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| RSS feed Podcast feed  A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. <Previous Message ·  Listen to these messages · Easy read/print (Click here to listen to this message on your audio player.) "Enoch Prophesied" "Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men" (Jude 1:14a). Last Saturday we went to a prophecy conference. Of course it was mostly "prophecy" in the sense of a perspective on end-time events. Among the topics presented was the moral decline, sexual perversions and promiscuity that is so evident in our time. One of the speakers shared that he has gone to large churches here in the U.S. where he was told outright that he is not to speak out on these issues since some may find the message offensive or intolerant. Thankfully in the Bible College setting I was in last Saturday he spoke the truth! When Brooksyne and I first got married we got a little mixed Chow puppy which we had for about eight years. Being dedicated Bible college students we took the name of a Bible character and named him Enoch. He was a colorful part of the early years of our marriage and to this day I am sure many who knew us then will remember him! In fact several years ago I even wrote a story about him! * The Biblical Enoch is best known for his remarkable departure from this world. The Bible simply states, "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him" (Genesis 5:24). We also know from Hebrews 11:5 & 6 that he was a man of faith and "he was commended as one who pleased God." But our daily verse provides an additional glimpse into his character. Although he lived in the rampantly evil, pre-flood period of human history, he didn't keep his faith to himself. He prophesied, speaking out regarding his belief in God and his convictions. In fact he is the very first recorded Bible character to prophesy for God. The specific prophecy that Enoch spoke forth in his day is just as meaningful to our generation as it was when he first gave it; "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of His holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against Him" (Jude 1:14b, 15). Now that's a message that many would find offensive and unloving. Proclaim that today and you will be labeled a crackpot by the world and sadly many in the visible church would critique your message to be "unloving." But the Lord is coming in judgment and men and women are still called by God to walk with Him and faithfully speak forth His word. Enoch's great-grandson Noah sure did. In 2 Peter 2:5 he is called a "preacher of righteousness." And many, many more have done so throughout both the Biblical and Church ages. In our own day millions are walking with God and speaking out boldly for Him. Are you? Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Father, I must confess that holy boldness does not come easily for me. Though I may hold an unwavering conviction based upon the teachings of Scripture, I find it difficult to articulate my position when faced with opposing views or by those with a lifestyle contrary to the Christian believer. It is in this setting that I rely upon Your Holy Spirit to equip me with the words I am to speak and the tone of which I speak them. You've instructed the believer to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have. And then You further instruct us about the spirit that accompanies our response. We are to do this prayerfully with gentleness, respect, and a clear conscience so that those who would respond unfavorably toward us would regret their behavior. Keep our motives pure as we unashamedly and boldly declare Your truths to a lost and dying generation. Amen. (Portion of prayer based on I Peter 3:15 & 16.) There are two individuals mentioned in Scripture (Enoch and Elijah) that did not die in the usual sense but were transferred to heaven. The Bible teaches that the generation still alive at the time of the return of Christ will pass directly to heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). * Periodically in this series we refer to our present dog, Roxie. In the past I've written about two of the dogs I had. Suzy was my dog while growing up. Enoch was the dog Brooksyne and I had the first 8 years of our marriage. We also had a dog for about three years in New England that we left with our friend, Linda, who delivered our daily newspaper. |
| ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION  Each weekday Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all around the world. Would you please help us continue this encouragement ministry? As an expression of appreciation for your support we are offering our new "Encouragement" screensaver, a selection of photos with accompanying Scriptures, along with our desktop collection with each offering (available either as download or CD.) See here for details.Personal Ministry Update Join: To receive this free "Daily Encouragement" e-mail devotional use our form. New subscribers receive a link to free computer desktop background photos with Scriptures! Here's the welcome letter that comes with new subscriptions. Cancel: To remove your address from this mailing list merely use the link at the very bottom. (To change addresses cancel old address and then join again using new address.) Contact us Please feel free to pass this message on!  The Weber Family Stephen, Brooksyne & Ester "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" (Click on photo to enlarge) 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. Used by permission; and the King James Version. © Copyright 2006 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552  "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation" |
