A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.
 The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. <Previous Message · Archives · Archive edition Wednesday, November 30, 2011  "Living For The Eternal" "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out" (1 Timothy 6:7). "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart" (Job 1:21). Today we continue our series on experiencing contentment based upon the Apostle Paul's teaching in 1 Timothy 6. Yesterday's teaching asserted that we will experience contentment when we focus on pursuing godliness. In today's verse Paul calls to our attention two universal bookends we all experience as part of life's journey; birth and death. This verse teaches the transitory nature of life and the futility of anchoring our hope in temporal things. We experience contentment when we focus on the eternal, not the temporal.   When attending a funeral it's not unusual to see a Bible placed in the hands of the deceased in the coffin, testimony to what he or she really valued in this life. In recent years we've seen baseball gloves, Nascar caps, cowboy garb, etc. indicating what that person valued. But one thing is certain; they really aren't taking the items with them! The material things that bring pleasure in this life or make a person wealthy hold no value in the world to come. When we have a heart of contentment we view our material possessions and resources from an eternal perspective. We can't take material possessions with us no matter how much we value them, but Jesus taught that we can start building our treasure chest there, even while we live here below: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21). Our material treasure will not pass from this life to the next, but the investment we have made to the kingdom of God through our service and use of our material resources will last for eternity. We can carry nothing out - but we can "send ahead" eternal blessing and reward through the wise use of our time and resources right now!  * Freedom from greed; * Freedom from anxiety; and, * Freedom from circumstances as the basis for happiness. Today we encourage our readers to live for the eternal! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber  Daily Prayer: Father, would You show us through Your Holy Spirit and the Holy Scriptures and by the examples of committed believers what it is to live for the eternal. It seems that we indulge with the world far too much and it prioritizes our time, finances, and interests. As we love You more, we love the things of the world less. We see them for what they really are - temporary, broken, and/or sin-ridden. As we fix our eyes on You the things of this world grow strangely dim. We want to spend more time with You which will direct our thoughts and affections toward heaven. We want to deposit our investments there so that our treasure chest is growing with rust-proof, moth-proof, and thief-proofed treasures that last for all eternity. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.Brooksyne's Note: In writing the prayer today I considered the investments we make on this side that will grow our lasting treasure chest on the other side. I'm reading a book by Christian author Amy Parham who tells this story: "I think about a woman named Teresa who created a scholarship fund that paid my way through Bible College....she went to my church. When I was in high school, her husband died in a tragic accident. They had three young children. Sometime after, Teresa used some of the money she received from his life insurance policy to set up a fund to help people who wanted to go into ministry. I was one of the recipients. Teresa could have used that money for her own needs (now a single mom with very legitimate needs of her own), but she wanted to sow into the lives of others. I am so grateful that she gave me the opportunity to learn more about God and His Word. The time I spent at that school changed the course of my life. I will be forever indebted to her act of kindness [and generosity]. Who knows where I would be today if I hadn't received that scholarship?..." Daily Encouragement Readers, as we grow in godly character; as we sow into the lives of others; as we give generously of our time, our knowledge, and our resources; as we endure patiently with others and remain joyful in hope we are truly building a treasure trove in heaven and finding satisfaction within on this side.  This Christmas many of our readers will be shopping for gifts that have spiritual and lasting value. We would like to suggest several that we have found to be a blessing both personally and as gifts to others: It's no secret to regular readers that we enjoy the hymns. This two CD collection is outstanding, as we have been enjoying these in our van! The collection includes "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus", one of the songs we feature today as a musical supplement.  Hymns 4 Worship: Amazing Grace, CDBy Various Artists / Provident Music Distribution Hymns4Worship - A LIVE Worship Experience features top artists 4HIM, Israel, Sara Groves, Paul Baloche, and others singing favorite hymns such as "Just As I Am," "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," and "How Great Thou Art." From the creators of Songs4Worship comes the ultimate video collection of favorite hymns that worshipers will cherish. Ordering information We've featured Shannon Wexelberg often in our suggested list of music the past couple years. Weeks ago we purchased her Christmas CD, "Love Came For Me" and have been enjoying not only the traditional Christmas hymns but also her original music, meaningful lyrics, and powerful vocals. The title song, "Love Came For Me" is a message for every redeemed follower of Christ. She also includes a beautiful song, "The Magnificat" based on Mary's song of praise in Luke 1:46-48.  Love Came For Me CD By Shannon Wexelberg / Discovery HouseShannon's personal and passionate music will transport you to the heart of Christmas! Includes an exuberant rendition of "Joy to the World"; the breathtaking splendor of "O Holy Night"; piano arrangements of "Silent Night" and "Good Christian Men, Rejoice"; plus "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus"; "Angels from the Realms of Glory"; and original compositions "This Child" and the title track. Ordering information Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain" Video A song based upon 1 Timothy 6:6 written and sung by our friend Mike Book. We find it so helpful when Scripture is set to music and in many cases this becomes the basis for memorization. "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" Video Michael W. Smith with violin introduction. "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" Video Piano instrumental with orchestra by Greg Howlett "My Jesus I Love Thee" Video Avalon Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne. |
 Our photo taken at the Bridge of Flowers in Sherburne Falls, MA Fall 2011 "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update (Revised 10/21/11)  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 teaching 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 11/29/11: $13,016.00 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!) (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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