A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.
 The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. <Previous Message · Archives · Archive edition Wednesday, December 28, 2011  Photo by Howard J. Blichfeldt (used by permission) "Yet Will I" "The just shall live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights" (Habakkuk 3:17-19). "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).  Over the next several days we tend to reflect on the previous year while also contemplating what lies ahead in the New Year. We received a greeting from a thoughtful friend that, among other things, expressed, "May you have an uneventful year!" That phrase can be taken many ways, but in this context she was referring to Brooksyne's traffic accident in September when a driver hit our van from behind. The van was totaled but it could have been so much worse (there were no serious injuries).Actually we want an eventful year but just eventful with events that are pleasing to us! But that is not a promise we have. Today let's consider the great statement of confidence and faith that concludes the rather obscure book of Habakkuk. We can read this as a promise for events we might face. Habakkuk was written as Judah was about to be destroyed by the Babylonians and the remnant taken captive. The better known prophet during this time was Jeremiah. It was a desperate time.  Since the economy was agriculturally based Habakkuk describes the equivalence of a severe economic depression. Based on the wider context of the book (the pending judgment upon the nation of Judah), I believe he's describing a situation in which practically everything that can go wrong does, a "worst case scenario." What response does he have during such times? Twice he states the will to live in an attitude of joy and in both cases the immutable (unchanging) source of that joy is expressed: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." Consider the single phrase "yet will I"; few in letters but packed with meaning. It conveys the sense of "in spite of" or "notwithstanding." Habakkuk was determined to keep his faith in the Lord. He chose to experience the reservoir of deep abiding joy that is derived from his relationship with an unchanging God, rather than the ever-changing circumstances in his life. Jesus prayed to His Father in His final "High Priestly" prayer: "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them" (John 17:13). As we look back over the events in our lives this past year, some have been pleasurable, and others a trial. There are also ongoing issues that we carry from one year to the next. But our struggles are somewhat minimal compared to those devastated by destructive earthquakes, deadly tornadoes, natural disasters, wars or those living in persecuted lands. Over the last several days our brethren in Nigeria have seen fierce and deadly persecution from Muslims. Considering their plight and praying for them keeps matters I am experiencing in perspective. Nevertheless some of you are dealing with a trial and doubtless for some it's a very serious matter. Today and through our life, let us quote Habakkuk and make this our own personal victorious declaration: "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights" (3:19). Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber  Daily Prayer: Father, we're reminded by Habakkuk that our deep abiding joy is not derived from abundance in provisions nor even the people in our life. But rather our joy comes from You as we choose to rejoice in You, whether or not our pantry is overflowing. We rejoice in knowing that You are our strength who enables us to descend the rigorous, steep terrain. When we reach the height of the mountain we can look back at the disappointments and hardships we climbed through as You made our feet sure-footed like those of a deer. Keep us steadily faithful through the climb as we once again affirm our faith in You, Sovereign Lord, and rejoice in the work You are accomplishing in our lives. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Have our daily encouragement messages been a blessing to you this last year? As we approach the end of the year, we ask you to consider making a year-end donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry.Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources Habakkuk 3 Video A dramatic reading "I Will Rejoice" Video Jolene Riley Today's first text put to music. "I Will Praise Him" Video The Isaacs (Acapella) News article about Nigerian persecution of Christians. Today's photo in rural Michigan was taken by our friend Howard J. Blichfeldt and is used with his permission. His website is here. Howard is a friend of this ministry who desires to honor the Lord through his photography. We had snow storm in late October which was very unusual for our area but since then we have been rather lacking in snow. Today it is windy and cold but clear with no snow in the forecast. I happen to like snow! (At least in December - February). Ou van: Just in case you see a photo of our white van in the future, we will explain: Our van was totaled following the accident but since we really liked the van, we chose to have it repaired by a Vo-Tech Body Shop since there appeared to be no mechanical damage and received a settlement from the insurance company for slightly less. |
 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 12/11)  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 12/27/11: $17,695.00 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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