Daily Encouragement (02/11/13) "The Blessing Of Affirming Words"

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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 11, 2013 Conodoguinet Creek in Franklin County PA runs right through the Roxbury Camp where we held our Winter retreat Listen to this message on your audio player. Marriage series: We celebrate Valentine's Day on Thursday and this week we will share a series of messages with the main points based on Gary Chapman's book, "The Five Love Languages". In doing so we will use the outline of the five languages, featuring a different one each day. This week we want to provide messages that will strengthen marriages. However most of these points will apply to all relationships. "The Blessing Of Affirming Words" "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29). Yesterday we participated in our Sunday School winter class retreat at Roxbury Camp and shared a message with the couples. We illustrated the blessing of affirming words by using "Mr. Wonderful", a talking male figure with a broad smile and huge feet. Brooksyne presented Mr. Wonderful to me in 2004 during the Valentine season. We've had a lot of fun and found illustrative value now for almost 9 years and he still works! Yesterday I shared how Mr. Wonderful gave me some ideas on words and phrases that are a blessing to Brooksyne. When pressing his hand in his charming, masculine voice he utters phrases such as, "No, honey, you don't look fat in that dress. You don't look fat in anything you wear." Or "Darling, take all the time you need. I don't mind waiting one bit." It appears in the photo above that Mr. Wonderful is uttering one of those female pleasing phrases (notice my "ouch" grimace and her adoring smile). Brooksyne was so taken with Mr. Wonderful that she bought Mr. Wonderful II the following year. He gets me into even more trouble when he says things like, "Did you have a hard day, Honey. Why don't you sit down and let me massage your feet?" Or "Actually, I don't know which way to go. I'll just turn in here and ask directions" (so, not me - I don't even like the GPS telling me where to go)! How many of you men would say, "Here, you take the remote. As long as I'm with you I don't care what we watch." Or the most incriminating, "You're going shopping by yourself, Honey? How about if I tag along just to carry your bags?" We visited the Shady Maple Gift Shop a couple years ago and I saw a sign advertising Mrs. Wonderful. I got all excited about blessing Brooksyne with Mrs. Wonderful (thinking it was my turn to get blessed). But unfortunately once I reached the display I found they were out of them. But there were only more Mr. Wonderfuls staring me in the face. I'd had enough of that guy already! (Brooksyne's edit: I was secretly relieved when I saw Mrs. Wonderful was not available.) Now, what spiritual truth am I going to get out of this story, you may wonder. Mr. Wonderful is an animated figure designed to build up the wife according to her needs (although he might be a bit insincere as to what a man is really like). Paul exhorts the believer in Ephesians 4:29 to do three things: Get rid of unwholesome talk Speak that which builds others up Benefit all who listen Can you think of someone who is the epitome of this verse? If you answer, "That's my spouse", you are greatly blessed. Certainly Paul intended this passage for the entire church body, but what's good for the church is good for the family, isn't it! Unwholesome talk - Paul is writing about one very small but powerful part of our body. The tongue! So much is accomplished with our tongue, for good or evil. Unwholesome talk includes that of malicious gossip, cruel teasing, profanity, obscenities, and other unwholesome communication in addition to the tone we engender as we speak.  Build Others Up - When conversation flows from a gracious, principled heart it will build others up, including our spouse. When we consider other's interests more important than our own we will look out for them, listen to them, and serve them in a way that encourages and lifts them from their heaviness of heart (Philippians 2:4).  Benefit those who listen - Our conversation with our spouse or a fellow believer goes far beyond the few moments we spend speaking with one another. What we say to one another can have a lasting impact that either builds up (edifies) or tears them down. In our marriage and in all relationships may we be characterized by affirming words! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, we desire to communicate with our spouses, family members and other people in a way that builds up and benefits those who listen. As we establish Biblical principles in our heart, they will act as filters for that which flows from our tongue. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Amen. Here are the five "Love Languages" we will deal with this week: 1) Affirming Words              2) Quality Time                   3) Thoughtful Gifts 4) Cooperative Service 5) Physical Intimacy Now with nearly thirty-seven years of marital experience Brooksyne and I will add one. Tease each other and have fun! Mike, a friend of ours with a sense of humor shared these potential statements a "Mrs. Wonderful" doll might say. I might add he's happily married! Oh, Dear, you go ahead and watch the game while I clean up. Darling could I rub your feet? Don't hurry back from the mountains—I know how much you enjoy being out in nature with the other guys. Just leave the seat up in the bathroom so it will be more convenient for you. I made your favorite dessert—have an extra piece. The aroma of your socks blends well with the scent of my candles. I subscribed to Field and Stream to stock your bathroom with high quality reading material. You don't have to say a thing—I know what you mean. You just nap for a few minutes until dinner is ready. You must have had a hard day—let me get you the paper and your slippers. It is such a privilege to submit to you my darling husband. I got up an hour early so that you would have plenty of time in the bathroom. Nelson was up early in the morning grilling potatoes, veggies, and shrimp over a hot ring of fire just like we have on our annual men and boys campout. How I wish we could post the appetizing smells! Larry, carefully inspecting his dishwashing skills, with his LED headlights. (Ruby, another class member, in background.) One of the things that has impressed Brooksyne over the years is how the men are often the first ones to line up for dishwashing duty following a meal at the church. But "Mrs. Wonderful" (had I found her that day) would never compare her husband's lack in this area to men who might be more willing to clean up in the kitchen. Our Sunday School class enjoying breakfast together in the cabin. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Glorious Freedom"  Video  Gaither Vocal Band "The Five Love Languages" can be ordered at Amazon or many other sources. For the geographically curious, our weekend retreat was held at Roxbury Camp at the base of Blue mountain where the first tunnel is located as you are going west on the PA Turnpike. (See here for location on Google map) 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.) My Train Wreck Conversion  "As a leftist lesbian professor, I despised Christians. Then I somehow became one." by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield  An amazing story and a testimony to the power of God's word. It is a great example of what we should and shouldn't do to reach the lost. "I have not forgotten the blood Jesus surrendered for this life.  And my former life lurks in the edges of my heart, shiny and still like a knife. h/t Eternity Matters "But I cannot understand why something which is unpopular because of what it means should become frightfully popular because it no longer means anything." 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 2/10/13: $2,497.00. 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 (02/08/13) "Lesson From A Coal Stove"

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 8, 2013 The interior of our coal stove with a shiny new ash pan Listen to this message on your audio player. "Lesson From A Coal Stove" "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:5-7). The weather reports call for a big snow storm here in the Northeast, although it appears the more severe impact will be to the north of us. That was a source of conversation in a morning chaplain visit. This morning snow is on its way and its cold outside but our home is warm. It's actually warm and toasty in the family room where our coal stove is hooked up. We're thankful for our coal stove, which burns anthracite (hard) coal. The photo above shows the heart of our system, a view many of our readers have probably never seen; the inside of a genuine Alaska coal stove! (Alaska is the name of the company that built the stove not the state. Actually the stove was made right here in Pennsylvania!) The coal is loaded in a large hopper in the back of the stove which holds a couple of days supply. It is slowly fed into the stove where it ignites on the burn plate before the ashes drop into the pan. A key component to the system are the tiny holes in the burn plate that force air onto the coal. Anthracite coal is very hard to start but once I start the stove in the fall it will burn all winter as long as I keep the hopper filled and provided that we don't lose electricity necessary for the feeder mechanism and the tiny fan that forces the air on the coal. Of course I have to empty the ash pan daily and it's actually an early morning chore I enjoy. We all enjoy the fire, especially on a cold winter evening although we must keep the stove door closed and merely feel the heat and see the glow through the glass. One thing we do miss is the aroma of a woodburning fire but a friend told us there is a Yankee Candle for that! Today's opening illustration brings to mind a verse that I committed to memory early in my Christian walk; "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God." In fact one of the very first sermons I ever preached was based on this passage, I suppose in part due to the phrase, "fan into flame."  I recall my years as a Boy Scout and our many camping trips. We were taught to blow on the embers to get a fire going, especially to restart the smoldering embers of wood when we'd get up in the morning. Then we would gently fan the flame increasing the oxygen that fed the fire turning it into a blazing fire. The key Greek word which is translated "fan into flame" is "anazopuro", which is in the present active indicating a continuing action.  The sense is to stir up smoldering embers into a living flame. Other Bible versions vary slightly in the way they translate this word. The NASV states, "kindle afresh", the Amplified uses the phrase, "stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of,)" while the KJV merely states "stir up", which reminds me of when I would take a long stick and stir up the fire early in the morning! Clarence Jordon translates this verse, "I'm reminding you to shake the ashes off the God-given fire that's in you." The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to build the fire of faith in our hearts. On the day Jesus rose from the dead He walked on the road to Emmaus with two disciples. After their eyes were "opened" they recognized who Jesus was and then He disappeared. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32).  A roaring fire emblazoned their hearts when they understood what Jesus taught them in the Scriptures. Paul is urging Timothy to a necessary spiritual discipline. In the course of life the fire can burn down a bit or at times a lot. We need to continually be mindful of this and keep fanning into flame the gift of God. Elsewhere Paul writes in Holy Scripture, "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord" (Romans 12:11). The phrase "spiritual fervor" literally means "in spirit burning." Many years ago Keith Green wrote a song with this theme in mind: Oh Lord please light the fire, that once burned bright and clear. Replace the lamp of my first love, that burned with holy fear. Today Brooksyne and I want to serve the Lord with renewed zeal and keep the fire burning within our hearts so that we are continually on fire for Christ. We urge each reader to do the same! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, I consider the depth of one's faith and how far-reaching it is when fleshed out in one's life. Timothy's sincere faith was due in great part to the influence of a godly grandmother and equally devoted mother. As we stay in communion with You through prayer and obedience to Your Holy Word we ask You to keep the flame burning within our hearts. It is not just compliance to Your Word, but also fervency in our spirit that will convince others of their need to walk in Your ways. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Here's a photo of our coal stove I took last night. During the winter it goes a long way to heating our entire home although we also have a heat pump which supplements it. Here are a couple of older photos: Roxie and Dottie enjoy laying together in front of the stove and now Mollie (our second dog) joins them but not sure we have a photo of all three of them together. When it's really cold Brooksyne enjoys working in front of the stove. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Oh Lord, You're Beautiful"  Video  Keith Green Helpful online Greek interlinear New Testament  A study aid I use in the course of preparing these messages along with Precept Austin and of course others. Yesterday I shared a photo of our friend Nick Nichols. A reader responded: "I thought your friend Nick was Billy Graham at first glance. Wonder if others thought that?"  I shared this with Nick and he replied: "It was through Billy's book WORLD AFLAME that I came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior." For any who may be interested more coal stove photos are here I am blessed at Mike's continued efforts to provide a witness at work in the form of a whiteboard message. 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.) "An astounding message!" Dr. Ben Carson  An amazing speech at the National Prayer Breakfast. "Gifted Hands" Video segment from the movie about Ben Carson. We purchased this DVD a few years ago and found it to be a great inspirational message, especially inspiring for a single mother raising children on her own. After all the ups and downs Carson proves to be a brilliant doctor, yet a very humble servant dedicated to his profession of helping those who have complex medical disorders. "God Made A Farmer" I see the link to the Dodge Ram Superbowl commercial I posted Wednesday became inactive. Here's one that works at post time anyway. 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 2/7/13: $1,962.00. 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 (02/07/13) "Haven Of Grace"

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 Thursday, February 7, 2013 Stone wall in a Mount Joy, PA farmhouse (Photo by Nick Nichols) Listen to this message on your audio player. "Haven Of Grace" "Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:12,13). We enjoy the name of our town, Mount Joy, which might seem to have a spiritual background but this is not the case.  Mount Joy is often included in lists of "delightfully-named towns" in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Also included are Intercourse, Blue Ball, Lititz, Bareville, Bird-in-Hand and Paradise. The name is often shortened to Mt. Joy but this is incorrect, since the "Mount" in Mount Joy does not refer to a mountain. The town's name Mountjoy, named after an Irish ship, was brought to the colonies by settlers from Ireland. Let's consider another interesting name for a town. Havre de Grace is a city in Maryland about 55 miles south of us situated at the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the head of Chesapeake Bay. It is named after the port city of Le Havre, France, which in full was once Le Havre de Grâce. This is French for "Haven of Grace". In our daily Scripture text the Apostle Paul is reminding the Ephesian believers where they came from before they entered their spiritual haven of grace. "Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world." One commentator makes this observation: The Gentiles are characterized spiritually by five "less" attributes: Christ-less, Country-less, Covenant-less, Hope-less and God-less!  Due to our fallen human nature that's where we all came from. Interestingly the phrase "without God" translates the Greek word "atheo" which is the foundation for the English words "atheist" or "atheism" and this is the only occurrence of the word in the New Testament. A major theme in Paul's epistle to the Ephesians is grace. A helpful acrostic explaining grace is "God's Riches At Christ's Expense". Thank God that we can point people without hope in the direction of a haven of grace! "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ." Consider our inheritance as a believer in Christ in the spiritual realm which is a result of God's grace. Our past is forgiven, our present is abundant life in Christ, and our future is heaven, forever with Him. What could be greater than those blessings. And grace upon grace is the fact that it's available to everyone including those whose lives are wrecked!  Now let's all spread the good news of our caring, loving God to a broken, hurting world and tell them of this haven of grace! There is no vessel too broken that God's healing touch can't restore. That which is impossible with man is possible with God! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, we limit our faith when we pray and then expect You to provide for our needs in the natural human way. But when we read the Scriptures we're reminded me that You are Omnipotent and You work in supernatural ways to restore broken lives and mend broken hearts. You do extraordinary things in ordinary lives who've plunged into desperate messes of their own making. We place our loved ones in Your hands and ask You to reveal Your immeasurable, not for sale grace to their lives, even as You have shown to us. Thank You for grace, God's riches at Christ's expense. Amen. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources In Monday's message we considered the blessing of brothers and I listed times in the Bible when brothers are mentioned. I had forgotten to include the two brothers in the story of the Prodigal son. "A Place Called Grace"  Video  Phillips, Craig and Dean A powerful retelling of the Prodigal Son "When God Ran"  Video  Phillips, Craig and Dean "The Prodigal Son" Video  Keith Green Yesterday I was looking for some photos of Mount Joy and I noticed a name came up that I recognized; a Lancaster County friend named Bernard "Nick" Nichols. He has a lot of photos posted on the web including the Mount Joy farmhouse photo we used in our lead picture and he gave me permission to use them. This photo above was taken at the Bird In Hand Farmer's Market a couple of years ago when Nick was showing me the features of his Iphone. He would be a good salesman for Apple! Here's an interesting collection of his photos from here in Lancaster County. 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.) "Ex-Christians: Ways to Bring Back the Leavers" An interesting article by Steve Cable on the Probe Ministries website. Despite Iran's Lies, American Pastor Saeed Not Forgotten  "During Monday's visit with family, Pastor Saeed expressed apprehension and concern about his fate, openly questioning whether efforts are still underway to secure his freedom.  It appears the Iranian prison guards continue their lies – pushing propaganda to try and convince Pastor Saeed that he has been forgotten." See Hebrews 13:3 "Counseling and the Church"  David Penley asserts that "Counseling takes place in the church all the time. In Sunday School classes, in worship services, in hallways. The church is where it should take place." We really believe this such as in our worship service Sunday when a man who will soon turn 90 stood up during the testimony time and began by stating, "I'm on the home stretch" prior to dispensing some wisdom for all ages. 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 2/6/13: $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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