A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.
A daily, Bible-based message of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. <Previous Message · Archive edition Thursday, March 8, 2012 Hanging plant arrangement with Primrose Border at the Philadelphia Flower Show. This gave us an idea for an interesting way to grow some of our own flowers. Many of the displays were grown on a vertical surface with what appeared to be a Styrofoam type medium with crevices for soil. Listen to this message on your audio player. "The Flower Fades" "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8). Today we will share a little more about our visit to the Philadelphia Flower Show Tuesday. One of the interesting features that makes the show all the more appealing is the requirement by the organizers that all flowers and plants be living (nothing artificial). This was not only in the 75% of the space devoted to flower and plant displays but also the space in the huge convention hall where the vendors were located. In fact we spoke to one vendor who merely wanted to have a decorative plant in front of his booth. He had considered artificial but was told that this was not permissible; it must be a live plant! Of course we expected live flowers at the flower show but the sheer quantity and variety was astounding and intriguing. After all:
Everything created on this side of heaven has an expiration date and will eventually, like the flower, fade. Isaiah served God about 2,700 years ago and was considered one of the greatest prophets. His words are quoted extensively in the New Testament, with Isaiah 40 being among the grandest writings in English literature. He contrasted the temporariness of God's creation with the eternality of His spoken Word in our daily verse, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever." The apostle Peter quotes this verse in his epistle and goes on to write, "This is the word that was preached to you" (1 Peter 1:25). And indeed this beloved Word continues to be pondered, preached and practiced all over the world today, 2,700 years after Isaiah wrote and some 1950 years after Peter wrote. We can be absolutely assured of its timeless value. Jesus said "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away" (Luke 21:33). Should our Lord tarry in His return to earth we can be assured that fifty or five hundred or five thousand years from now His Word will remain! I encourage you this day to place your trust in the One whose Word will never fade and its message that stands forever! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Father, we are grateful for the prophets through whom You spoke Your unchanging Word. Each from age to age proclaimed You, the one, righteous Lord. In this world of despair and turmoil, You are the one firm anchor holding us fast. You are King, Your throne is eternal; You are the First and You are the Last. You spoke through Christ Jesus, Your everlasting Son, Light of Light, to earth He descended, Christ as God in human form. God, You continue to speak by Your Spirit in Your ageless Holy Word expounding Your own message, now as then. Through the rise and fall of nations one sure faith still holds us fast; You abide, Your Word unchanging, You are the First and You are the Last. Though all hell should endeavor to shake this firm foundation we have built through Your Holy Word, we will never forsake it, for the darkened veil will soon be lifted and we will see You face to face in the fullness of Your glory. Praise be to God! Amen. Adaptation from text of the hymn "God Has Spoken by His Prophets" by George W. Briggs More photos from our trip to Philadelphia I think this is an interesting building contrast. In the foreground is the Thirtieth Street Railroad Station, the main rail terminal in Philadelphia. In the background is the Cira Centre, one of the newest skyscrapers in the city. The Cira Centre is a silver glass curtain wall skyscraper. Designed to be seen from all sides, the removal of the building's northwest and southeast corners gives the skyscraper a different shape when viewing it from different locations. This clothespin must have been designed for a person who wears colossal size clothing! The Reading Market was very crowded since we arrived at lunch time and many from the flower show came over to get a bite to eat. We enjoy the colorful variety in city markets! The 2012 theme at the flower show was Hawaiian. Although the displays in this section were beautiful and very elaborate we didn't find them as interesting as the dispays of local flowers and plants, in large part because we were looking for plants that grow in our weather zone! Many of the flower displays were set as we would expect to see in an outdoor setting. This outside wall was built just to display the outdoor planter with flowers. It made for a very authentic presentation! Tomorrow we will share a final set of Philadelphia and flower show photos. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Ancient Words" Video Michael W. Smith (I find myself using this song a lot, but I suppose it does fit with a lot of messages!) "Word Of God Speak" Video MercyMe "Speak, O Lord" Video Kristyn Getty Yesterday we shared this photo. It's the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ built for the 1904 world's fair, the largest operational pipe organ in the world. It's located at Macy's Center City, formerly Wanamaker's department store in Philadelphia, PA. (The above information was submitted by Sarah who was the first one to correctly respond to our question yesterday.) Thanks to the many who participated - there were some very interesting answers. For an example of this organ being played see here and here. |
Weber family Christmas 2011 "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update (Revised 12/11) Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. We ask you to consider making a 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 and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible. 2012 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 3/7/12: $2,495.00 We express thanks to all who support our ministry! SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION 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. 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 2012 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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