Daily Encouragement (02/06/13) "The Lure Of Temptation"

Daily Encouragement Net
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A daily, Bible-based message of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. Home · About Us · Archives · Podcast · Free email ·   ·     ·    Click here to support our ministry. <Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Five forks going for one small piece of cake. Listen to this message on your audio player. Note: Stephen was not feeling well yesterday and thus we did not post a message on Tuesday 2/5/13. Today's message was mostly written by Brooksyne. "The Lure Of Temptation" "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith..." (I Peter 5:8,9a).  "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). This past weekend we had two evenings of sharing a meal and enjoying fellowship with friends. In preparation for our weekend I (Brooksyne) decided to make a Taste of Home recipe. Tirimasu Toffee Torte is a cake described by some as "a taste of heaven." In actuality the Italian word means "pick me up" or "lift me up". It is a very rich "melt in your mouth" type of cake and in this recipe I doused the four layers of cake with strong coffee and then frosted each layer with a heavy whipped cream topping. Plenty of chopped heath bars and homemade glazed pecans accessorized the frosting. I made this on Thursday as it tastes better the longer it sits so I made a family announcement that this cake was off limits, but it sure was pretty to look at each time we opened the fridge. Rick and Rachel joined us Friday night and I could hardly wait to serve the Tiramisu following dinner. Each of us thoroughly enjoyed a "taste of heaven" and Ester even had seconds. I sent home a piece with Rick for his lunch at work the next day which left half a cake. It was a perfect amount to take with us the next evening as we were to join our friends Mike and Nicole at their home for a meal and fellowship. I had offered to bring dessert and told her about the Tiramisu. She thought it a fine idea. Folks, it's easier to resist a cake that hasn't been cut into than one that is half eaten with all four frosted layers begging you, "Just one more bite". But since we had committed the cake half I just admired it rather than eat it. It was time to leave for our dinner engagement on Saturday night so I opened the fridge to get the Tirimasu cake half. As I pulled it from the glass shelf I thought it looked smaller than before and upon further examination I was floored when I saw that the cake half had turned into the cake third. "STEPHEN!!!!" I yelled with fury from the upstairs all the way downstairs where he was getting on his coat, "HOW COULD YOU EAT THIS CAKE I PROMISED FOR TONIGHT?" I was frustrated, embarrassed and certainly unprepared for his answer. "I didn't touch it" he yelled back. That left only one family member. "ESTER!!!! DID YOU EAT THE TIRIMASU?" I yelled toward the upstairs. She remained quiet which in our household usually indicates guilt. I called her down from the upstairs and she still wouldn't respond though she finally admitted she had a piece after Stephen and I went to bed on Friday night and one more piece early the next morning. Usually Ester does not overindulge in sweets but the sight of the Tirimasu was far too tempting for her. I should have hidden it from sight in the fridge downstairs. As the saying goes, "You can't have your cake and not eat it too" (at least that's my version). The Tiramisu is a trivial and lighthearted story, but day to day visual temptation is a powerful tool of the enemy. There are many accounts in Scripture describing a visual temptation, either from what we see with our physical eyes or what our mind envisions. Heartbreak results for those who do not resist but rather give into temptation: Eve is the first example of one who gave into temptation after she entertained the devil's dialogue that caused her to question her Creator's wisdom. In addition she saw that the fruit was "pleasing to the eye." She and Adam's disobedience brought sin, pain, and death on the world that God had made beautiful and had pronounced it to be good (Genesis 3:1-7). Everyone of us has paid dearly for their costly disobedience. Achan's fatal attraction was his lust for "a beautiful mantle from Shinar, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold." He was commanded not to take any of the spoils from the city after the walls of Jericho fell. But he did so and hid them under his tent. It cost him his life, those of his family members, and the brave Israelite warriors who were slaughtered by their enemies until the spoil was uncovered (Joshua 7:1-21). Haman, servant to King Xerxes, envisioned himself to be "elevated above the other nobles and officials" as he plotted to kill the Jews. But in the end he was elevated 75 feet high on a gallows and hung to die from the very rope that he himself had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 5:11; 7:9,10). There are many more instances in Scripture regarding those who gave into temptation and in every circumstance it led them in a direction they hadn't foreseen. Satan is a deceiver and he sure doesn't tell us "the rest of the story" when he dangles the temptation before us. The tragedy of falling into sin is that we not only suffer the consequences from the plunge we take, but we almost always cause innocent people to suffer along with us. Let me close with the story of Joseph, a well-built and handsome young man, who was noticed by his master's wife. She requested that he go to bed with her. He refused, but she continued to beg him day after day. He could easily have given in since the master was gone along with all the servants. Who would have known? Yet Joseph fled her presence because he cared more about what God desired than he cared about his own desires (Genesis 39:6-20). That's what it takes, dear friends. We must care more about what God commands than we care about our own desires. I often pray, "Jesus, bring my desires into alliance with Your own desires for my life." Obedience brings blessing; disobedience invites disaster. Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, the devil communicates with us daily by tempting us to do that which displeases you. It seems there are days when he talks non-stop. But You make a way of escape as we come to You in prayer, as we search and apply the Scriptures, and as we practice self-control. We can endure temptation by keeping our hearts pure and our eyes fixed upon the future rewards that come from obeying You and walking in Your ways. Amen. Mike and Nicole's posed expression after we took the glass dome off the cake platter. "Is that all you brought?" In the end we actually had one piece left over, as seen in the lead picture! And the creator of the cake had the last sumptuous bite! Of course, that would be me (Brooksyne). Here's the link for the Tiramisu recipe. Here's the recipe for the Glazed Pecans I referred to Glazed Pecans 4 ounces butter (salted or unsalted), melted 5 Tbsp. real maple syrup 3 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. coarse salt ¾ tsp. cinnamon 20 ounces pecan halves Blend the first five ingredients together. Carefully stir in and coat pecan halves. Heat oven to 300 degrees. (If you have it higher pecans will scorch.) Spread out on a parchment lined cookie sheet with sides. Try to spread pecans in single layer. Place in oven. Stir after ten minutes. If the pecans are pretty dry after 20 minutes remove from oven and cool. If not stir again and bake another five minutes or so until done. After pecans are cooled place in container. The pecans freeze very well. This is a great recipe for gift-giving. You can also add yogurt covered raisins or craisins, dried pineapple or other yummies to make it go further. (Makes nearly 2 quarts) Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice (live)"  Video  Keith Green These are articles we come across in the course of studying for these messages or just poking around the vast Internet. In most cases they are not necessarily related to the daily message but may be of interest to our readers. These articles will only be posted once and there will be new ones each post, assuming we come across material that we feel may be of interest. (To see previous links use the archive version.) Ideas for family worship   What Should Family Worship Look Like? One Super Bowl ad is especially touching, reminding us of the vital role the hardworking farmer has. I dedicate this to Galen and his son Darrel. Of course for both of us we sure enjoy the distinctive voice of the late Paul Harvey who happened to attend the same High School in Tulsa as Brooksyne although about 35 years earlier! Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

Stephen and Brooksyne Weber (Click on photo to enlarge) "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/31/12) 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. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible. Click here to donate online. 2013 YTD financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 2/5/13: $1,897.00. We express thanks to all who support our ministry! SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Were you forwarded this edition of Daily Encouragement Net? If you desire you can receive your own free! To receive these "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. These messages are never sent by us unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR it was forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or as an email subscription through Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.) Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If you no longer desire to receive these messages you can remove your address from the list by merely using the link automatically inserted by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each email message. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.) Weekly Version: The weekly version is intended for those who may not check their email regularly or who may desire less frequent mailings. It is Friday's message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter: The daily message and prayer on Facebook.  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 2013 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 Contact us Endorsed chaplain "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation" www.dailyencouragement.net

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Daily Encouragement (02/04/13) "The Blessing Of Brothers"

Daily Encouragement Net
A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.

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A daily, Bible-based message of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. Home · About Us · Archives · Podcast · Free email ·   ·     ·    Click here to support our ministry. <Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Monday, February 4, 2013 We had a nice coating of slippery snow Saturday evening making the roads treacherous for driving. This is the view from our church on Sunday morning. Listen to this message on your audio player. "The Blessing Of Brothers" "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1). Most American readers, as well as many around the world, know that the Super Bowl was last night. The Super Bowl has become the most dominant sporting event in America and there is even a petition to make it a National Holiday (a very bad idea in my view). It has even been characterized as a "holy day" for secular Americans. It turned out to be a great game last night going right down to the final play. Earlier in the game I spoke to my brother Mike, a 49er fan, who was growing despondent when it appeared there might be a blowout. But the most intriguing aspect of the game was that two head coaches, John and Jim Harbaugh, were brothers which is a remarkable feat. This added a lot of additional interest to the game and the weeks leading up to it. It's also given me an occasion to consider the blessing of brothers. These two brothers really seem to be close, along with a very supportive mom and dad, Jack and Jackie Harbaugh who told where they'd be after the Super Bowl. "There's going to be one winner and one (son) that's going to be totally disappointed," Jack Harbaugh said. "Our thoughts go to that one that will not experience the thrill of victory." Isn't that a great example for parents everywhere! I have two older brothers and a younger sister. Our parents have gone on to heaven but us siblings still regularly call one another and although separated by many miles see each other occasionally. We are quite different, with my brother in California holding a world view practically the polar opposite of mine. Nevertheless we get along well, love each other greatly, and seek hard to stay connected. The Bible records several brother relationships and, as best as we can determine, most are negative examples apart from a reconciliation toward the end in several cases. Cain and Abel Jacob and Esau Joseph and his brothers David's older brothers David's sons The disciples James and his brother John. Peter and and his brother Andrew. The Gospels do not emphasize characteristics in their relationship as brothers. "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" That is sure true whether it be a family or a church. One of the greatest ways we honor our human parents is when we get along with our siblings. Even though Mom and Dad are both with Jesus we still believe this is a way we honor them. We also believe unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ is a way we honor my heavenly Father and His family.  Today in your sphere of influence we appeal to you to make every effort to pursue spiritual unity. "Live in harmony with one another" (Romans 12:16). "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18).   We have a perspective in life that increasingly sees the long-term blessing of unity in our marriage, family and relationships. May that be your blessing as well! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, we want to thank You for diversity in the body of Christ. There is so much incredible variety in personalities, giftings, ethnicity, and varied interests. As we dwell together in unity You help us to become like minded, having the same love, being of one accord. Your work goes forward when we set aside our personal agenda, and for the sake of the body, focus on that which we have in common with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, as much as it is possible, help us to be at peace with our church family, our immediate and extended family as well that You have blessed us with. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Brooksyne's Note: We often write on our site stories related to Stephen's family since there has been a greater attempt by his family members to stay connected than there is mine. Over the last several days I've felt the Spirit's prompting that I should get reconnected with aunts and uncles on both sides of my family. Since adulthood I've lived a great distance from them all with my mother's side living in OK, MO, AR, and CO. My dad's side lives in OK and AR. Since Saturday I've talked to several aunts and uncles that I haven't talked to in years. Many of them, in turn, have not talked to their siblings or extended family for years. There have been many factions over the years with my extended family. I worked through quite a few defunct phone numbers that were given to me so that tells you how little our family has communicated since they didn't have current contact information. Yesterday I felt a further prompting of the Spirit regarding my family during Morning Worship as we sang "Share His Love". One elder brother stood and gave thanks to God that his six children, their grandchildren and great-grands (numbering over 60 family members) would be gathered in church. It was the compilation of his testimony and the song, "Share His Love" that led me to sit down at the computer last night and write my testimony to share with my extended family. I now have current addresses and phone numbers for all my aunts and uncles and, besides getting in touch with them personally, I have written out my testimony of when I committed my life to Jesus as a teen. It shames me to think of the many times I've shared my story with non-family members but never my own extended family. I am praying over the letter and preparing it for mailing. Perhaps this will spur you, our readers, to share your testimony of salvation to your extended family, targeting especially those who don't walk with Jesus. Share His Love All those who have trusted in God's only Son, And hold this precious treasure in their hearts, Seek ways to make it known to all who need to know That God so loved the world His only Son He gave. Chorus) Share His love by telling what the Lord has done for you. Share His love by sharing of your faith, And show the world that Jesus Christ is real to you Ev'ry moment, ev'ry day. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "We Will Stand"  Video  Avalon "People Of God"  Video  Wayne Watson "My Love"  Video   River  Brooksyne heard this early this morning on our Christian radio station and we expect it will fit better contextually with a message later this week but here's a preview. These are articles we come across in the course of studying for these messages or just poking around the vast Internet. In most cases they are not necessarily related to the daily message but may be of interest to our readers. These articles will only be posted once and there will be new ones each post, assuming we come across material that we feel may be of interest. (To see previous links use the archive version.) Yesterday we had a first-time visitor in church, who I expect will be attending regularly. In our church we are having a baby boom! In this light this article is interesting: "America's Baby Bust" which asserts that the nation's falling fertility rate is the root cause of many of our problems. And it's only getting worse. Anti-Christian Hostility Heats Up amid Unrest in Egypt  Two children to be tried for insulting Islam; family imprisoned for reconverting. May the Lord help us to remember our persecuted brothers and sisters! So What if Abortion Ends a Life? Rare Candor from the Culture of Death Dead roses: the seduction of American Christianity Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

Stephen and Brooksyne Weber (Click on photo to enlarge) "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/31/12) 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. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible. Click here to donate online. 2013 YTD financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 2/3/13: $1,897.00. We express thanks to all who support our ministry! SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Were you forwarded this edition of Daily Encouragement Net? If you desire you can receive your own free! To receive these "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. These messages are never sent by us unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR it was forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or as an email subscription through Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.) Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If you no longer desire to receive these messages you can remove your address from the list by merely using the link automatically inserted by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each email message. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.) Weekly Version: The weekly version is intended for those who may not check their email regularly or who may desire less frequent mailings. It is Friday's message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter: The daily message and prayer on Facebook.  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 2013 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 Contact us 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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Daily Encouragement (02/01/13) "Treasures In Jars Of Clay"

Daily Encouragement Net
A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.

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A daily, Bible-based message of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. Home · About Us · Archives · Podcast · Free email ·   ·     ·    Click here to support our ministry. <Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Friday, February 1, 2013 Amish farm in Lancaster County PA. Listen to this message on your audio player. "Treasures In Jars Of Clay" "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). Yesterday while I was visiting with a friend I looked down to see a cell phone on his desk with a very cracked screen. I wondered where it came from and was told it still worked. He turned it on for me and sure enough it fired right up! We began to muse for a few minutes about functional broken things and since we are both Christians we thought about how this might apply to our lives. Keith suggested the daily verse which prompted some study on  my part. In a sense of course we are all broken, having bodies as Paul states in "jars of clay". But today we especially want to consider some of God's treasures who have especially dealt with affliction while serving Him. One of the many better known people in this regard  is Joni Eareckson Tada. She has a brief radio spot on our local Christian radio station each afternoon which we both appreciate. Paralyzed after her diving accident in her teen years she devoted her life to serving the Lord and has had a wonderful impact on hundreds of thousands and most especially the disabled. One of the first examples of this we recall in our own ministry was Fred Moore, who was probably about the age we are now when we met him at "Sunnyvale", our very first country church north of Springfield, Missouri right after we got married in 1976. Fred was a carpenter who assisted us in some improvements to the small parsonage that was our first home as a married couple. Many years earlier Fred had lost his right arm a few inches above his elbow in an oil well accident. Yet he still managed to work as a carpenter with his left hand which was actually missing two fingers. We were amazed as we watched him drive nails into wood although neither one of us can specifically remember how he accomplished this feat! He was an overcomer with a positive faith-filled disposition. God used him to bless many people through his gift of music. Fred also is the source of one of our all-time funny memories in ministry. (See footnotes.) Today's verse uses a powerful image in describing our physical bodies: "We have this treasure in jars of clay." The treasure spoken of in this context is the knowledge of Christ and of the ministry of the gospel of life.  Incredibly, God stores this divine treasure in "jars of clay" (the KJV says, "earthen vessels"). What an interesting description of the outer man formed from the dust of the ground. The image is that of frailty and temporality. God often allows the vessel to be chipped and broken, that the excellency of the treasure contained, and of the power which that treasure has, may be all His. Later in the chapter Paul expresses assurance even as he is making an honest assessment regarding his physical deterioration, "though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day" (2 Corinthians 4:16). I sure am blessed by the phrase, "to show this all-surpassing power" in the daily text. Consider God's steady, dependable and ever adequate power. It never wanes and is not in short supply. It is always adequate and sufficient for any critical situation we may face. This power is from God and not from us, so we needn't despair when we find ourselves weak, for that is when He is made strong. Let us rejoice in God's marvelous provision of His all-surpassing power that is released in our lives today. Peter writes, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness" (2 Peter 1:3). Even though there may be shortages and interruptions of electrical power and other sources of this world's power, we can be assured that God's power is all-surpassing and far exceeds that of earthbound power. What a joy and peace today to rest in His all-powerful love and care! Remember this important truth today, fellow believer, in regard to whatever you are dealing with.  God is at work in the lives of believers all around the world to advance His glory for "the grace that is reaching more and more people is causing thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God" (2 Corinthians 4:15).  May He work His power in each of our lives today, in these "jars of clay"! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, it is an irrefutable spiritual truth that the human spirit is renewed and empowered day by day because Christ has chosen to store His treasure within us, His earthen jars of clay. It is because this treasure is stored within us that we do not lose hope or give up our faith when adversity strikes. Instead we show that this all-surpassing gift is from You and not of our own origin. We are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us, empowers us, and sustains us!  Praise be to God!  Amen. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Use Me"  Video  Ron Kenoly "Just A Closer Walk With Thee"  Video  Sara Evans This arrangement is a "flash from the past." Brooksyne's Note: As Stephen was playing this I thought for sure it was Patsy Cline singing. My dad played her music alot when I was a child. Sure enough, Sara Evans is imitating Cline's arrangement and voice. Does a nice job. And the words of this hymn classic spoke to my heart today. "Jesus Use Me"  Video  The Cathedrals  An old song from our Bible College days. We recall singing the chorus around the altar. In today's message I shared about Fred. Our greatest memory of Fred and his wife Wanda was actually a very interesting prayer request he offered one Sunday evening in a church service. He might be laughing with us from heaven as he recalls this story. "The Heavenly Treasure in the Earthen Vessel"  Video teaching Andrew Murray  I sure appreciate the rich teaching of the preachers from the past! (This is a 26 minute reading from a chapter in his book, "The Spiritual Life") Joni and Friends New Feature: We are sharing articles we come across in the course of studying for these messages or just poking around the vast Internet. In most cases they are not necessarily related to the daily message but may be of interest to our readers. These articles will only be posted once and there will be new ones each post assuming we come across material that we feel may be of interest. (To see previous links use the archive version.) Yesterday I was speaking to Mark, a friend who had also been to the March For Life last week in Washington. We were discussing our experience and he shared how he was involved in a prayer program concerning the abortion issue and wanted to place a poster in one of our area's large churches but was declined because the issue might offend someone. I had just read this article which relates: Bait & switch = bad idea. Forgetting to switch = really bad idea. The University of Michigan Kicks Christian Club (Intervarsity) Off Campus because the group requires its leaders to be Christians!!! Thousands are fleeing Syria every day. But I bet you are not reading this in the main stream media: They're being met by the Christians, who are taking them in, giving them food, shelter, and warm clothes. "It's just ministries banding together to be Jesus to them. We have met some new believers from Sunni Muslim background. They just openly say, 'I love Jesus. I love the Bible people. They're the only ones not trying to harm us.'" (Source) Stunning decadence - The pro-abortion group NARAL has just launched a bizarre new video that places abortion on the same moral plane as getting a haircut, picking a sweater, going for a jog or chewing gum—all, apparently, things that a woman can "choose to do with her body," just like abortion. From here with a link to actual NARAL video (caution the video is disgusting) Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

Stephen and Brooksyne Weber (Click on photo to enlarge) "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/31/12) 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. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible. Click here to donate online. 2013 YTD financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 1/31/13: $1,897.00. We express thanks to all who support our ministry! SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Were you forwarded this edition of Daily Encouragement Net? If you desire you can receive your own free! To receive these "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. These messages are never sent by us unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR it was forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or as an email subscription through Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.) Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If you no longer desire to receive these messages you can remove your address from the list by merely using the link automatically inserted by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each email message. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.) Weekly Version: The weekly version is intended for those who may not check their email regularly or who may desire less frequent mailings. It is Friday's message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter: The daily message and prayer on Facebook.  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 2013 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 Contact us Endorsed chaplain "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation" www.dailyencouragement.net

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