Friday, August 29, 2014

Daily Encouragement (08/29/14) "The Peril Of Man-determined Morality"

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Friday, August 29, 2011

Strasburg train (Photo by Nick Nichols)
Nick Nichols took this photo of the Strasburg railroad steam engine.

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"The Peril Of Man-determined Morality"

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).

Through our years of ministry we have had people with Down syndrome in our churches including the one we attend now. This past Sunday, after spotting me in the church foyer, Connie headed right in my direction and reached up toward my tall shoulders to give me her heartfelt hug. It seems that people with Down Syndrome are quite affectionate and like to greet family and friends with a bear hug of sorts.
We also have two neighbors we are quite fond of who have Down syndrome children.

Sandy w/ Ester (about 1996)
Sandy, who's now with the Lord, faithfully attended our church in Massachusetts. (The photo to the right shows Sandy with Ester nearly 20 years ago.) The minister that I followed had pastored the church for 22 years and Sandy was very close to him. There was a concern by some that his retirement might bring about some anxiety or even anger on her part. However Sandy quickly accepted me as her pastor and she certainly provided some colorful moments during our eight years of service in that New England church.

People often affirm a preacher's words with an "Amen" and, of course, we preachers like that. On those occasions when I got a round of amens or said something that made the congregation laugh out loud, Sandy
would turn around and look at others in the congregation. Then she'd smile real big, point to me in the pulpit and said rather loudly (or maybe I should say, "rather proudly"), "That my pator. I just lub (love) my pator".

One Saturday morning Sandy joined the ladies in a women's fellowship at the church and suddenly they realized that she was missing. They frantically looked for her with no success and then Brooksyne got to thinking she might have gone looking for her pastor. Sure enough, she went next door to the parsonage and there was Sandy pounding on the front door and looking intermittently through the window for her pastor. She was very disappointed to learn that he was out of town and could not greet her.

Sandy's niece and husband lovingly cared for her many years after her mother was no longer able to do so. Every Sunday morning Sandy would rise at the crack of dawn, get dressed in her Sunday best, Bible in hand. The longer she waited for her niece to get up the more frustrated she got, certain that she was going to be late for church (hours before it was even time to go)!

Many will testify that people like Sandy provide a somewhat unexplainable richness to life.*

One of my favorite contemporary commentators is Gary Bauer. I receive a daily email
called the "End Of Day Report" with his observations on current issues. I quote here from a statement he made in Monday's edition:

"There was so much death in the headlines last week that I didn't have time to comment on the rantings of another death advocate. He's not one of the boys from Hamas, ISIS or Islamic Jihad, but the noted biologist and atheist Richard Dawkins. He's become popular among the cultural and political left for mocking those who believe in God.

Having decided long ago that there is no God, Dawkins decided to apply for the position himself, creating his own morality in the process. But since there is no right or wrong, how he goes about creating his own version of morality is a mystery.

Here is his latest decree: According to Dawkins it would be "immoral" if a mother knowingly gave birth to a child with Down syndrome.

In taking this position, Dawkins puts himself on the same moral level as the barbarians of ISIS, who also claim the right to decide who lives and who dies. Unfortunately, because he lives in the heart of the West and has all the appropriate degrees from prestigious universities, his barbarism comes dressed up and might even seem compassionate to some warped minds.

The pagan Romans were known for their barbaric cruelty to the disabled. Babies born with physical defects were often abandoned and left to die from exposure to the elements. For all his education, Dawkins has arrived at the same place.

But make no mistake about it. Dawkins represents an evil philosophy that has shown itself throughout history. From the ovens of Auschwitz to the deserts of the Middle East, the world has been plagued by men who believed that some people had no rights they were bound to respect. ISIS says, "Kill the infidel." Dawkins says, "Kill those who don't measure up to my standard of a life worth living."

As the thinking of men like Dawkins continues to take root in Judeo-Christian civilization, it will be more difficult to muster the moral courage necessary to defeat the other death worshipers who are marauding across the Middle East and parts of Africa. The cheapening of life makes it easier to look away, while saying, 'We should mind our own business'."

The Bible teaches that one of the truest evidences of an authentic follower of Jesus Christ is our attitude and our response toward those whom Jesus called "the least of these." One of the last lessons He taught before His death was on this subject. In Matthew 25:32ff He uses representative examples of those who might be referred to as losers, the unlovely, the damaged in society, etc.

Our approach toward the "least of these" according to Jesus is proof of our true discipleship. In this parable the way we deal with the "least of these" determines whether we are a sheep or a goat. Each will experience a different eternal outcome.

I am heartened by examples of grace demonstrated to the least of these. All over the world today both institutionally and individually true followers of Christ are actively demonstrating compassion to a hurting, broken and sin-filled world. Some will give up their own life’s ambitions and resources to help others find meaning and purpose in life.  Consider the medical doctor who has spent much of his career, risking his own health, working at a mission hospital deep in Africa where he treats a huge population of Ebola.

In our own little world we have seen it often; those who give their time and energy to protect the unborn by reaching out to those in a crisis pregnancy; those who expand their family to welcome displaced, abused or orphaned children; those who regularly visit the prisons bringing the hope of the gospel to inmates who might otherwise perish in hell; the street preacher who faithfully proclaims the Scriptures in the public square to mostly scoffing, uninterested passersby; compassionate people who embrace and lovingly engage the mentally and/or physically handicapped, dedicated workers who risk their lives to deliver Bibles to closed countries where believers are desperately desiring a copy of the inspired Word of God.  And, of course, there are so many who cannot go or do but give abundantly of their finances to support those who can. This is only a partial list of so many examples we could write about today.

The needs are vast and always will be until we’re called home. The opportunities are unending and wide-ranging so that when we respond to God’s leading He utilizes our giftings, our skills, our knowledge, our training and experiences in life. He equips us for that which He calls us to do.

Today, let us ask ourselves, when we come into contact with people regarded by the world as the "least of these", "How does God want me to reach out to those the world considers the least in human value?"


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Praying manDaily prayer:
Loving Father, we don’t want to turn the other way when You bring into our view the hurting and neglected people of the world. When we see the hungry or thirsty, the stranger in need of clothing, the sick and frail, those imprisoned, and the countless other oppressing needs among us Your loving compassion compels us to reach out in whatever way we can to be an extension of Your kingdom. For we know that when we do it for those considered the least on earth we not only empower and bless them but we also obey and please You. May the “evidence of the grace of God” be visible in our attitudes and in our actions as we respond to the opportunities You give us everyday. In the name of Jesus we pray.



Theological note: From the perspective of our desperate need and God's amazing grace we are all in the "least of these" category. But I also consider the intellectual arrogance of people like Dawkins and their regard for people like Sandy. A powerful Scripture verse comes to mind: "This is what the Lord says: 'Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the Lord" (Jeremiah 9:23,24).

Another Note: Observing readers may note that the message title did not necessarily match the Bible verse and exposition. The study of "man-determined morality" is certainly something to study but will have to wait another day. However it is an infection wreaking havoc on a society; rejecting God, His Word and standards. Just consider the redefinition of marriage in our own age. Mankind raises a defiant fist to God declaring "I'll do it my way". But God will not be mocked and mankind will reap what is sown. (Galatians 6:7-9)

Gary Bauer makes a powerful point in this phrase concerning Dawkins, "Unfortunately, because he lives in the heart of the West and has all the appropriate degrees from prestigious universities, his barbarism comes dressed up and might even seem compassionate to some warped minds." I consider the deadly lure for many of academic prestige and acceptance and consider this Bible verse, "Professing to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:22).

A very personal note: Today’s message also brings back a memory from about 23 years ago. Ester came to us in 1989 with a severe heart condition and immediately required surgeries and intensive medical care and months of hospitalization. In 1991 we made our first visit to Guatemala and stayed with a prosperous family in that area who generously hosted us during our four day visit. Ester was 18 months old at the time and stayed with a family in our church back in Northern Pennsylvania. It gave us an opportunity to explore her birthplace and pursue our future adoption with the officials there. During a conversation with our host,
an MIT educated leader in the country who knew of Ester's health matters, he discouraged us from adopting due to her health problems and also because of her ethnicity (Mayan Indian descent which was looked down upon by his ethnic background). I still recall his words, “You don't want to adopt her. We can get you a good one.” I suppose he meant well and perhaps made his suggestion in our interest, but it did reflect a devaluing of life, both her ethnicity and fragile health.



A Reader's Note: Yesterday we shared an illustration concerning morning glories and Jim, a friend from New Braunfels Texas, made this observation:
"If you desire, you can reverse the story and look at the negative side. The Morning Glory can be compared to the "Little Sins". One "Little Sin" doesn't seem harmful, and we put it out-of-mind. However, like the Morning Glory, it sends out roots in every direction. Soon, more "Little Sins" begin to show up, and before long they can overwhelm. It takes more than a bit of "weeding" to get rid of them. They have to be destroyed with a powerful "agent". That "Agent" is the Blood of Christ."



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"To the Least of These"  Video  Matt Papa

* Even some in the secular left take issue with their revered Dawkins on this matter. See this opinion piece from the New York Times. I especially cite this article for those who may wonder if Dawkins really made this outrageous statement (see first paragraph).

"End Of Day" report archives are here.

Today's photo is from our friend Nick Nichols collection of Strasburg, PA. Brooksyne, Ester, my brother, Michael, and I are going over that way this evening to watch "Moses" at the Sight and Sound Theater. Yesterday we were blessed with four complimentary tickets! We hope to also stop by to see our Amish friends in that area and check out their harvest.


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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: $8,887.00

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Our other blogs:
"A Daily Prayer" - A blog simply posting the daily prayer. We keep this up each day since it's merely the prayer from the Daily Encouragement Net message!
"A Little Foolishness" - Humor/satire blog (a great outlet for non-serious writing but at times with a subtle message!) (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

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495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552

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Thursday, August 28, 2014

Daily Encouragement (09/28/14) "Blooming In A Dark Place"

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Thursday, August 28, 2011

Morning glories in garden shed 8/23/14

Note: Due to a very busy schedule and early morning chaplain visitation a podcast will not be prepared for this message.

"Blooming In A Dark Place"

"You, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness" (1 Thessalonians 5:4). "So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts" (2 Peter 1:19).

Each year we seem to get a lesson from the Morning Glories which are prolific around our place each summer even though Brooksyne hasn't planted any for about 11 years. We've surely pulled them up by the thousands but they continue to grow. We are blessed not only by flowers that Brooksyne intentionally plants all around our home but "volunteers" that spring up wherever we happen to dispose of the clippings. Some of our clippings make their way beside the farm road across from our house along the front row of the corn field.

In addition to a beautiful cornfield we have Morning Glories growing up along the corn stalks! These plants have not benefited from Brooksyne's feeding, watering or weeding, yet they grow; blooming where they are planted providentially by God usually in the full sun, demonstrating the character quality of perseverance.

Morning glories in garden shed 8/23/14But this year one of the volunteers is brightening up the inside of our garden shed, blooming in a very dark place unless we open the door or turn on the light. This volunteer Morning Glory is climbing up the bright outside of our garden shed but still manages to bloom on the dark inside through the crack in the wood siding.

I recall first hearing the phrase, "Bloom Where You're Planted" from our years in Bible College in the seventies. The saying has the sense that we are to let God use us and seek to be fruitful wherever we are. Sometimes we may find ourselves providentially planted where we would rather not be, sometimes in what sure seems like dark places. A true test of character is whether we bloom or wilt in these difficult places.

Peter does not specifically identify the "dark place" in our second daily text. It seems most natural however to view this dark place as the world as it presently exists. Peter is likely using "dark place" as a metaphor to describe this corrupt world system. However "advanced" our secular civilization becomes, this world in its willful rebellion to God (whose essence is light), lies in the darkness of sin, ignorance, despair and death which keeps people from seeing God's truth until His light shines into their hearts. (Precept Austin commentary)

Warren WiersbeWarren Wiersbe, who has long been one of our favorite Bible teachers, comments regarding the Greek word "auchmeros" used here for dark. It "is the picture of a dank cellar or a dismal swamp. Human history began in a lovely Garden, but that Garden today is a murky swamp. What you see when you look at this world system is an indication of the spiritual condition of your heart. We still see beauty in God’s creation, but we see no beauty in what mankind is doing with God’s creation. Peter did not see this world as a Garden of Eden, nor should we."

Today we want to encourage our readers who live or serve in what may seem like a dark place. Some of us plant, others water but God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). And the God who ultimately gives blooming ability to the morning glory in our dark garden shed can bring growth and blooming wherever you are, even if it's a dark place!


Be encouraged today,



Stephen & Brooksyne Weber


Praying manDaily prayer: Father, we thank You that You shine Your light through us most especially in unusual circumstances in which we find ourselves. We are to let our lights shine before others that they may see our good works and glorify You in heaven. There are times when we cry out, "No More! I just can't do this anymore." But Father, in Your infinite wisdom You give us daily strength and spiritual resolve to carry on in the darkest of circumstances so that the light of Christ might be made manifest in our lives. We will carry the light of Your salvation through our words, our actions, and the way in which we seek to be fruitful and bloom where we are planted. It's in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen.



Brooksyne's Note: One of the common attitudes residents express in nursing homes is, "This is where I live, but this isn't home." How could it be in comparison to their individual homes where they grew their families and lived their lives for 50 years or more!  Often I select the hymn, "Brighten the Corner Where You Are" and occasionally share the background story where Ina Ogdon expressed the true meaning of the message we shared today about blooming where you're planted. I challenge the residents of the nursing home that instead of feeling "cornered" or trapped in a nursing home that God has called them to brighten the corner at their dining room table, in their hallways and in the midst of activities for this is where God has led them during their golden years.  Here's the story:

In 1912 Ina Duley Ogdon received an invitation to be a Chautauqua Circuit speaker.  This was a great opportunity for her since Chautauqua Lake was a place in upstate New York where performers, musicians, lecturers and motivational speakers were invited who were famous throughout the country.  At the time it was the most popular spot where people by the thousands came to visit. Theodore Roosevelt called it "the most American thing in America."

Miss Ogdon, a brilliant orator, had felt God's calling on her life. Upon receiving the invitation, she excitedly considered the thousands of people that she might influence for the cause of Christ.  But as she was packing for the upcoming tour her father was seriously injured in one of the new-fangled "horseless carriages."  Ina, deeply disappointed and somewhat angered toward God for allowing this tragedy to happen, eventually cancelled her travel plans to care for her father.  After making her peace with God about the matter, she determined in her heart that she would be happy and remain "true to the many duties near" her.  She would do her best to "brighten the corner" where God placed her.

Ina completed this poem over the next year.  It became the theme song of Billy Sunday's evangelistic ministry for twenty-two years.  Instead of reaching only thousands in her lifetime Ina Duley Ogdon's inspired words have reached out to millions from 1913 right up to our lifetime.

"Brighten the Corner"

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do.
Do not wait to shed your light afar. 
To the many duties ever near you now be true;
Brighten the corner where you are.

Chorus:
Brighten the corner where you are! 
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!

Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear;
Let not narrow self your way debar.
Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Here for all your talent you may surely find a need,
Here reflect the Bright and Morning Star.
Ever from your humble hand the bread of life may feed;
Brighten the corner where you are.

Just as the Morning Glories brighten our dark shed so we too can brighten the corner in which we find ourselves!




Some photos of morning glories around our home:


Morning glories outside garden shed 8/23/14
Here's the same Morning Glory as in our lead photo, growing up outside our garden shed. After Brooksyne pulled out about a hundred Morning Glory "babies" over the summer months she finally gave up and I provided a trellis so they would grow up, not out.

Morning glory on back fence
Morning Glories grow up along our backyard fence. Truth be told, I find these some of the most beautiful flowers even though they grow wild like a dandelion and can actually be an intrusive flower, choking out other flowers. I know Brooksyne has pulled the young roots of thousands of morning glories this year that appear between the rocks in our back yard walkway.

Morning Glory Collage
A collage of morning glory blooms growing up the corn stalks in the farm field across from our home, likely originating from the plantings in our yard over ten years ago.



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"Carry The Light"  Video  The Continental Singers

"Brighten the Corner Where You Are"  Video 
The Statesmen Quartet

Contact Us
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

Stephen and Brooksyne Weber 38th anniversary photo (click on photo to enlarge)Stephen and Brooksyne Weber
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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: $8,887.00

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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.)

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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. Your answers are anonymous and I we are unable to respond. If you want to send a personal message use the

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!

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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Daily Encouragement (08/27/14) "A Word About 'Contemporary' Music"

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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Lancaster County harvest scene (Click for larger view)
This morning's view of harvest fields on Rockvale Road  Lancaster, PA
(Click for larger version with Scripture verse)

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"A Word About 'Contemporary' Music"

"He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord" (Psalm 40:3). "Sing to the Lord a new song, Sing His praise from the end of the earth!
(Isaiah 42:10). "And they sang a new song" (Revelation 5:9).

Church in Harwood Missouri
In our nursing home ministry we use a large print hymn book with songs well known to the residents that many have sung since their childhood. This last Sunday I made the point that many were songs I recall singing in the little white frame church my grandmother attended in Harwood Missouri that I often visited as a child. Many of you know these songs such as "The Old Rugged Cross", "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus".

A group of elderly residents dealing with Alzheimer's comes over from a memory care unit. One thing we can count on is that many will sing out an old hymn even though other aspects of their memory have been greatly diminished.

Longwood Manor hymn singI was especially touched this last Sunday when they brought in an older lady who appeared to be in a stupor like state with her head bowed down and eyes closed. She was actually sitting in a room away from the main gathering when our service began. But some of the nurse's aids observed that she was singing along and wheeled her in to be with the other attendees. It was nice to observe the younger nurse's aids being sensitive to this.

There are many opinions about contemporary music in the church. We strongly believe the church needs to have a balance between older and newer songs, although the precise balance is rather subjective. We need to be singing music from previous generations reminding us that our faith is not a current fad, that Jesus is Lord of the past. We need to be singing newer songs reminding us that God still gives new songs to His people, and that He is Lord of our now.

Our church sings both contemporary and traditional church music and we are pleased with this balance. Sometimes people may actually be unaware whether a song is contemporary or traditional and we sang such a song this last Sunday. We have enjoyed "God of the Ages" for many years, first singing it as we recall in the church we served in New England. Although it is contemporary in the sense that it was written (or at least became popular) in our lifetime it is sung to an older Gaelic melody popularized in the song "Morning Has Broken". By the way the older you get the wider span you have regarding what constitutes "contemporary"!

Everything we sing was contemporary at one time. After all it had to be new to the generation that first sang it!

Thankfully, gifted musicians continue writing new songs for the church, fulfilling the Biblical call to "Sing to the Lord a new song". Margaret Clarkson who wrote "God Of The Ages" lived from 1915 until 2008 and blessed the church with a number of songs. But my favorite is "God Of The Ages" which chronicles God's providential care over His creation past, present and future.

God of the ages, history's Maker,
planning our pathway, holding us fast,
shaping in mercy all that concerns us:
Father, we praise you, Lord of the past.

God of this morning, gladly your children
worship before you, trustingly bow;
teach us to know you always among us,
quietly sovereign, Lord of our now.

God of tomorrow, strong overcomer,
princes of darkness own your command:
what then can harm us? We are your people,
now and forever kept by your hand.

Lord of past ages, Lord of this morning,
Lord of the future, help us, we pray:
teach us to trust you, love and obey you,
crown you each moment Lord of today!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber


Praying manDaily prayer: Fath
er, for Your creation which reaches back to the beginning of time and for that which is created this very moment we recognize You as our sovereign Lord. All that we have and all that we are is an act of Your generous and benevolent mercy extended to all generations, past, present and future. God of this morning, we thank You for the opportunities this day provides for us to sing to You a new song and to bring glory to Your name. God of tomorrow, we trust You for that which will bring about rejoicing and that which will bring forth sorrow, gain or loss. Blessed be the name of the One who gives and takes away. God of past ages, You are the same yesterday, today and forever. We trust in You - forever faithful, changing never God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, three in One. Amen.



Prayer for the persecuted:  Once again today our hearts are grieved as we hear reports about Christians fleeing for their lives and for those being murdered for their faith in Christ by the Isis terrorists and other radical Muslim groups. Our hearts go out to their families and their fellow believers. Let us faithfully pray for these dear brothers and sisters in the faith and for those who have the power to make a difference.



Two other thoughts for consideration on today's topic:

I recall a song popular when we were young Christians titled "Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music". At the time it seemed like a strange title but as I have aged it seems so generationally and culturally proud. After all who is determining what "good music" is here? Maybe the title should be, "Why Should The Devil Have All The Music I like". Then perhaps one should also check his preferences in music if that's what the devil has!!!

2) The designation "contemporary" itself is poor. For instance new southern gospel songs are being written but we don't typically call that genre of music contemporary.



Our friend Lee Smucker sent us a couple of photos of local scenes that our readers often comment on:

Amish boys jumping on trampoline (Lee Smucker)
These Amish boys were practicing their baseball while jumping on a trampoline which makes for a great action photo though it also makes for a nervous Brooksyne as she viewed this photo. Trampolines are far more dangerous than parents and children realize when left unsupervised.
On the other hand it is always a refreshing sight to see children enjoying the great outdoors free of electronic devices.

Morning glories on garden shed 8/23/14
A neighbor out giving his pet goat a ride in the wagon.



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"God of the Ages"  Video  Charles Billingsley This is not the Margaret Clarkson song referred to in the message but another by the same title we enjoy. There is actually a third song with this title written by Daniel C. Roberts over 100 years ago!

Margaret Clarkson biography

Sonshine Society is a resource we use in our nursing home ministry.

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Our other blogs:
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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."

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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.
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