Monday, January 31, 2011

Daily Encouragement (01/31/11) "When Your World Is Shaking"

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Monday, January 31, 2011

Meadowview Road Farm 1/30/11
We pass this stately farmhouse and barn on Meadow View Road
on the way to our church.
This was especially beautiful with the snow landscape yesterday.
It looks foggy because it was foggy!
Here are spring and autumn photos.


ListenListen to this message on your audio player.

"When Your World Is Shaking"

"When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3). "He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand" (Psalm 40:2b).

Lancaster County stone barnOur area is dotted with old stone farmhouses and barns, many of them dating back to the 1700's. They are very well built and have stood the test of time, weathering many a storm. Of great concern to the builders at the time of construction was building on a solid foundation. They built these structures to last for many generations. To draw a comparison, a building constructed today would need to last till 2275 and beyond!

I recall passing a sign in front of a stone farmhouse here in Lancaster County that proclaims this simple, assuring truth: "When your world is shaking run to the Rock."

Our world is certainly shaking. We watch the news and presently read of so much turmoil in the Middle East, especially Egypt. In our country we are in what appears to be a race to moral anarchy, with time honored Biblical values being steamrolled daily. We write on the national and international front, while also realizing that many of you are being shaken with personal and family trials.

We sang “The Solid Rock” yesterday in church reminding us that our hope is built on Jesus. Repeated twice in the refrain is the line, “All other ground is sinking sand.” The “other ground” may be an erroneous philosophy, false doctrine, a prideful heart, a wrong pursuit. There are a host of other foundations that people build their lives upon that will eventually tumble.

Leaning snowman 1/30/11Over the last few days we’ve been seeing the snowman displays on front lawns of homes and Amish schoolhouses following the snowstorm we had last week. But now that the warm sunshine has returned the snowmen, one by one, are leaning closer and closer to the snow from which they were erected, such as the featured photo we took yesterday in Mastersonville. When wet snow is packed together it can be fashioned into a snowman, a fort, or an igloo but their existence lasts only as long as the weather cooperates.

And yet the vast majority build their lives with materials that are flawed or intended only for this life. At times the "other ground" can be appealing and may even appear steady and firm, for Satan is a master deceiver. But it really is like sinking sand or melting snow. The reality is that all other ground, apart from the solid foundation of Christ and His Holy Word, is sinking sand whether or not others or I perceive it to be so. Truly, Christ alone is the Solid Rock!

In the first daily verse the Psalmist asks a probing question: "When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" In the second daily verse he makes a statement of resolve and describes a place of security that can only be found in God: "He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." We need to be reminded of our position in Christ and the unchanging stability we have as we cling to His promises, uphold His truths, and trust Him wholly.

Today, I urge you to faithfully serve the Lord. Our immutable God continues to set our feet on the eternal, impenetrable rock so that every time the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord raises up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19). As we live out our lives under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and in obedience to His Word, we will appreciate the deep-settled assurance He gives as He establishes our way and keeps our path firm and secure!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber


Praying manDaily Prayer: Father, You want us to build our lives on the firm foundation of Your Holy Word through our salvation in Jesus. And yet the devil perpetually beckons us to build our lives on the temporal, the popular, the physical and the mindset of this world instead. To counteract such deadly influence we will delight in Your Law and meditate on it day and night so that we will be like a tree firmly planted and grounded in Your Word. When the waters surge our roots will cling to that which holds when the foundations are crumbling. We choose not to be pulled down by the sinking foundations of this world, but to be lifted up by Your timeless, imperishable truths. Amen.



This is a summary of the message I preached yesterday:

Four Foundations That Will Stand!

1) The solid foundation of Biblical authority. "The grass withers, the flower fade.  But the word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8).

2) The solid foundation of Jesus Christ.  "According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:10,11).

3) The solid foundation of the church. "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord" (Ephesians 2:19-21).

4) The solid foundation of the apostolic doctrine.  "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42).  "Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints" (Jude 3).




We want to share some more scenes from our weekend

Jubilee Transition House meal 1/29/11
On Saturday several of us went to a transition house in Lebanon Pennsylvania and served the men a large home-made meal and fellowshipped with them during the meal.  These were men recently released from jail who are trying to get their lives together. It is our prayer that each one will build on the solid foundation of Christ!

Mastersonville cemetery scene 1/30/11
Early yesterday morning I thought this was a nice view overlooking the cemetery next to our church meeting house to the distant farm fields.

Amish youth on way to youth meeting 1/30/11
On the way home from church yesterday we passed several open buggies of young Amish couples on their way to a youth meeting along Elizabethtown Road.

Amish youth on way to youth meeting 1/30/11
It was rather cold but we suppose they bundled up well and were used to it.
Brooksyne takes these photos from the passenger side as we are driving but they don't always turn out well since the timing is essential.  See here!



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.)

"Speak, O Lord"  Video  Kristyn Getty  This is a great modern hymn to sing prior to the preaching of the Word, which we did yesterday. It expresses a heart of receptivity!

"Ancient Words"  Video  Michael W. Smith

"The Solid Rock"  Video  Sovereign Grace Music

"I Go To The Rock"  Video  Aaron Jeffrey

"How Firm A Foundation" Video  Sovereign Grace Music  

1. How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said
Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?

2. In every condition, -- in sickness, in health,
In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth,
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea, --
The Lord, the Almighty, thy strength e'er shall be.

3. "Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

4. "When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee thy troubles to bless
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

5. "When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply.
The flames shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

6. "E'en down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary (snowy) hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.

7. "The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never, forsake!"

"We Have An Anchor"  Video  I am so very blessed by this grand old hymn and this is an especially beautiful version musically and includes photos. (I regret this version only has one verse).  Sung by Robin Mark.

Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.
Our photo taken at the Old Mill Inn in Pigeon Forge TN (11/10)
"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/31/10)

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.
2011 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 1/30/11: $685.00


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 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.


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 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.

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 2011 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!

 

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Friday, January 28, 2011

Daily Encouragement (01/28/11) "The Final Appointment"

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.

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Friday, January 28, 2011

Snow view from our office 1/27/11
We had a beautiful snowfall late Wednesday evening and this is the view from our office early Thursday morning with the bright sun and long shadows. We were awakened at 4:30 AM by our kind neighbor, Leon, who drove his tractor down the road to plow us out.

ListenListen to this message on your audio player.

"The Final Appointment"

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).

Early yesterday morning we had an appointment
near Harrisburg about 45 minutes away. Due to the condition of the roads following the snow storm and our desire to send out our daily encouragement message we arrived later than scheduled. We called ahead to let them know that we were behind schedule so they would know we hadn't forgotten. However, we have on occasion forgotten an appointment.

Today we want to consider an appointment we all have. It's not a date that people post on their calendar but it is already scheduled.  We just don't know when. The date is not ours to make and yet our main concern in life is getting ready for it, since we want to be ready!

Day by day we are reminded of this appointment. Of course we are speaking about our appointment with death. Some days, especially when death hits close to home, we are especially reminded. But every day people everywhere around the world deal with death. For some, it's at the conclusion of a long and fulfilling life. But for others it's so unexpected and tragic. I'm reminded of this as I consider four high school boys in our area who were killed in an auto accident less than two weeks ago.

A number of emotions and realities set in at the death of a loved one, particularly a parent.  My dad passed away in 1998. One emotion I recall was a stark recognition of my own physical mortality.  I still remember the time as a child when my dad received a phone call that his father (my grandpa) had passed away. I can still see in my mind's eye the black rotary dial wall phone on our kitchen wall when he got the news.  
After hanging up he leaned against the wall with such a sober expression on his face and quickly turned away because he didn't want my sister and me to see him.  Thirty-five years later when he died I believe I know what he was feeling at that time. One day it will be my final appointment.

However at my dad's memorial service I made the point that death is ultimately "non-final".  Believers who are now alive have a promise that we will not precede those who have died as believers, but we will meet them in the air at Christ's return for His people (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).  What a glorious day when the dead in Christ shall rise with believers in the air!

All Christians should memorize our daily verse, although it is probably not among verses commonly memorized.  Believers join the rest of the human race in being appointed to die. Just as our birth transitioned us into this temporal world, God's providential means of transition from this world is through death. 

Scripture records two special circumstances when death was circumvented (Enoch and Elijah). Everyone else faces it, although there will be a special generation in the last times (perhaps our own) when believers will not die but will immediately rise to meet the Lord in the air.  Following our death comes the judgment (the Judgment Seat of Christ for the believer and the Great White Throne Judgment for the unbeliever). One is rewards for the faithful, the other is eternal retribution.

Are you ready for this appointment?  Have you made your peace with God and accepted the atoning work of Christ as the full payment for your sin?  Actually our daily verse ends with a colon in the KJV and the remainder of the passage states: "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation" (Hebrews 9:28).  Are you looking for Him today?


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Praying manDaily Prayer: Father, we lift our eyes to the Eastern sky, for we know that You will soon return to gather believers in the air along with those who have already died.  But until that wonderful event or until You call us home at our appointed hour of death we are to live as if this might be our last day on earth. We want our hearts to be right, our conscience to be clear and our sins to be forgiven.  We want to leave a godly legacy for those who remain so that they too will make proper preparation for their appointed day of death. Help us to live not just for here and now, but for all eternity. In the name of Jesus. Amen.



Ron Hoover 1/27/11
Last night Ron Hoover, a friend of ours, joined us for dinner. Ron has been very encouraging to us in our chaplain ministry as a local chair of a businessman's group called "Convene".  
Ron has a mentoring role, encouraging business leaders to use their talents to serve the Lord.
Ron shares a video testimony on the Convene site here.

Snow view from our dining room 1/27/11
We always like the way the evergreen trees look after a snow storm. However we are concerned about the one nearest our home which is entirely bent over due to the weight of the snow.

Snow view of our back yard 1/27/11
This is the view from our bedroom window of our backyard.



Follow Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter:

We now post the Daily Encouragement messages on Facebook and Twitter
Daily Encouragement on Facebook The daily message on Facebook.
Daily Encouragement on Facebook
The daily prayer on Facebook. (Brooksyne's account)
Daily Encouragement on Twitter
 The daily message and prayer on Twitter.

I tend to be a slow learner with these types of programs so please pardon me if I didn't set this up right. I welcome suggested improvements as to utilizing them better and expect upon advice I will be making some adjustments.



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.)

"For Future Generations"  Video  4Him

"Where There Is Faith"  Video  4Him  Note: You realize you are getting old when the young groups that were popular when you were in your thirties start to look old!


Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.
Our photo taken at the Old Mill Inn in Pigeon Forge TN (11/10)
"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/31/10)

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.
2011 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 1/26/11: $655.00


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 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.


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 2011 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
Forward to a Friend  |  Manage Subscription  |   Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe
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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Daily Encouragement (01/27/11) "A Solemn Warning"

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.

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Sheep on Echo Valley Road 1/3/10
"All of us, like sheep, have gone astray" (Isaiah 53:6).
We came upon these sheep who had clearly gone astray on Echo Valley Road here in Lancaster County PA on our way home from a church service. 
(They appear to be licking the freezing road surface, but they were likely licking salt that had been spread due to icy conditions.  I'm surprised their tongue didn't get stuck!)

ListenListen to this message on your audio player.

"A Solemn Warning"

"See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12).

In about two weeks we will approach the milestone of living here in Lancaster County ten years. That brings a recollection of one of my final sermons I preached at our church in Massachusetts. I used a rather unusual method of preaching that I've never used before or since then.

On our last Sunday evening church service, in January 2001, I slowly walked through the aisles of the sanctuary. Pew by pew, with all the solemnity I could muster, I respectfully placed a hand on each person’s shoulder and looked them in the eye with great earnest. I then proceeded to quote the daily verse: "See to it, brother, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God." (Although I don't recall specifically I suppose I adapted "sister" when I gave this biblical charge to the women.)

Corey was a young man in that church service. For several years after we left that area he went through some difficult times and, sadly, began to "dabble in Egypt"*, like so many older teenagers and young adults often do.

But eventually he recommitted his life to the living God. He told us years later that he especially remembered that sermon when I repeated the verse to each individual. God used that very verse to help him return to his spiritual roots. Of course God also used other believers and Scriptural promptings to bring Corey back into right relationship with the Savior as well. Corey is presently attending Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary preparing for ministry.

The daily verse is a truth that is so straightforward it requires little exposition. It's a simple but very precise warning. Children can understand it as well as senior adults. It speaks to believers today just as it surely did to the congregations who first heard that charge read to them some 2000 years ago. It doesn't matter where you live, it doesn't matter how long you've walked with God, and it doesn't matter the kind of family you were brought up in. We all know our heart's propensity to behave in a sinful manner, and when sin goes unchecked for a period of time; it turns our hearts away from God.

Because sin and righteousness do not peacefully co-exist, we will either turn away from the living God or turn away from the destructive sin. We all know people who have turned away from the Truth, but on the other hand, we’ve also seen some of those people repent of their sins and return to the living God. Our human nature hasn't changed a bit in 2000 years, in that, it is prone to wandering into dangerous waters where it can easily be pulled under by the deadly currents of sin and unbelief.

Going back to my opening illustration, when I quoted Hebrews 3:12 to every individual it took quite a while. Certainly I didn't know how it would be received but I sensed the Lord leading me to do it. When I finished moving throughout the congregation giving what amounted to a personal message repeated over and over I asked afterward if any would voluntarily share the verse aloud. (Repetition is a great key to memorization.) Many were able and willing to do so.

And then Andy, a good friend and deacon in the church, looked straight at me and said, "I'd like to direct this verse to you." As he looked right at me he unhesitatingly quoted our verse. Yes, I need the reminder as well.

Warnings are good. Let me share our verse one final time with each reader. I am not able to place my hand on your shoulder and I can't look you directly in the eye and yet I am solemnly quoting this verse even as I type this biblical charge and warning. Receive it and I encourage you to memorize it. "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God."


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Praying manDaily Prayer: Father, as we walk by faith and not by sight, grant us grace that none of us will have a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from You, the living God. Rather may we hate what is evil and cling to what is good. May we be devoted to one another in brotherly love and honor one another above ourselves. May we never be lacking in zeal, but keep our spiritual fervor, serving the Lord, being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Prayer adapted from Romans 12:9-13.

* "Dabble in Egypt" - an expression used for those who return to the ways of the world. It's derived from the book of Exodus when the Israelites, who were freed from slavery in Egypt, wanted to return after the going got tough in their journey to the Promised Land.

Staying connected is great. Both Andy and Corey are a part of my active contact list.




We had a beautiful snowfall overnight and it's just beautiful this morning!  Due to an early appointment we are limited in time but we hope to post more photos tomorrow.

Dottie watching birds
Our cat Dottie will spend hour after hour sitting in front of our living room picture window watching the birds, squirrels and other critters at the feeders. She doesn't meow but makes a clicking sound with her mouth.

Dottie watching birds
When she realized I was behind her she stood up and stretched out,
apparently realizing her longing for capturing the wildlife was futile!



Follow Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter:

We now post the Daily Encouragement messages on Facebook and Twitter
Daily Encouragement on Facebook The daily message on Facebook.
Daily Encouragement on Facebook
The daily prayer on Facebook. (Brooksyne's account)
Daily Encouragement on Twitter
 The daily message and prayer on Twitter.

I tend to be a slow learner with these types of programs so please pardon me if I didn't set this up right. I welcome suggested improvements as to utilizing them better and expect upon advice I will be making some adjustments.



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.)

"When God Ran"  Video  Phillips, Craig and Dean   Today if you are away from the living God He is waiting for your return.  This song is based on the return of the Prodigal.

"Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing"
 Video  Chris Rice

I chose this song due to recalling this verse:


O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

"I Have Returned"  Video  Homecoming series

"My Eyes Are Dry"
 Video  Keith Green


Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.
Our photo taken at the Old Mill Inn in Pigeon Forge TN (11/10)
"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/31/10)

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!
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2011 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 1/26/11: $655.00


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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 2011 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved

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