A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. Previous Message · Easy read/print edition Tuesday, July 24, 2007  Early this morning we witnessed what we believe is likely the very first dip into the creek for some baby ducklings we first saw yesterday. The mother had been brooding over them after they hatched but my imposing presence as I tried to get a close-up photo prompted a trip to the creek and an apparent reluctant water entrance by the babies!  Click here to listen to us read this message on your audio player."What's In Your Hand?" Then the LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2). We pass a sign on Route 23 near Lancaster Pennsylvania advertising an interesting business, cleaning up dog doo-doo from your yard, a service of a "professional p**per scooper". Of course our initial reaction was "You've got to be kidding" but the sign presents this as a serious business proposition and has a phone number. I have no idea what credentials are needed for this profession nor what degree of formal education may be required. But given the nutty classes taught in some colleges I suppose such a class shouldn't surprise me.  We try to see that Roxie does her business in the woods when we're out on trails but when needed we take care of backyard messes without the professional service. We share this duty as a family. We may not be professionals but we feel confident we can handle this. Here's the scooper we use for this purpose. That's one thing I sometimes have in my hand!What do you have in your hand? Maybe you have a cup of coffee, like me! "What is that in your hand?" The Lord asked this question to Moses during his encounter at the burning bush. Moses had been called to deliver God's people from bondage. Rather than jumping at the opportunity he's reluctant and unsure of himself and he begins to make excuses. "They won't listen", "I can't talk good", etc. Sound like us? But God had a plan and that plan was going to be fulfilled. Of course the all-knowing God knew the answer to His own question about what was in Moses' hand, but He had an object lesson for Moses. He still teaches us through object lessons. Moses answered, "a staff." God wanted to teach Moses that He could use the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary. Moses threw the staff to the ground and it became a snake and then back to a staff. Wow! Then God used a demonstration with Moses' hand. Surely Moses would be ready to obey now. But a few verses later Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it" (4:13). Well, as you know, Moses finally obeyed and 3500 years later is one of the great figures in history. What's in your hand this morning? Of course I'm not speaking literally now but spiritually. God still has a plan and He's still using ordinary people and ordinary things to do the extraordinary. In yesterday's message I shared about a mature couple mentoring a young couple in preparation for marriage. I enjoy seeing ordinary people using their "hands" for God's work. People just like you and me. "Just ordinary people, God uses ordinary people. He chooses people just like me and you, Who are willing to do as He commands. God uses people that will give Him all. No matter how small your all may seem to you. Because little becomes much, As you place it in the Master's hand." * Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Lord, today help me to realize that you desire to use me in the ordinary events of life.  This morning I talked to my older brother, Pat. He told me that his son had temporarily sat Noah, his grandson, on the top of the car while he loaded something. Noah apparently thought his dad was placing him up on the top for the ride and informed him, "I can't ride up here, I might fall off." Yesterday I mentioned a young lady who had been in our church as a little girl who now works with NASCAR. I thought you might enjoy this special edition local photo, titled Amish NASCAR!The business mentioned in the first paragraph was not a joke. See here. Scroll down and read this concerning the company: "The good people of poop butler believe Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior." * "Ordinary People" Danniebell Hall |
Administration Information  The Weber Family Stephen, Brooksyne & Ester  Each weekday morning 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? Thanks! See here for details.Join: To receive these free "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe. You can also subscribe to the rss feed. Cancel: To remove your address from this mailing list merely use the link placed by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each message. Weekly Version: The weekly version is designed for those who do not check their email regularly. It is merely the Friday message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.) Please feel free to pass this message on! Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com (Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link will help the Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission.) 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 2007 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved  "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation" We want to share a brief update concerning our ministry for readers who may be interested. This is an opportunity for us to share our hearts with you as we go forth in this online ministry. www.dailyencouragement.net |
