A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. Previous Message · Easy read/print edition Thursday, May 3, 2007  Wheat field across from our home.  Click here to listen to us read this message on your audio player."Peaceful and Quiet Lives" "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:1,2). Today is the "National Day of Prayer" here in the USA. Early this morning I participated with a group who prayed on Main Street in our own community. In my allotted portion of the service I read from 1 Timothy 2:1,2 (our selected text today). I followed the reading of Scripture with a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessing of living peaceful and quiet lives which is a direct consequence of praying for those in authority. My assignment was to pray for community leaders and it was a blessing to have our mayor in attendance to receive the prayer. As I prayed I verbally expressed the blessing of living in a portion of the world that is relatively peaceful and quiet. I prayed outside under the open skies with my back facing the street yet did not fear being shot for taking a public stand for the Lord, as would be the case in many places. I also focus on the latter part of the text which teaches that we are to live "in all godliness and holiness." These two essential qualities still matter to God and always will. Though we continue to enjoy many freedoms, our country is in deep trouble. It is true that we have an active remnant of true believers, but the vast majority of our population gives little or no attention to God. We are essentially drunk in our prosperity. Our entertainment industry is a cesspool of increasingly vile immorality. Broken marriages and strife-filled homes abound. Violence fills the land. Our educational system has been very successful at breaking down the moral constraints. The major contributing attitude that leads to spiritual apathy is pride; a result of an arrogant or haughty heart that is full of vain glory. It is essentially a self-exalting attitude that leads one to depend upon himself, but the Gospel teaches us to depend solely on God's grace through Christ Jesus who said, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled." 2 Chronicles 7:14 gives us a great pattern for prayer as God's people: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." As God's people we are indeed called to humble ourselves, to pray, to seek His face and to turn from our wicked ways. Wherever we may live let those of us who love God apply these conditions! The eternal, unchanging God is still speaking from heaven, forgiving sin and extending His healing. His promises to those who earnestly seek Him is always bright and good. Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Let's join together with people of all faiths throughout our land as we pray for our nation on this day, the National Day of Prayer: "Almighty God, we pause to reflect on Your character as we seek wisdom for such a time as this. In these unsafe days, You remain all powerful and able to protect; In these uncertain times, You remain all-knowing, leading us aright; In the unprecedented events we're facing, You remain absolutely sovereign. Our times are in Your hands. Therefore, our dependence on You is total, not partial – our need for forgiveness is constant – our gratitude for Your grace is profound – our love for You is deep. We ask that You guard and guide our President and all who serve the people of these United States. May uncompromising integrity mark their lives. We also ask that You unite us as truly "one nation, under God." May genuine humility return to our ranks. And, may that blend of integrity and humility heal our land. In our Lord's Name we pray, Amen. (2007 "Prayer for our Nation" written by Charles Swindoll)  Today's prayer service ended with a group of children singing to us! Suggested music: "If My people" (instrumental) from this webpage. This song was very popular when we were young Christians. A current song on this theme with a great message is by Avalon. In fact Brooksyne believes it is the theme song this year. Although I was unable to find an online audio version of this I did find this video of young people doing this song to "human video" (or "body worship" as I see they now call it.) "If My People Pray" (video) This appears to be a group of Korean young people and they are having quite a time! It has a real kicker about 1/2 way through. |
Administration Information  The Weber Family Stephen, Brooksyne & Ester "Our family wants to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"  Each weekday Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. Would you please consider a financial offering to support us in this encouragement ministry? See here for details. |
