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 A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. Home About Us Archives Free email subscription  Listen to these messages  Text only for printing  See here for more info. <Previous Message · Archive edition Thursday, January 30, 2014  A sunrise view from our backyard (Click on photo for larger image) "The Blessing Of Genuine Satisfaction" Listen 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. *  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.  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."  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  Daily 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. Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne  Stephen 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) Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? 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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!) (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. 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  Endorsed chaplain "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation" www.dailyencouragement.net |
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