Daily Encouragement (08/31/09) "Blessed Is The Man"

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A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. Home   ·   About Us   ·   ·  Podcast  ·  Free email See here for more info. <Previous Messages    ·    Archives    ·    Archive/print edition Monday, August 31, 2009 Amish Buggy Traffic An enjoyable sight each Sunday morning on the way to church is seeing the horses & buggies as the Amish folks go to their church services which meet in homes every other Sunday. I enjoyed this photo taken by our friend Doris High. Listen to us share this message on your audio player "Blessed Is The Man" "O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in You" (Psalm 84:12). I received a call last night concerning Raymond McGallicher, a friend of ours. His daughter informed me that he is in the hospital with a severe health matter. Raymond is 92 so there are a number of factors to consider regarding the course of treatment. His daughter Ethel told me he has been telling the nursing staff, "I'm ready to go home to be with Jesus." Today I will visit Raymond, along with several others, who are in the Lancaster General Hospital. Raymond has been homebound for several years and we visited with him several months ago when we took a group from our church to his home. His eyesight is dim but his mind is sharp as a tack. He was sure pleased to have some friends stop by. We sang some hymns together and reminisced before we departed with a prayer. We asked Raymond what specific things he needed prayer for. He then looked up and said, "Pray that I will stay faithful to God to the end." We can all say Amen to that request! Raymond became a part of our country church when he married in 1937. His wife died about 12 years ago. In his younger years he was an excellent carpenter and craftsman. (Featured is a photo of a cherry corner cabinet he built that was recently for sale at an auction.) He used his talents and skills to serve the Lord as well – the evidences abound in our little church. In today's message I would like to consider the qualities that make a man blessed. There are twenty references in the Scriptures that use the phrase "Blessed is the man" found in both the Old and New Testaments. Perhaps the most familiar is from Psalm 1:1 that states, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." Psalm 84 was written by "the sons of Korah" who were the musicians in the temple at the time of David.* It is referred to as The Pearl of Psalms and considered to be "the most sweet of the Psalms of peace." Verse one begins, "How Lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty" and each verse continues as a powerful expression of faith in God. Many of us enjoy singing the well-known song, "Better is One Day in Your Courts" that is based on this Psalm. Our daily text is the concluding verse in this Psalm: "O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in You."  Charles Spurgeon comments on this verse, "Here is the key of the Psalm. The worship is that of faith, and the blessedness is peculiar to believers. No formal worshipper can enter into this secret. A man must know the Lord by the life of real faith, or he can have no true rejoicing in the Lord's worship, his house, his Son, or His ways."  Let us ask ourselves today, "Do we trust God implicitly for everything in life?" If we do, the Lord bestows favor and honor on us, and no good thing does He withhold (84:11). Louisa Stead wrote in 1882 (the year of my grandfather's birth) "I'm so glad I've learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend And I know that Thou art with me Wilt be with me to the end. Are you trusting in the Lord today as you read this message? Are you trusting Him concerning your salvation? What a blessing! Are you trusting Him concerning His daily care and provisions? What a blessing! Are you trusting Him concerning your eternal destiny? What a blessing! Indeed, "O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in You." Be encouraged today, Stephen C. Weber Daily prayer: Father, You are a sun and shield; a light to those who walk in darkness and a shield to protect us from the enemy's arsenal. You will not withhold anything that will help us serve You better. The longer we walk this spiritual journey we become more trusting because we've seen Your mighty hand and outstretched arm leading us all along the way, just as You led the Israelites out of Egypt. You deliver us from our own peril and provide us with everything we need for this life and the next. We fully trust in You, O Lord Almighty. For more study on today's topic: Here's a listing of the twenty references in Scripture using phrase, "Blessed is the man" Psalm 84   Read    Listen   * Information about the Sons of Korah   Article 1  Article 2 The Elizabethtown Country Fair I have shared in past posts of my enjoyment in attending country fairs. We attended two State Fairs earlier this month in Indiana and Ohio. The other night we walked through our local fair, the Elizabethtown Fair,where we saw a number of friends and enjoyed the local sights and reminders of how blessed we are. Locally grown produce reminding us of the bountiful and variety of provisions grown here in Lancaster County. Among my favorite plants is the Coleus since the entire plant is colorful, like a blooming flower. Here's the prize winner along, with a weary observer who peacefully slept the entire time we walked through the large display area.  In fact although I could have easily cropped the photo to show only the plant I felt his presence added additional color to the photo! I have used chainsaws to cut down trees and prepare firewood. Here's a piece we watched a man carve out of a large log using a variety of chain saws! He sure had to have good control of the saw especially when he carved the beak! Of course we walked through the antique tractor display and saw a large variety of interesting old tractors. Here's one someone had some fun with, welding two old tractors together to make a twin. I imagine it has good pulling power but wonder how well it steers since each side has its own steering wheel.  At last year's fair I saw this interesting tractor combination, perhaps built by the same hobbyist. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources Click on the link to open and play. (In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.) "Better Is One Day In Your Courts"  Video  This song is based on Psalm 84.  Many of us have sang it in our churches but were perhaps unaware that it is based on this Scripture. "Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus"  Video  (I am aware I suggested this song in Friday's message but it just goes so well again today!) "Streams Of Water"  Psalm 1:1,2 from the Integrity Scripture memory series. Audio Doris High has also posted some Elizabethtown Fair photos here.  (I can always count on Doris to have some interesting photos!) Finally today: Ministry has many interesting and at times humorous moments. Yesterday we led a church service in a local assisted living facility.  We have had this service for many years and have developed a close relationship with the people.  One lady who has attended for many years is a Jewish lady from New York.  She sings right along with the hymns and really seems to enjoy herself. I decided to let the residents pick hymns that they wanted to sing.  She raised her hand and chose "Silent Night"  It was not necessarily the most appropriate seasonally, but what a joy to see her singing of the Messiah!  (I wondered what visitors thought as they walked past us singing this famous Christmas carol.)  Brooksyne later told me that she lets the residents select Christmas carols year round since they might not live to see the next Christmas season. Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update Revised 05/08/09 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 daily encouragement ministry? Donations are tax deductible and will be receipted directly by my chaplaincy endorsing ministry. Thanks!  See here for details. (2009 YTD financial offerings through 8/27/09: $7,510.00) 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. This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR a friend forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the rss feed. or as an email subscription update through feedburner.  Subscribe to Daily Encouragement Updates by Email Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If these messages no longer meet your needs (providing encouragement) you can remove your address by merely use 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. 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. 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!) Last updated with the story of Mildred Swanson, who joyfully discovers her "spiritual gift" is sending forwarded emails! (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. We are distributing this CD without charge in our ministry. All of these songs are also available for download on the site. If any reader in this series would like a CD merely write us and request one. Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com. Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for using these links when purchasing online through CBD! 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. © Copyright 2009 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 (08/28/09) "To Die Is Gain"

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A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. Home   ·   About Us   ·   ·  Podcast  ·  Free email See here for more info. <Previous Messages    ·    Archives    ·    Archive/print edition Friday, August 28, 2009 Harper Huntington Hull 1921-2009 Listen to us share this message on your audio player "To Die Is Gain" "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). In his song, "Because He Lives" Bill Gaither describes death as fighting "life's final war with pain". There is no war as personal or painful as the war that rages for a person on the brink of life and death. The excruciating process of death is painful not only for the person dying but for all who walk through the shadow of the valley of death with him. We've been praying nearly eight months for a friend who has been fighting life's final war with pain. Harper Hull, at 87 years of age, still worked full-time as an accountant at a business we serve as chaplains.  A very gifted and skilled man, he was also a devout follower of Christ.  In January he was suddenly stricken with a brain infection. Following surgery he improved slowly but steadily until  several weeks ago when he suffered setbacks and since then struggled to survive. We visited him last Friday evening and could see from his grave coloring, the amount of oxygen he was receiving, and his comatose state that his time on earth was soon coming to an end. His family, weary from the long struggle that ensued as they sat with him day after day, had just left prior to our arrival.  Hymns were playing from a CD player on a table near his bed. We picked up his well-used Bible filled with personal notes from sermons and his own studies and read a portion from it. Then Brooksyne, Ester and I unhurriedly quoted the 23rd Psalm knowing that if Harper could hear us he would recognize and find comfort in every inspired word that flows from this famous Psalm. Brooksyne then took Harper's hand and began to sing, "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus". It's a hymn that she sung to my father and her father as they lay on their death beds and many others over our 33 years of ministry. Then something remarkable happened. It was the last verse that brought about an unexpected response that brings a tender memory even as we write of our experience. After she sang, "I'm so glad I learned to trust Him, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend, and I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end"... Harper brought his lips together and mouthed to her the word, "Amen." He didn't use his voice nor did he even whisper. She would have missed his response if she had not fixed her eyes on his face as she sang the hymn. In Harper's "place of quiet rest" where only God's Spirit could enter, his Amen assured us that he heard every word, the prayer we prayed, the Scriptures we quoted, and the inspirational music God wanted him to hear. What rich blessing his unanticipated response brought to our visit. As always, we who seek to refresh others in their time of need are ourselves refreshed. We commended Harper's soul to Jesus before we left his room. The great heavenly transfer took place about ten hours later about 3 A.M. in the morning when Harper's final war with pain and death gave way to everlasting victory. The shaded veil that clouded his vision between heaven and earth was lifted and Harper clearly saw the lights of glory where Jesus reigns. He received his initiation into the house of the Lord where he now dwells forever! Harper lived for Christ and then experienced the wonderful truth that "to die is gain".  May we all be encouraged by those who go before us who have lived their lives for Christ and in their death gained the reward of eternal life. Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, we pray for those who are walking in the valley of the shadow of death with a loved one today.  Give  them deep abiding peace and calm assurance in place of worry and fear as they're confronted with the circumstances that surround them this day.  We pray for their loved one who is waging war between life and death, that they will find a place of quiet rest near to Your heart, O God; a place where Your sweet Spirit ministers in ways where human words fall short.  Help us to trust You for that which we can't understand and to search the Scriptures for that which You want us to fully comprehend on this side about life and death.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen. A further reflection by Brooksyne:  I've thought a lot about those who are in the dying process who can no longer respond or communicate with their loved ones or medical staff.  It is very discouraging and emotionally crippling to sit hour by hour, day after day, and watch a dying person who is unable to communicate. Before my mother passed away she lay in her bed for days and didn't talk or respond to our conversation.  Prior to her comatose state she made us promise that we would daily sponge bath her as she was very particular about being clean.  The hospice worker instructed me on how we were to go about doing this.  It required turning her over to one side and doing so caused Mom a great deal of pain. Knowing how important it was to my mother I told her what was involved and wanted to make sure she still wanted us to carry out her request.  I said, "Mom, I know you can't talk but if you squeeze my fingers I'll know you want me to turn you." She surprised me by squeezing my fingers. It left no doubt that she could hear what I was saying.  My sister and I followed her instructions and gave her a sponge bath.  It was during the process of gently turning her back over that she took her last breath.  I remember as though it were yesterday though this happened nearly eight years ago.   It has served as a lesson to me over the years when attempting to communicate with those who are unable to respond.  Even though they can't talk to us they're still hearing and are greatly comforted by our voice, our presence and our vigilant love for them in their critical hour.  My mother, though unable to voice it, was with us to the very last minute. This is a plaque Harper had on a shelf in his office.  We often discussed the phrase on the plaque. It is based on a verse from Romans 12:11 that states "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord" (KJV). However I have not been able to find a translation that uses the precise same wording. I would conjecture that's it's either a phrase based on the verse or perhaps is from a translation no longer used. Either way it sure is a Scriptural concept! I did find the phrase in a sermon by Charles Spurgeon titled "Serving The Lord With Gladness" (pdf).  (Note also the model of the Conestoga wagon behind the plaque. The Conestoga wagon, which was used by scores of settlers heading west in the pioneer days was  made right here in Lancaster County, named after the Conestoga River.) Today we will attend Harper's funeral service. For those who may know Harper Hull or desire to read more information about him, his informative obituary is here. (I am uncertain as to how long they will archive this link). Several years ago we wrote a daily encouragement message about Harper which tells more about him.  Among many accomplishments he was the founder and long-time president of "The Trojan Yacht Company" here in Lancaster County. Interestingly the Argonaut yacht was the yacht featured in the weekly TV series of "Sea Hunt" from the early sixties. It was constructed by Harper's company. I recall how much Harper enjoyed talking about his hobby of racing remote controlled hobby yachts with his fellow residents at the Willow Valley Retirement Community. Harper left a lasting impact on many and I am sure some reading this will know him. Yesterday I was visiting with Rick Steudler, a friend of ours now in his early sixties, who spoke of Harper's involvement in Sunday School when he was a boy.  Harper served as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent.  Indeed, "Only one life will soon be passed, only what's done for Christ will last." Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources Click on the link to open and play. (In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.) "Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus"  Video  This arrangement of the song that Brooksyne sang to Harper is sung by "Casting Crowns". "Because He Lives"  Video "Near To The Heart Of God"  Video Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update Revised 05/08/09 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 daily encouragement ministry? Donations are tax deductible and will be receipted directly by my chaplaincy endorsing ministry. Thanks!  See here for details. (2009 YTD financial offerings through 8/27/09: $7,510.00) 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. This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR a friend forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the rss feed. or as an email subscription update through feedburner.  Subscribe to Daily Encouragement Updates by Email Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If these messages no longer meet your needs (providing encouragement) you can remove your address by merely use 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. 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. 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!) Last updated with the story of Mildred Swanson, who joyfully discovers her "spiritual gift" is sending forwarded emails! (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. We are distributing this CD without charge in our ministry. All of these songs are also available for download on the site. If any reader in this series would like a CD merely write us and request one. Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com. Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for using these links when purchasing online through CBD! 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. © Copyright 2009 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 (08/27/09) "Bloom Where You're Planted!"

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A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. Home   ·   About Us   ·   ·  Podcast  ·  Free email See here for more info. <Previous Messages    ·    Archives    ·    Archive/print edition Thursday, August 27, 2009 The purple malva is beautiful both in our flower garden where Brooksyne intentionally plants them and when they grow "volunteer" across the country lane along the edge of the corn field from clippings we discard. Listen to us share this message on your audio player "Bloom Where You're Planted!" "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). Regular readers are aware of Brooksyne's interest in flowers. Each winter she plans and prepares for her spring plantings.   Due to adequate rains and a cooler summer our lawn and gardens have had a spring-like vibrancy all summer. In fact I could mow my lawn twice a week it's growing so quickly!  But lots of growth means lots of weeding and trimming and then disposal of all the biodegradable clippings.   Then we notice. We are blessed not only by flowers that Brooksyne intentionally plants all around our home but "volunteers" that spring up wherever we dispose of the clippings.  We also see hardy flowers growing in inhospitable places such as the narrow cracks in our brick walkway!  We wonder how these flowers ever got there in the first place but then remember that the wind and birds plant seeds as well. We have many sunflowers that sprung up wherever the birds decided to dine on their birdseed. "Bloom Where You're Planted." I recall first hearing this phrase from my years in Bible College. The saying has the sense that we are to let God use us and seek to be fruitful wherever we are.  Sometimes we may find ourselves providentially planted where we would rather not be. A true test of character is whether we wilt or bloom in these places. An example of this is Esther.  Esther is a remarkable book.  Most Bible students are aware of the fact that God is not specifically mentioned by name in the entire book (the only book of the Bible with this distinction.) Esther was one of the Jewish exiles in Persia who, due to her natural beauty, was unexpectedly placed in a position she probably never imagined herself being in. She was selected to be the queen! Just as Ruth reminds us that God is at work in the lives of "ordinary people", Esther reveals God is also at work among the "higher classes."  Both remind us that His work is often "behind the scenes."  He is, as a song states, "quietly sovereign." I recall hearing a teaching a number of years ago on "Esther moments". These are those special times when God's purpose for our life is most apparent. This concept is based on the daily text when Mordecai encouraged Esther to take a stand. The Jews faced annihilation (as they so often have throughout history) and Esther was in a position to act for their preservation by appealing to the king. Esther's Uncle Mordecai* was confident that, in one way or another, the deliverance of the Jews would come. He goes on to say, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place." Amazingly in the bigger picture God's grand purposes are always fulfilled with or without our cooperation. However Mordecai challenged Esther to be the agent of God's deliverance as expressed in the daily text, "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Scripture records that Esther did listen to Mordecai and heeded his challenge to present herself to the king, even if it meant death.  I like the resolute attitude she verbalized when she made up her mind to be the mediator for her people:  "If I perish, I perish."  When we're weighing various options there's a point that we've got to make up our mind and act upon that decision regardless of the consequence. May our hearts be as resolute as Esther's and other Biblical characters such as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who refused to bow down to the golden image.  Their unyielding response was, "The God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (Daniel 3:17,18).  Paul's attitude about the possibility of being martyred for his faith was, "For me to live is Christ, to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). Through these outstanding examples of believers who expressed devout faith and underscored it by their actions, God sends a message to all who follow Him; we are not to fear the trials the world offers, but we are to persevere even if it means death. Today all over the world God is working through His people, accomplishing His purpose. At times we can especially sense His work through us in a specific way. What a great joy these experiences bring to our spiritual walk. May the Lord grant to all of us these "Esther moments" when we bloom where we are planted. Often we may not immediately sense the significance of our obedience but obedience always brings blessing.  Let us stay faithful! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Jesus, in certain situations I am fearful when You speak to my heart about being obedient.  When You compel me like you did Esther to do or say something that's not within my comfort zone I become fearful of the outcome which prevents me from stepping out in faith and following through with an obedient heart.  Would You remind me that there is great blessing when I follow Your leading.  Help me not to fear the outcome, for that is in Your hands.  Thank You for Your prompting and for entrusting me to be a part of your grand purpose. *Some versions refer to Mordecai as Esther's cousin. Today's entire Scripture context is from Esther 4 "Blooming Where Planted" Here are some examples of our "volunteer" plants. Today's message was prompted when I was out for an early morning walk with Roxie and saw morning glories growing up the corn stalks in the farm field across from our home.  I like the star-like effect the purple gives this otherwise white bloom. We have purple, pink and white blooms all along the road in the corn rows. These Portulaca are growing between cracks in our brick walkway.  This is probably the third year we've seen these little volunteer plants. Morning glories seem to thrive on the other side of our backyard fence where I only see them when I mow. This plant grew up along the side of the road across from us from clippings we had placed there. This yellow pansy is still looking great today growing in a crack in our dry lay brick walkway even though I took this photo in June. We have to regularly pull weeds out of the cracks all through the summer but we let this persistent pansy stay!  Pansies normally die out in early summer since they're a cool weather flower so this one is a real "overcomer". Yesterday our friend Rachel Caldwell and her parents, Ron and Sherry, dropped by for a visit. Ron has shown interest in our small fish pond and wanted to take a look. Brooksyne walked the ladies through the yard to show them her herbs and flowers. Brooksyne's Note: One of the common attitudes the residents express in nursing homes is, "This is where I live, but this isn't home." How could it be in comparison to their individual homes where they grew their families and lived their lives for 50 years or more!  Often I select the hymn, "Brighten the Corner Where You Are" and occasionally share the background story where Ina Ogdon expressed the true meaning of the message we shared today about blooming where you're planted. I challenge the residents of the nursing home that instead of feeling "cornered" or trapped in a nursing home that God has called them to brighten the corner at their dining room table, in their hallways and in the midst of activities for this is where God has led them during their golden years.  Here's the story: In 1912 Ina Duley Ogdon received an invitation to be a Chataqua Circuit speaker.  This was a great opportunity for her since Chataqua Lake was a place in upstate New York where performers, musicians, lecturers and motivational speakers were invited who were famous throughout the country.  At the time it was the most popular spot where people by the thousands came to visit. Theodore Roosevelt called it "the most American thing in America." Miss Ogdon, a brilliant orator, had felt God's calling on her life. Upon receiving the invitation, she excitedly considered the thousands of people that she might influence for the cause of Christ.  But as she was packing for the upcoming tour her father was seriously injured in one of the new-fangled "horseless carriages."  Ina, deeply disappointed and somewhat angered toward God for allowing this tragedy to happen, eventually cancelled her travel plans to care for her father.  After making her peace with God about the matter, she determined in her heart that she would be happy and remain "true to the many duties near" her.  She would do her best to "brighten the corner" where God placed her. Ina completed this poem over the next year.  It became the theme song of Billy Sunday's evangelistic ministry for twenty-two years.  Instead of reaching only thousands in her lifetime Ina Duley Ogdon's inspired words have reached out to millions from 1913 right up to our lifetime. "Brighten the Corner"  Video by a mission choir in South Africa by Ina Duley Ogden - 1913 Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do. Do not wait to shed your light afar.  To the many duties ever near you now be true; Brighten the corner where you are. Chorus: Brighten the corner where you are!  Brighten the corner where you are! Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar; Brighten the corner where you are! Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear; Let not narrow self your way debar. Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer, Brighten the corner where you are. Here for all your talent you may surely find a need, Here reflect the Bright and Morning Star. Ever from your humble hand the bread of life may feed; Brighten the corner where you are. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources Click on the link to open and play. (In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.) Note regarding our daughter's name: For our newer readers we'd like to share about how our daughter Ester got her name.  She was born in a Guatemalan orphanage along the Rio Dulce (Sweet River).  When Ester's birth mother arrived at the orphanage she was six months pregnant. A volunteer from Germany took special interest in her because she looked quite unhealthy and she feared for the baby's health as well.  She prepared nutritious meals and became personally involved in her care.  Because of this the director of the orphanage named the baby Ester after the caring volunteer whose name was also Ester. Her name is spelled like the Spanish spelling rather than the Biblical character we consider her named after and is pronounced "Es-tair". About 18 months after Ester's birth Brooksyne and I visited the orphanage and stayed in the "Guest House" which was built out over the river. What a glimpse of third world living conditions we experienced! Ester is now 20 and we regularly seek to reinforce that God has a purpose for her life. Due to health problems related to her heart along with some learning disabilities she's had some developmental setbacks. She may be somewhat limited but is in no way limited from doing what God through His strength has called her to do. Every one of us can proclaim this truth, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Ask her what she is and she will quickly tell you, "I'm an overcomer!" Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update Revised 05/08/09 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 daily encouragement ministry? Donations are tax deductible and will be receipted directly by my chaplaincy endorsing ministry. Thanks!  See here for details. (2009 YTD financial offerings through 8/26/09: $7,510.00) 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. This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR a friend forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the rss feed. or as an email subscription update through feedburner.  Subscribe to Daily Encouragement Updates by Email Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If these messages no longer meet your needs (providing encouragement) you can remove your address by merely use 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. 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. 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!) Last updated with the story of Mildred Swanson, who joyfully discovers her "spiritual gift" is sending forwarded emails! (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. We are distributing this CD without charge in our ministry. All of these songs are also available for download on the site. If any reader in this series would like a CD merely write us and request one. Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com. Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for using these links when purchasing online through CBD! 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. © Copyright 2009 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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