Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Daily Encouragement (04/30/13) "For Such A Worm As I"

Daily Encouragement Net
A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.
Having trouble reading this message?  Read mobile edition online
Daily Encouragement Net Header
A daily, Bible-based message of hope, encouragement and exhortation.
The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
.
Home · About Us · Archives · Podcast · Free email · Daily Encouragement on Facebook  ·  Daily Encouragement on Twitter   ·  RSS feed
 Click here to support our ministry.

<Previous Message       ·       Archive edition

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Neighborhood tulips 4/27/13
Flowers and flowering trees are in abundance as I take early morning walks with our two dogs. Walking in our neighborhood so pleasurable.

ListenListen to this message on your audio player.

"For Such A Worm As I"

"How then can a mortal be righteous before God? How can one born of woman be pure? If even the moon is not bright and the stars are not pure in His eyes, how much less a mortal, who is but a maggot—a human being, who is only a worm!" (Job 25:4-6). "But I am a worm and not a man" (Psalm 22:6). "What a wretched man I am!" (Romans 7:24a).

Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?

Robin searching for worm
Yesterday we had a nice rain and in the afternoon I noticed the robins were feasting on worms crawling up and down our driveway. Now the sight of slimy worms doesn't stir up my appetite, but to a robin it's surely like a juicy steak is to us. That brought to mind the phrase in today's opening hymn that many of us have often sung, "Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?"

Last Friday we shared a message concerning our Bible College years in the mid-seventies.
Today I will share another illustration from that period. Those were wonderful years that we occasionally revisit from our memorable experiences during that time.

In order to help with paying tuition there were various jobs around the campus for students to assist with paying school bills. For a time I drove the garbage truck, one of numerous interesting jobs I've had through the years. Not pleasant at the time but I now see it as part of God's school of real life instruction (AKA "the school of hard knocks"). To this day I have a real appreciation for garbage collection personnel who work hard performing a service necessary to all and yet often under-appreciated. I wonder if there is a garbage collector appreciation day?

Sanitation truck
The truck I drove was equipped with a front loading lift which attached to the dumpster and then heaved the dumpster over the cab emptying the contents into the back of the truck. Theoretically the driver could stay in the cab and never see or touch anything.

But sometimes you still needed to get out. I specifically recall emptying the dumpsters behind the cafeteria. As I can still vividly recall, especially during hotter weather, the dumpsters would have a lot of crawling maggots; tiny white worms that fed on the decaying food. It was a very unpleasant sight to say the least!

At that time I was pondering God's love for the fallen race and considered what it would be like to send my precious child to live among the "maggots". Well, like most illustrations, this one has some deficiencies but it sure has caused me to marvel in God's far-reaching love. Some may find this particular illustration distasteful or offensive. But actually the Scripture uses this same imagery in our daily texts.

Bildad, one of Job's friends, asks a question that is theologically sound in light of the rest of Scripture that teaches about our innermost need for God due to our sin nature: "How then can a mortal be righteous before God? How can one born of woman be pure? If even the moon is not bright and the stars are not pure in his eyes, how much less a mortal, who is but a maggot—a human being, who is only a worm!"

Isaac Watts likely had this verse in mind along with our second text when he wrote the personalized phrase, "such a worm as I". In using this image he was illustrating a theological concept known as total depravity. This doctrine runs so contrary to the self-esteem emphasis of our generation but we do well to recognize the awful extent of sin and our only hope exists in God's redemption through Christ.

Paul, in what many see as a description regarding his state without Christ, declares, "What a wretched man I am!" (Surely he'd be required to attend a class for positive self-imagery today.) But immediately following this he asks and answers his own question, "Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24b,25)

Matthew Henry commenting on Psalm 22, which is considered a Messianic Psalm writes, "What little reason has man to be proud, and what great reason to be humble! So weak and impotent, and so easily crushed, and therefore a very unequal match for Almighty God. Shall man be such a fool as to contend with his Maker, who can tread him to pieces more easily than we can a worm? ... Let us therefore wonder at God's condescension in taking such worms as we are into covenant and communion with Himself, especially at the condescension of the Son of God, in emptying Himself so far as to say, 'I am a worm, and no man'."

Although Isaac Watts ends the first stanza of his hymn with this question, "Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?" the hymn goes on to declare that we have victory due to Christ's reconciliation. In a refrain written nearly 200 years later, by Ralph E. Hudson in 1885, we exultantly sing the chorus:

At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Praying manDaily prayer: Father, though Bildad's counsel was misapplied to Job's situation, we do well to apply it to our lives, considering that we are but a worm in comparison to Your greatness. You give grace to the humble and oppose the proud. We acknowledge that we are nothing, of no greater value than an earthworm or worse yet, a maggot, in comparison with Your glorious Son, Jesus Christ, who left the throne of heaven and emptied Himself of majestic glory to make His place among us. We are eternally indebted to Your magnificent love that provided a way through Jesus to loosen sin's shackles and for us to be reshaped into Your likeness. It is in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen.



Today's first text is a response from Bildad, one of Job's "friends". I recall a conversation many years ago with a friend, Tim Casey, who was a school librarian and a very thoughtful Bible student/teacher. We were musing about just how much counsel we should take from Job's three friends since overall God repudiates their outlook.
The truth in today's text is amply testified to in the balance of Scripture.

C.S. Lewis expresses the view, "Whenever we find that our religious life is making us feel that we are good-above all, that we are better than someone else-I think we may be sure that we are being acted on, not by God, but by the devil. The real test of being in the presence of God is that you either forget about yourself altogether or see yourself as a small, dirty object." (Mere Christianity 1952, P.124)



Today's Suggested Music
and Supplemental Resources

"At the Cross (Alas, And Did My Savior Bleed)
"  Video  Red Mountain Church (A nice simple, Acapella arrangement)

"At the Cross (Alas, And Did My Savior Bleed)"  Video  George Younce with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound  (Gospel style)

"At the Cross (Alas, And Did My Savior Bleed)"  Video  Acapella

"At the Cross"  Video  Brian Doerksen  A different song with same title.

Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.
Stephen, Brooksyne and Ester Weber 04/21/13Stephen and Brooksyne Weber
(Click on photo to enlarge)
"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/31/12)


Make A DonationAre 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 an offering 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.

Donate onlineClick here to donate online.

2013 YTD financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 4/29/13: $7,189.00 
We express thanks to all who support our ministry!



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 to our email list. These messages are never sent by us unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR it was forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or as an email subscription through Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)

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:
Daily Encouragement on Facebook
The daily message and prayer on Facebook.
Daily Encouragement on Twitter
 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."

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.
Other versions are also occasionally used.

© Copyright 2013 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
Net Atlantic

Monday, April 29, 2013

Daily Encouragement (04-29-13) "Making The Most Of Every Opportunity"

Daily Encouragement Net
A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.
Having trouble reading this message?  Read mobile edition online
Daily Encouragement Net Header
A daily, Bible-based message of hope, encouragement and exhortation.
The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
.
Home · About Us · Archives · Podcast · Free email · Daily Encouragement on Facebook  ·  Daily Encouragement on Twitter   ·  RSS feed
 Click here to support our ministry.

<Previous Message       ·       Archive edition

Monday, April 29, 2013

Purple finch 4/28/13
"What are you staring at?"
Up close view of a purple finch outside our office window.

ListenListen to this message on your audio player.

"Making The Most Of Every Opportunity"
"A Lesson From An Opportunistic Squirrel"

"And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" (Colossians 4:3-6).

Several weeks ago we shared in a message about our interest in birdwatching.
Within direct eyesight of our office we have five bird feeders. We almost always can look up and see birds of all types feeding, as long as we tend to the feeders.

Opportunistic squirrel 4/28/13We don't dislike squirrels but we sure don't buy the feed for them, although we welcome them to eat what falls to the ground. All of our feeders now have some type of squirrel-proof design but the squirrels are not aware of it so they persistently seek to make the most of any opportunity to get to the feed. Several squirrels have been ardently scooping up their share of sunflower seeds the last couple of days and since my activity has been limited by back pain I have done more watching than usual. An admirable trait of the squirrel is their making the most of their opportunity.

The squirrel illustration might be a stretch, but today we want to consider the phrase in our daily text, "
make the most of every opportunity." Among our chaplaincy duties we seek to encourage and equip Christians to serve and let their light shine in the marketplace. With interest in organized religion and "going to church" declining in America it is more vital than ever for believers to be salt and light in our secularized world.

What a blessing in the course of our ministry to see this taking place. A woman who worked in the HR office of a company was diagnosed with cancer. I recall periodically speaking to her when I'd visit the company; a very quiet lady with a pleasant smile. She was able to work a while after her cancer diagnosis but then her condition worsened to the point she was no longer able to work and she eventually passed away.

She used this period in her life to serve God faithfully and made the most of the opportunity to share her faith. Her last day in the office she left a remarkable message to her fellow workers thanking them for their association with her. She also included this clear witness of her faith:

"According to the doctor I may not have real long to live, however that is ultimately in God's hands. I want you to know that although I don't want to die yet, if that occurs I am ready. I'm ready because I'm reconciled with God. And that is because of Jesus, and the fact that He died on the cross for me. I believe in Him, and that He's paid the price for my sins. This is a wonderful gift of mercy and grace available to us all. Because of this, I am not afraid of death and know that when I die I will go to heaven. My hope and prayer is that each one of you will also accept this gift from God. Believe me, it's what really matters."

Wow, what blessed peace and assurance she conveys even after she is gone. What clarity in sharing this message with others!

It just so happens that the Director of Human Resources in this company is also a believer and he sent a moving notification out to the entire company informing them of her death and included her written witness. I can just imagine how many in this company were impacted by her thoughtful words that made the most of the opportunity.

I want to focus on just a phrase in our daily Scripture portion, "make the most of every opportunity." These are the opportunities to "proclaim the mystery of Christ." The apostle Paul requested prayer from the Colossian believers, "that God may open a door for our message."

That should be a daily request for us as well. This is not just for those in formal positions of "ministry" such as a pastor or missionary, but for all who follow Christ and seek to let His light shine through them just like that dear lady who is now with the Lord and that Human Resource director.

May the Lord help all of us this day to indeed "make the most of every opportunity."


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Praying manDaily prayer:  Father, You supply us with many opportunities to be a witness for Your kingdom. We must make the most of these opportunities to be light and salt in this darkened world. Since our lives are the "only Bible that some people read" we must be careful of what we say and do. May our attitudes reflect that of Christ and our words bring truth, hope and guidance to those traveling on the broad road that leads to destruction. By the power of Your Holy Spirit we can make a difference to those whose path we cross today. Amen.



Brooksyne's note: We often pray for "opportunities" but the truth is they're around us every day. Whether it's our communications at work, in the public square, our daily correspondence or the choices we make in the way we live our lives. Since I memorized the text over 25 years ago I've tried to implement it in my life much like balanced meals. Paul tells us to use salt and grace – salt being the preserving Word of God and grace being the way in which we present our message to outsiders. When we use both there will be less door slamming in our face and we'll see opportunities grow as we present the balanced message of Christ's salvation for mankind.



Opportunistic squirrel 4/28/13
Another photo of one of our many opportunistic squirrels! He kept trying to jump on the red feeder and it would swing out and tip him over.

Opportunistic squirrel 4/28/13
Strategizing what to do next.

Purple finches 2/14/13
The Purple Finch also enjoying sunflower seeds from this colorful bird feeder
we have out of our front window and the squirrels have a harder time even getting close to this one!
 


Today's Suggested Music
and Supplemental Resources

"Save My Family, Save My Friends"  Video  Tribute Quartet

"What the World Needs to Hear"  Video  Booth Brothers

"I'd Rather Have Jesus"  Video  George Beverly Shea


George Beverly Shea passed away two weeks ago after many years of faithfully serving Christ in this life. Here's an article

"The Yankee Flipper" The most interesting and probably effective squirrel-proof feeder I've ever seen!  Video (esp. 2:00 and on).  But then... again squirrels are very opportunistic and persistent!!! See this video

Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.
Stephen, Brooksyne and Ester Weber 04/21/13Stephen and Brooksyne Weber
(Click on photo to enlarge)
"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/31/12)


Make A DonationAre 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 an offering 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.

Donate onlineClick here to donate online.

2013 YTD financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 4/28/13: $7,189.00 
We express thanks to all who support our ministry!



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 to our email list. These messages are never sent by us unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR it was forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or as an email subscription through Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)

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:
Daily Encouragement on Facebook
The daily message and prayer on Facebook.
Daily Encouragement on Twitter
 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."

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.
Other versions are also occasionally used.

© Copyright 2013 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
Net Atlantic

Friday, April 26, 2013

Daily Encouragement (04/26/13) "Living In His Wonderful Light"

Daily Encouragement Net
A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.
Having trouble reading this message?  Read mobile edition online
Daily Encouragement Net Header
A daily, Bible-based message of hope, encouragement and exhortation.
The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
.
Home · About Us · Archives · Podcast · Free email · Daily Encouragement on Facebook  ·  Daily Encouragement on Twitter   ·  RSS feed
 Click here to support our ministry.

<Previous Message       ·       Archive edition

Friday, April 26, 2013

Donegal Creek ducks 4/24/13
We always enjoy watching the ducks as we walk along our trail. A new neighbor is actually feeding them so here they merrily flock to their dinner.

ListenListen to this message on your audio player.

"Living In His Wonderful Light"

"Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed" (John 3:21). "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9).

Central Bible College campusWe both went to Central Bible College, a small Bible College in the Midwest for our ministry training. Sadly after nearly 100 years this college will close after this school year, going the way of so many Bible Colleges. It is a beautiful tree-filled campus on the north side of Springfield MO that had about 1,000 students when we attended. Like many smaller private Christian colleges it ran on a tight budget.

Welch Hall, Central Bible College campusMy freshman year I stayed in Welch Hall, an old brick dormitory that was held together by long steel rods that ran all the way through the building. Brooksyne lived in Bowie Hall which was the first building erected on the campus. Individual dorm rooms did not have a bath but rather each hall shared a common bath with several toilets, sinks and showers. The baths had a peculiar plumbing characteristic common to both dormitories. Whenever you flushed the toilet you needed to shout "SHOWER" to warn anyone taking a shower to move out of the shower stream lest they get blasted by scalding hot water! (Apparently the cold water for the toilet would divert away from the shower and result in just hot water till it equalized again.)

College friends 3/74Our four college years were a great time in our life and that's where I met Brooksyne (at the college, not the shower; the dorms were definitely not co-ed). Gals and guys did not cross over into the other's residential area except during Open House held a couple times a year or when guys were needed to lift heavy furniture (by permission only). We're thankful for those seemingly "antiquated" rules back then.

We met during the fall of our freshman year and married following our junior year. The photos to the left show us with some friends during our Freshman year. (If you are interested click on the photo to enlarge). The focus of our education was on Christ and the Bible. We had many godly professors who taught and modeled earnest Christian living and we still stay in touch with several of them to this day including a recent note I will share below the message.


Those reading this material over time realize I have a tendency to learn lessons in the regular stuff of life and I recall a spiritual lesson that goes way back to that old brick dormitory. Now I want to warn you that some may find this particular illustration distasteful.

RoachIf you were to get up in the night to use the bathroom as soon as you turned on the bathroom light you'd see roaches of all sizes, mostly mammoth, scurrying to cover. Brooksyne recalls that the girl's dorm also had this interesting educational feature, perhaps a real living illustration for those preparing for the mission field.

In the Gospel of John, he made an association between this Scripture and our scurrying roach observation. "Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed" (John 3:21). Now roaches are not evil (although I sure wouldn't care to gather them as pets). They are just creatures doing what they were created to do, however distasteful we may find it. They live and do their deeds in the darkness.

That's not God's design for His special creation. We were created to live in His light. A foundational aspect of the redemptive work of Christ is marvelously described in 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light."

Next time you see a roach, consider the contrast of light and darkness - remember God calls you to live in His wonderful light and to carry out deeds that are viewed favorably in the light of day!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Praying manDaily prayer: Father, we thank You for the great deliverance and transfer that took place when we surrendered our hearts to You. You delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of Your Son in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.  Now we walk in the light of Jesus and His kingdom which is filled with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Help us never to lose perspective of the great rescue and the changes You brought into our lives, otherwise we may be swayed back to our old way of life and return to the darkness from which we escaped. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

See Colossians 1:13,14  Romans 14:17



Additional observation from the first daily text: "Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed". Two months ago we shared a message titled "The Demonizing Of Virtue" (Calling Good Evil) using this text "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter" (Isaiah 5:20). I consider today's message in view of this phrase, "who put darkness for light and light for darkness."

I observe that it seems as evil is increasing there is a growing disdain and even hatred toward the light and those who represent it.



Brooksyne's Note: I also recall the roaches in the dormitory bathrooms. That was not one of the more pleasant memories of my college years. It also brings back a childhood memory.

I was raised in a big family so anytime we traveled when I was a child we stayed overnight with relatives, not in a motel. Except for one memorable time after my two oldest siblings had left home. 

Mom and Dad, my sister Elaine, my youngest brother Jody and I piled into our green Comet Ford with an aftermarket air-conditioner my dad had proudly installed for the trip and we headed to Dallas, Texas. We were going to "Six Flags Over Texas" theme park (still in its infancy stage in the 60's). It was one very exciting time for us; not only Six Flags, but this was the first time we'd be staying in a motel. 

Up to this time we'd only swam in muddy farm ponds, lakes and creeks. But the bargain motel had a real swimming pool. We had a blast swimming for many hours well into the night hour, but finally the pool closed, and we headed into our room.

After we fell into a sound sleep following our fun-filled day a shrill scream awakened the whole family. Bracing for the worst we jumped out of bed to see what horrible thing was taking place. Mom, visibly upset, declared that we were all to get dressed and to pack up the suitcases immediately. We had to spend the rest of that hot summer night in Dallas sleeping upright in the stifling, hot, cramped car. (So much for the new air-conditioner in a car when we can't run the engine!)

What was the big problem? Mom had gotten up in the middle of the night and turned on the bathroom light. Out of seemingly nowhere despicable roaches of all sizes and varying speeds zoomed back and forth on the bathroom floor. She had a conniption fit and declared in a voice that couldn't be reasoned with, "We're not taking suitcases back to Tulsa filled with roaches so they can breed and live in our house." No-sir-eee! We may have been somewhat poor but we weren't dirty and, to Mom, roaches were equated with dirtiness!  (I wonder, all these years later, if Mom asked for a refund on our motel bill?)

Note: As it turned out the first full night Brooksyne ever spent in an out of town hotel was on our honeymoon in Joplin, Missouri on the way to Table Rock Lake and the Branson area!



Photo of Charles HarrisHere's the note we received from Dr. Charles Harris, who was one of our favorite Bible teachers. He seemed old when we were in college but we now realize how "young" he was since he was actually younger at that time than we are now!

"I found your recent communication refreshing to me personally with no small amount of inspiration. Your honored mention of my name in a sermon of late was a source of encouragement to me.

Most of all, though, was the meaning I drew from surveying the articles with information about you and your wife in ministry. Reading from first class publications enhanced the facts about your work which they contained.

I commend you and worship the Lord that you continue faithful to your calling. The number of things you participate in caused me to marvel at your labor. May the Lord sustain you and at the same time help you to not overextend yourself.

Among my pleasant memories of the days you were at Central Bible College is an occasion when my wife and I visited your church north of Springfield to receive your ministry in the service. I often recall the event in my mind. That is certainly true every time I am in that area.

Among other things, I know you are praying much about the closing of CBC at the end of this semester. Thousands grieve over what is happening.  Please include my daughter in your prayers. As secretary to the Librarian she is among staff members who are left with no promise of job security in the new arrangement. She continues to live with me since the loss of her mother and my wife in August of 2000.

I have passed my eighty-fifth birthday and am grateful for strength to continue active at a near normal pace.

God's best to you in your life and ministry always,

Charles Harris



Porcelain chicken with feed


In the course of our chaplaincy ministry we serve a variety of companies including one that manufacturers equipment for the agricultural industry such as feeding and watering systems for poultry and pork. Our friend Mike has a porcelain chicken on his desk and a mischievous co-worker apparently felt the chicken might need some feed! We enjoy seeing the various ways employees make their work space reflect their interests and personality.








Today's Suggested Music
and Supplemental Resources

"Carry The Light"  Video  Twila Paris. This video was prepared for a Mission Team.

"Carry The Light"  Video  Mark Harris


"Light Your World"
 Video 
Newsong

Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.
Stephen, Brooksyne and Ester Weber 04/21/13Stephen and Brooksyne Weber
(Click on photo to enlarge)
"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/31/12)


Make A DonationAre 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 an offering 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.

Donate onlineClick here to donate online.

2013 YTD financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 4/25/13: $7,139.00 
We express thanks to all who support our ministry!



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 to our email list. These messages are never sent by us unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR it was forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or as an email subscription through Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)

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:
Daily Encouragement on Facebook
The daily message and prayer on Facebook.
Daily Encouragement on Twitter
 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."

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.
Other versions are also occasionally used.

© Copyright 2013 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
Net Atlantic