2011  The steam engine on the Strasburg rail line in Lancaster County PA. "All Aboard For Paradise!" To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God" (Revelation 2:7). "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36). The Strasburg Railroad is a historic rail line that has now been converted into a tourist attraction, with a train powered by a restored steam engine. It travels through the beautiful Amish countryside in eastern Lancaster County from Strasburg to Paradise, PA. We have Amish friends who live near the line who are accustomed to hearing the distinct sound of the steam whistle. As the train departs the conductor calls out with a loud drawn out announcement, "All aboard for Paradise." Throughout the short trip a narrator makes colorful comments regarding the history of the area and the railroad. We've ridden the train several times but I recall once when we arrived at the end of the line he announced our arrival at the station "Paradise". He paused and then injected, "Pennsylvania that is, which is the closest to the real Paradise some of us will ever get to." I'm sure he intended humor but he also speaks truth and perhaps was even trying to get in a witness for Truth, at least in the sense of giving the riders something to think about in the eternal realm. Our first daily Scripture verse is a wonderful promise given by Christ to the church in Ephesus and through the written Scriptures it is directed to all of us. "The paradise of God" is a description of what we commonly call heaven. Our Lord's words in our second daily Scripture ought to be written on the tablets of our hearts and in the recesses of our minds. Jesus very pointedly asks a rather simple question. "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" He doesn't answer it, for the answer is obvious. Many are giving their time, attention, and money as they seek to gain the temporal world, all the while giving no attention to their eternal soul. Sadly, many who are reckoned as successful by this world's standards ignore their soul to their eternal damnation. All they attained on this side, whether wealth or fame, are a pittance from the eternal perspective. Comparatively it means nothing to be able to "gain the whole world" and yet forfeit one's soul. I recall the old spiritual that declares, "This train is bound for glory." Let us all keep this eternal perspective before us as we consider that we are indeed bound for the true paradise of God, which is an eternally glorious destination (exceedingly greater than Paradise, PA)! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber  Personal update: We are thankful for the compassionate notes we received in emails regarding Ester's new chapter in life. We shared honestly about this in yesterday's message (footnote). We appreciate our regular readers prayers of support on her behalf. A number shared that they've had similar experiences with their children and though it was not overnight, God brought them through to the side of victory. We also heard from several presently going through similar battles. So, we pray for you even as you lift us up in prayer. We appreciate the song "Come People Of The Risen King" by Keith and Kristyn Getty that has these thoughtful lines expressing the current realities in the Body Of Christ. Come, those whose joy is morning sun, And those weeping through the night; Come, those who tell of battles won, And those struggling in the fight. For His perfect love will never change, And His mercies never cease, But follow us through all our days With the certain hope of peace. Regarding our van we are waiting to hear from the insurance company regarding whether it will be repaired or totaled.   This photo is dear to me. We took my mom on a ride on the Strasburg railroad shortly before she passed away in 2005. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Come People Of The Risen King" Video Keith and Kristyn Getty & Stuart Townend "I Am Bound For The Promised Land" Video Jars Of Clay Strasburg Railroad Yes, there really is a Paradise, PA! Google map |
 "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update (Revised 12/31/10)  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 daily encouragement ministry? Donations are tax deductible and will be receipted directly by my chaplaincy endorsing ministry. Thanks!See here for details. 2011 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 9/5/11: $9,491.00 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION  Were 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 by us 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 Friday's message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter:  The daily message and prayer on Facebook. The daily message and prayer on Twitter.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.  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, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version. © Copyright 2011 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 Contact us  Endorsed chaplain "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation" www.dailyencouragement.net |
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