Friday, January 31, 2014

Daily Encouragement (01/31/14) "Caleb"

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
The on line Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.
Home   About Us  Archives   Free email subscription   ListenListen to these messages
Contact Us
  Print Text only for printing
  Bookmark and Share  

Make A Donation
 See here for more info.

<Previous Message       ·       Archive edition

Friday, January 31, 2014

Sunset from our front porch with Psalm 50:1
Yesterday's sunset from our front porch.
(Click on photo for larger image)

"Caleb"

ListenListen to this message on your audio player.


"I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then" (Joshua 14:11). "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord" (Romans 12:11).

Nigel and Laifong are friends in Massachusetts who named their son Caleb, which has become a fairly common name for boys. In fact we have a baby in our church named Caleb as well. It took Ester a long to get it straight as Brooksyne would often correct her, "Ester, his name is Caleb, not Cable." It's a good name based on a dynamic Bible character. We don't recall ever meeting anyone our age or older with the name Caleb but today's text references a man 85 years old!

I preached a message several years ago about Caleb, highlighting his faithfulness and zeal even when he was an old man. I told the congregation, "Should the Lord tarry and I'm alive at 85 years of age, like Caleb, I want to have the same zeal, fervor and faithfulness."

Following the service a young man named Tony walked up and showed me what he had written in the front of his Bible to the effect, "Invite Steve Weber back when he is 85." I was impressed that he had listened so carefully to the message. We had a good chuckle, but who knows, I just might get an invitation to return to preach in that church when I'm 85 and those still in the church at that time will see if I've truly kept my spiritual fervor and am faithfully serving the Lord. 

Joshua and CalebCaleb was one of the twelve who spied out the land of Canaan soon after the Red Sea crossing. He, along with Joshua, stood before the Israelites and with bold confidence declared, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it" (Numbers 13:30). Caleb's faith in God was energized by the great challenge that lay ahead as they set out to defeat the Nephilim, who were giants. He was a valiant "young" man of 40 years when he gave this daring challenge to the Israelites. But as Bible readers know they did not proceed at that time and thus the forty years wilderness wandering.

CalebAlthough Caleb and Joshua both had faith to proceed it was Joshua who assumed the leadership position following Moses' death. One might wonder how Caleb handled this. Was he jealous or resentful? I don't think so! He may not have been as famous as Joshua but his life reminds me of a saying I read many years ago on a church sign: "Better to be faithful than famous." (Attributed to Theodore Roosevelt)

Did Caleb's faith and vigor weaken over the years? I'm glad Scripture gives us a glimpse of Caleb 45 years later in his senior years when he said these words, "So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then!" This Scripture doesn't show Caleb sitting in a rocking chair mulling over the unproductive thought, "If only I were young again." In fact he's charged up and ready to follow the Lord's leading even at 85 years of age! (Of course, his children might have a different estimation since some older folks don't always have as sharp a judgment as when they were young.)
   
We both memorized the second daily verse as young Christians in our early twenties. "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Although we are now in our fifties we want to mirror Caleb's attitude as he kept his spiritual fervor throughout his life and into his eighties.

Romans 12:11We would all do well to memorize this verse. It's short but packed with a life long challenge. Let's look at three characteristics we should aspire to:

1) "Never be lacking in zeal." The word translated "zeal" is one of my favorite Greek words. "Spoude", which is an ancient word related to our English word "speed", connoting diligence and earnestness.  My, how I want that to be true in my life and ministry!  Paul knew how the cares of this life could overshadow our zeal causing our enthusiasm to diminish, although Scripture shows no evidence of any such lacking of zeal in his own life!

2) "Keep your spiritual fervor." The word "fervor" literally means "to be hot, boil or glow." The Amplified Version translates this phrase "be aglow in the Spirit".  One dynamic I've noticed in my own life and ministry is that keeping a spiritual fire going takes diligence on my part.  Paul warned against quenching the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

3) "Serving the Lord." Are you serving the Lord? We have a tendency to compartmentalize our service, which actually limits it. Are you serving the Lord right now?  You should be, wherever you are and whatever you're doing. Paul teaches "It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Colossians 3:24b) and to "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men" (Ephesians 6:7).

Perhaps you can take just a moment right now and earnestly pray, "Lord Jesus, help me to keep my zeal and spiritual fervor today as I serve You in whatever I do!"


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Thankful manDaily prayer: Father, it is our lifelong desire to love You without reserve, to never be lacking in zeal, and to keep our spiritual fervor as we serve You. We devote ourselves to You only and want to do what is good and right in Your sight so that it may go well with us and we will bring You pleasure. We want to be careful that we do not forget You or fail to observe Your commands You have set forth in Your Word. Otherwise our hearts will grow proud and we will forget our first love. Keep us on the right path all the days of our life we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"Find Us Faithful"  Video  Let There Be Praise Singers

"Where No One Stands Alone"  Video  Gaither Vocal Band

My brother Pat, who is a pastor in eastern Pennsylvania, shared about a time when he was dedicating a little boy named Joshua but kept referring to him as Caleb throughout the entire ceremony. I wonder if his parents kept saying Joshua under their breath so Pastor would dedicate the right child. At least he had the Bible associations correct and God was never confused!

Many years ago we shared a daily encouragement message titled "Famous or Faithful?"


Contact Us
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

Stephen and Brooksyne WeberStephen and Brooksyne Weber
(Click on photo to enlarge)

About Us


"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 10/21/13)

Make a donation to Dailly Encouragement MinistriesAre our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages andDonate online 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. Click here to donate online.

2014 YTD offerings to Daily Encouragement Net: $1,569.00

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

Free email subscriptionIf this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.
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 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: These messages are only sent from us to people who request it; please accept our apologies if it reached you in error. You can unsubscribe from this list at any time. 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 2014 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

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Daily Encouragement (01/30/14) "The Blessing Of Genuine Satisfaction"

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
The on line Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.
Home   About Us  Archives   Free email subscription   ListenListen to these messages
Contact Us
  Print Text only for printing
  Bookmark and Share  

Make A Donation
 See here for more info.

<Previous Message       ·       Archive edition

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Sunrise view from our backyard with Psalm 90:14
A sunrise view from our backyard
(Click on photo for larger image)

"The Blessing Of Genuine Satisfaction"

ListenListen to this message on your audio player.


"Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance" (Isaiah 55:2).
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days" (Psalm 90:14).

Like the woman at the well I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy;
But then I heard my Savior speaking:
"Draw from the well that never shall run dry".

The other day I was clicking through television channels and came across an evangelist that I thought had long been discredited and no longer had a following. Alas, he must still have followers, at least to the extent he is able to fund a TV program. His appeal is to the flesh and pseudo prosperity. It not only upset me but also grieved my spirit to listen as he attempted to essentially extort "seed" money from his gullible followers by promising blessings, including winning the lottery! Sadly these easy to fleece followers are seeking after things that cannot satisfy. *

Satisfaction
Many readers in my generation will recall a popular song by the Rolling Stones that had the recurring line, "I can't get no satisfaction". My Rock and Roll interests curbed shortly after I became a Christian in 1971 but due to the frequent air play of this song in the sixties and seventies this phrase and the tune are embedded in my memory even to this day.

In many ways the song summarizes the outlook of the world. Marketing strategy is intent on convincing us that we are not satisfied and must have that product or service to be satisfied. If we buy the product or service we will finally find satisfaction. Just consider that this really is the message of virtually all advertising. Even if you don’t have a need for the item the barrage of advertisements are designed to make you reassess your original thinking; to bring dissatisfaction with what you have now, or at the very least to raise your curiosity.

Isaiah 55:2
Satisfaction can be an emotional response to good things such as a fulfilling marriage, a happy family, a job promotion, educational attainment, or acquiring more of this and that. These things aren't necessarily bad but they lack the overall true source of satisfaction. Everyone seeking lasting satisfaction for the soul will find that true lasting satisfaction is found only in a dynamic, growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

In Isaiah, chapter 55, God asks, "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance."

Isaiah points out two contrasting sources of satisfaction: The physical which does not ultimately provide satisfaction and the genuinely spiritual which is found only through communion with God. "Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance."


Psalm 90:14
Moses offers one of the richest prayers found in the Psalms. He cries out to God, "Satisfy us in the morning", thus acknowledging that the source of one's satisfied life is rooted in God. Even more specific he speaks of one of God's characteristics; His "unfailing love."

God's unfailing love is a stark contrast to the offers flashed in neon lights which brings temporal satisfaction at best. It can't be stored in a safety deposit box, sold to the highest bidder, traded in for a newer model, or made available only to the smart, rich, young or attractive. Just think back to your high school days and what you thought would satisfy. The deep, abiding satisfaction the soul longs for can only be found in God. It's a treasure for here and now and for all eternity. Later in the Psalms we read, "You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing" (Psalms 145:16).

Moses said "in the morning". The Hebrew here literally means "at the break of day". Consider the phrase we have often sung from the classic hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy", which we proclaim "early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee". As we begin our day with the deep assurance of God's unfailing love we are filled and equipped, so that we can live the day in victory, sing for joy, and be glad throughout our entire day; in the ups and downs, the quiet and busy aspects of our day as well.

Today my brothers and sisters, may we experience this deep satisfaction that God has provided. The Psalmist's prayer is so powerful. God alone is the source of satisfaction. Regardless of our circumstances, let us truly be satisfied with God's unfailing love. Let us sing for joy and be glad all our days, beginning today!

Hallelujah! I have found Him
Whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings;
Through His blood I now am saved.


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Thankful manDaily prayer: Father, far too often our minds can be consumed with things that only money can buy which can also bring discontent for that which we already have. Help us to focus our hearts on that which has lasting value, that brings eternal dividends. As we lift our voice to You this day and turn our hearts toward Your unfailing love we find joy and satisfaction that will not be determined by the events or noni-events of this day. When human love is fleeting or disappoints help us to look to Your unfailing love which satisfies. We want to listen carefully to You, eat what is good, and delight ourselves in Your abundance. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.



Update on Ester:  Ester is still undergoing medical studies. She had an ultrasound on her major organs last Wednesday and saw the pulmonary doctor yesterday. Her heart condition is rather complex to the doctors (as one stated yesterday). So, together the cardiology and pulmonary teams will consult and  decide the best course of treatment for her assorted medical needs as they discuss her case. Her oxygen saturation has improved (low 80's) so she has been without supplemental oxygen for weeks. Thank you for your continued interest and prayers.



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

Satisfied"  Video  Red Mountain Church  This is a slight adaptation of the words from this classic hymn along with a new musical arrangement done very nicely. It will bless you! For those unfamiliar with this hymn, as you read the words, you'll see that much of the text is based on The Prodigal Son.

All my life long I had panted
For a drink from some clear spring,
That I hoped would quench the burning
Of the thirst I felt within.

 Hallelujah! I have found Him
Whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings,
Through His blood I now am saved.

Feeding on the husks around me,
Till my strength was almost gone,
Longed my soul for something better,
Only still to hunger on.

Poor I was, and sought for riches,
Something that would satisfy,
But the dust I gathered round me
Only mocked my soul’s sad cry.

Well of water, ever springing,
Bread of life so rich and free,
Untold wealth that never faileth,
My Redeemer is to me.

"Satisfied"  Video  Homecoming singers Another version of the above hymn well presented by the Gaither Vocal Band

"My Soul Is Satisfied"   Video  (Ed Kerr)

"Timeless"  Video  (Selah)

"Fill My Cup, Lord"  Video 
Angie Primm

* Scripture warns us about such false teachers who seek after people to their own advantage. This apparently was a problem even in the New Testament period as Paul wrote, "Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit" (2 Corinthians 2:17). Though the years change human nature is still the same.

Contact Us
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

Stephen and Brooksyne WeberStephen and Brooksyne Weber
(Click on photo to enlarge)

About Us


"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 10/21/13)

Make a donation to Dailly Encouragement MinistriesAre our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages andDonate online 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. Click here to donate online.

2014 YTD offerings to Daily Encouragement Net: $1,569.00

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

Free email subscriptionIf this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.
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 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: These messages are only sent from us to people who request it; please accept our apologies if it reached you in error. You can unsubscribe from this list at any time. 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 2014 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

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Daily Encouragement (01/29/14) "The Importance Of Example"

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
The on line Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.
Home   About Us  Archives   Free email subscription   ListenListen to these messages
Contact Us
  Print Text only for printing
  Bookmark and Share  

Make A Donation
 See here for more info.

<Previous Message       ·       Archive edition

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Meadowview Road Farm 1/30/11
Farm on Meadow View Road in Lancaster County, PA.

"The Importance Of Example"

ListenListen to this message on your audio player.


"Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you" (Philippians 3:17). "For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example" (2 Thessalonians 3:7a). "Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us" (Titus 2:6-8).

The entertainment industry has plunged to new lows in decadence as exemplified in an awards show this past weekend. However it seems that so many in our culture feed and approve of this material. Some excuse the content as being creative, an expression of "the visual arts". One especially distressing example was a young entertainer brought up in church, her father a pastor, but her music and lifestyle defies all that is wholesome and godly. Another stunning example was a female entertainer and her young son; well-known for her blasphemous music, sacrilegious acts, and provocative lifestyle. I consider the phrase from 1 Timothy 4:2 that speaks, "of the conscience being seared as with a branding iron."

The seared conscience is speaking of our moral conscience that can be rendered insensitive to right and wrong in the same way the hide of an animal scarred with a branding iron becomes numb to further pain. For human beings, having one’s conscience seared is a result of continual, unrepentant sinning. Eventually, sin dulls the sense of moral right or wrong, and the unrepentant sinner becomes numb to the warnings of the conscience that God has placed within each of us to guide us (Romans 2:15).

We are increasingly accustomed to poor examples, so much so, that in the last several years there has been debate as to whether character even matters. Fame, talent, good looks, or educational degrees can trump over one's character. One's flawed character is downplayed in favor of the ratings he or she can get and the money they generate just by their visibility. Just consider how many politicians and actors are readily identified by their outrageous behavior and yet they have a large following, at times because of their bad behavior rather than in spite of it.

Perhaps you've heard the term "dumbing down", usually referring to education. I feel this concept applies to morality as well. The majority of young people are clueless regarding historic and Biblical morality concerning sexuality. The lack of sound teaching and positive example accompanied by the abundance of immoral smut, especially in the entertainment industry and access to the internet, has very effectively "dumbed down" their sensitivity and awareness of right and wrong.

"God gives each person strengths and abilities that will find their greatest usefulness only under His control.  Outside that control, however, they don't accomplish what they could and often become tools of evil.  One way to make sure this does not happen is to tell God of your willingness to be under His control.  With His presence in your life, your natural strengths and abilities will be used to their greatest potential and for the greatest good" (Life Application Bible). Couple our abilities with godly character and we will accomplish much good for the kingdom of God.

Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, had ministered personally to the believers in Thessalonica, having founded the church.  They spent a relatively short time there, perhaps several months, before persecution drove them out (see Acts 17:1-10). Several months later he wrote two letters to them (1&2 Thessalonians). But during that short time of personal interface the Thessalonians had witnessed godly character in Paul and his ministry associates.

Like Paul, powerful leaders accompanied by good character can and should properly declare, "Follow my example." In another text Paul elaborates on this with the essential necessity of consistent Christ-like character; "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Today, we must resist the false contention of this world that character doesn't matter. Character does matter!  Let this be our goal. "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us" (1 Peter 2:12).


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber


Thankful manDaily prayer: Our Father and God, help us to live our life in a way that does not gratify our flesh, but rather feeds our spirit that is redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. You have given us opportunity to make a positive difference in this degenerate world. May we, by exercising restraint bring light into this darkened, sin-indulged world. May the fruit of the spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, be evident in our lives so that these attitudes bring about good deeds which glorify You, Father. Others will look at our lives and see beyond our human frailties to recognize the Spirit of God at work in our lives providing example and stimulus to those seeking an alternative to the coarsening darkness of this troubled world.  We pray this in Jesus' name.  Amen.



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"Take My Life"  Video 
Brian Doerksen

Contact Us
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

Stephen and Brooksyne WeberStephen and Brooksyne Weber
(Click on photo to enlarge)

About Us


"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 10/21/13)

Make a donation to Dailly Encouragement MinistriesAre our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages andDonate online 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. Click here to donate online.

2014 YTD offerings to Daily Encouragement Net: $1,534.00

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

Free email subscriptionIf this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.
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 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: These messages are only sent from us to people who request it; please accept our apologies if it reached you in error. You can unsubscribe from this list at any time. 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 2014 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