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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 Follow Daily Encouragement on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn     See here for more info. <Previous Message · Archive edition Tuesday, January 13, 2015  A winter scene in Wisconsin (Photo by Georgia) "Connecting The Dots" Listen to this message on your audio player."The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14).  Many of you have heard the strategic phrase, "connecting the dots". It comes from a form of puzzle containing a number of sequenced dots. At the completion an object such as a person, animal, or flower is revealed. I liked doing those puzzles as a child and still do from time to time.But the term is also a metaphor used to illustrate an ability to associate one idea with another, to see the "big picture". It is often used in a business context such as Apple founder Steve Jobs, who viewed his leadership role as “connecting the dots” for people. We also hear the phrase used as we observe current events and watch the news. So often it seems our modern world with all its education and supposed brilliance just can't connect the dots!  Biblically connecting the dots goes way beyond drawing a line from the numbers, 1 to 20. It requires discernment, understanding and wisdom. To understand means to grasp the nature, significance, or explanation of the subject matter. The really big and most important picture is understanding the purpose of life.Living with a big picture outlook leads to peace as we have confidence that God is in control and working all things out for our good. Psalm 119:165 states, "Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Connecting the dots also guides us in more fully understanding current events from a spiritual and eternal perspective. "The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple" (Psalm 119:130). Today many mock God and those who follow Him. These rantings actually strengthen my faith and resolve to serve the Lord, even more so as I consider the source of disbelief going back to the Garden of Eden. Disbelief and mocking the things of God are certainly not unique to our generation. Today's Scripture verse gives powerful insight on this matter: "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." Many have always considered the things that come from the Spirit of God as foolishness. They cannot understand them, regardless of what level of human knowledge or formal education they attain, since they do not have spiritual discernment, which is a result of spiritual regeneration.  Regardless of how much wisdom they or others assert they have they're what the Holy Scripture describes as fools. This assessment may seem unkind, unloving and even harsh but consider Psalm 14:1: "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'." An interesting footnote is that the Hebrew word rendered "fool" in the Psalms denotes one who is morally deficient. Romans 1:22 states, "Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools." Later in the same chapter is a list of characteristics of the unregenerated which includes, "They have no understanding" (Romans 1:31).The Psalmist stated "I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding" (Psalm 119:32). Biblical understanding must have a foundation in faith for "without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).  Today we affirm, "Yes, Lord, I believe!" Several years ago Brooksyne led our choir in this great song of faith which came to mind today as we prepared this message. It powerfully expresses our ongoing belief in God our Creator in the midst of the deadly assaults and daily insults perpetrated against believers everyday. (A link to a video of the song and the lyrics are in the footer.)Today we encourage each reader to unashamedly place their faith in the Lord who guides us in connecting the dots of life. "We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true" (1 John 5:20). Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber  Daily prayer: Father, I recognize my relationship with You is based solely on the faith You impart to me through the power of Your Holy Spirit when I surrender my heart to You. Your Word declares that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God. Through my words and actions I want to express to a disbelieving world that I do believe! I am not ashamed of the Gospel, even if it would cost me my life on this side of heaven, because it is the power of God to everyone who believes. Help me to be merciful to those who doubt and praying for them to be snatched from the fire as You save them through Your atoning blood. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior we pray. Amen.Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources “Yes, I Believe Video Clark Family When I said that I would follow It was with an honest heart But I didn't fully understand the cost 'Cause there are saints throughout the ages And there are those today Who show us what it really means to carry the cross That only fuels my devotion No matter what comes I will say (Chorus) Yes, I believe I believe with all that is in me Yes, I believe Though the world rises up against me I will be faithful To the choice I have made I am determined I will not be ashamed To live so the whole world can see That yes, I believe There will never be a reason To lose this confidence For I have found where my assurance lies It is not in my own power But in who my savior is And the truth of this conviction Makes me shout to the sky (Repeat Chorus) Yes, I believe He is risen Yes, I believe we are forgiven Yes, I believe and one day we'll see Him And together we'll say (Repeat Chorus) Words & Music by Joel Lindsay & Tony Wood "He Will Instruct Him" (Psalms 29:8-9, 12-14) Video Scripture Memory Songs "Teach Me Thy Way" Video Maranatha! Singers "A Heart To Know Me" (Jeremiah 24:7) Video Scripture Memory Songs "Direct My Footsteps" (Psalms 119:132-133,135 &165-166) Video Scripture Memory Songs Finally today: Our friend John, observing our temporary mailbox photo yesterday, "Your mail box looks like a giant Praying Mantis!" 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 12/10/14) Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. We ask you to consider 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. 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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 make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and 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 2015 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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