Daily Encouragement (10/30/09) "Exposing Darkness With Light"

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The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 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, October 30, 2009 Yesterday we passed this stately white barn and silo near Lampeter, PA Listen to us share this message on your audio player. "Exposing Darkness With Light" "The light shines in the darkness" (John 1:5). "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them" (Ephesians 5:11). For about 7½ years we served the Lord Jesus Christ in New England, pastoring a church about 35 miles south of Boston in Taunton, Massachusetts. Only once did we drive through Salem which is about 16 miles north of Boston. This historic town is best known for the witch trials held in the late 1600's. It is still a center for witchcraft and other deeds of darkness. In fact it proudly promotes its reputation as the "witch city".   I recall sensing the spiritual darkness even as we drove through. There are several Bible-preaching churches in the city and certainly in the surrounding area. What a mighty job they have in letting the light of Christ shine through them to the darkness that pervades that area. Halloween is a very significant day for witchcraft and other satanic activities in Salem (and elsewhere), and yet the true church will have mission outreaches. The light of Christ will shine as they expose the fruitless deeds of darkness. May the Lord bless these worthwhile efforts! Thankfully, God has a light shining in the midst of this darkness and the true church has seen many people turn from fruitless deeds of darkness to God's marvelous light.  The first daily verse fundamentally speaks of Christ. He is the Light and indeed He shines in the darkness. Wherever you live there is darkness, although some places are certainly much more spiritually dark. We noted such a difference in this regard when we moved from Northern Pennsylvania to New England and now to Lancaster County.  But when we compare our Christianized nation to dark places such as Papua New Guinea and other unreached tribal regions the darkness is even more pervasive.  (We do thank God for Bible translators and missionaries who are going into these dark strongholds and reaching these souls for Christ.) "The light shines in the darkness."  The verb "shines" is in the present tense and can be understood as "the light keeps on shining." Jesus teaches His followers. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16). In our second daily verse the Apostle Paul makes a very unambiguous statement: "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."  It's a call desperately needed in our culture and increasingly so in the Church but it will subject us to ridicule among many who "love the darkness rather than the light" (John 3:19).  In fact the world wants to silence those who speak out for truth exposing darkness with the Light of His Word. You see, when we become accustomed to the darkness it just may not seem as dark anymore.  When we were children playing at dusk our moms would call out, "Come into the house.  It's dark outside."  But we'd continue to play since we could still see.  A few days ago I was mowing my lawn in the early evening. Afterward I entered the house and looked out the window and it was dark. But while I was mowing my eyes got used to the dark since the dimness was gradual. I believe that can be true of our spiritual eyes as well and all the more reason why we must be on guard.   Today, all over the world serious believers are allowing the light of Christ to shine through them. This light exposes the fruitless deeds of darkness and this is the essence of spiritual warfare. Darkness hates the light. Yet faithful followers of Christ will continue to let their light shine, essentially reflecting the true Light, who is Christ. May each reader today shine brightly.  As for me and my house we will stand up for the One True God today and seek to let His light shine through us! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Father, You created us to be people who function and thrive by light.  Your placement of the sun by day and the moon by night is the way You provide for our physical needs enabling us to see as we carry out our multitude of duties.  As important as light is for the eyes to see, it is even more essential that the eyes of our heart see the magnificent light of Your glory.  As we walk in Your light we will be able to discern that which is evil from that which is good.  Jesus, we know that goodness cannot partner with wickedness for there is no harmony between You and the devil. We are one with You as we walk in Your truth and dispel the darkness everywhere we go, for greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. Amen. Yesterday we had a number of visits throughout Lancaster Country including several chaplain calls, a memorial service, a Company Bible Study and in the evening a banquet. We would like to share some photos from our travels. We stopped by the Village Farm Market east of Ephrata PA to purchase some apples. We bought delicious northern spy, crisp and sweet, which is how we enjoy them. The market is beautifully decorated for Autumn. As we drove through the country we passed an Amish wedding. Following harvest time on Tuesday's and Thursdays hundreds of Amish gather in homes and barns for weddings.  The wedding service starts early in the morning and the festivities lasts through the evening. We passed this spot in the late afternoon and three groups were playing volleyball; older boys, younger boys, and girls (left in photo).  Several years ago we were invited to an Amish wedding and share of our experience here. Driving along from a distance we saw this big red hot air balloon and ended up driving practically underneath it. As we snapped photos the people in the basket waved down to us. As we were watching the balloon we came upon some Amish children also watching. The photo doesn't really show how cute the five children appeared as they excitedly looked on. One girl was walking (in front of the pony). A little boy was riding the miniature pony. The older girl in the front of the photo was on a scooter with a basket holding two very little children! (You can see only the arm of the little girl in pink, but another young girl was also squeezed onto the bike.)  We never know what interesting sights we will encounter. This is a minor traffic jam caused by an Amish mule team followed by an Amishman on a steel-wheeled tractor pulling some farm equipment. Here in Lancaster County we have many banquets to raise funds for ministries. Local individuals and businesses pay for a table setting of food (usually for 8 -10 people). People sign up and come for a great meal at no cost.  (Of course the table sponsors are prayerful that those who eat the free meal will give money to support the represented ministry or cause in the offering that is taken). Last night we attended a banquet at the Willow Valley Resort sponsored by one of our local Christian radio stations (WDAC) and Back To The Bible with Woodrow Kroll speaking. He is one of our favorite Bible teachers and shared a message concerning God's faithfulness to all generations and gave a testimony from his own life. Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne 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.) "Here I Am To Worship"  Video  "Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness..."  Michael W. Smith "Shine On Us"  Video  Avalon "This Little Light Of Mine"  Video Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update Revised 10/21/09 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 10/29/09: $9,450.00) 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. You can also subscribe to Daily Encouragement feed 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. All of these songs are also available for download on the site. 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 (10/29/09) "Staying On Course"

Daily Encouragement Net - A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.
Trouble reading this message?  Read online or see archives

The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 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, October 29, 2009 Fall foliage along Risser Mill Road, Lancaster County, PA Listen to us share this message on your audio player. "Staying On Course" Note: Today's message is longer than usual but is a sober reminder for all who serve Christ, but especially those in leadership. "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.  Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers" (1 Timothy 4:15,16). Many of you have read about the Northwest Airlines flight last week that flew past its destination by 150 miles. The pilots, in one way or another, were not paying attention, placing the entire crew and passengers in peril. (They have since had their pilot's licenses revoked). I happened to fly with Northwest to get out to Missouri last week and had read about the incident prior to coming back to Pennsylvania Friday morning. As I departed the plane I peeked in the cockpit and said, "Thanks for staying on course."  We usually take for granted that our pilots will stay on course, get us to our proper destination, and land the plane safely.   We also expect that our spiritual leaders will stay on course, live godly lives and espouse solid Biblically based teaching.  But sadly there are far too many who have not "stayed on course". Paul's prediction in 1 Timothy 4:1 and Ephesians 4:14 is evident in those who fall away: "But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.....tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming." Today we see a departure from the course that our forefathers could not have envisioned. Even in my own lifetime who would have predicted that something so foundational as the basic constitution of holy marriage would be a serious issue of departure. The two daily Scripture portions have long gripped my heart.  I specifically recall their richness when I was preparing for my ministerial ordination in 1979. At that time I wrote down many verses pertaining to ministry and memorized many of them. In the first verse Paul is addressing the Ephesian elders in a powerful farewell message, "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God."  The apostle Paul was determined to faithfully finish the course of life to which God had called him. In 2 Timothy 4:7 shortly before his martyrdom he in good conscience declared, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith." The second verse reminds us that we must be diligent and stay in good spiritual condition if we are to positively influence others for Christ and eternity.  We've all seen examples of those who didn't and its effect not only on their lives but those whom they influence. It is a solemn call to all who minister for Christ, whether vocationally or as dedicated lay people.  Paul is writing instructions regarding church life and ministry to young Timothy and through the Holy Scriptures to all of us.  "These matters" certainly include the immediate context, but I believe they also include the entire content of the letter and due to the unity of Scripture the entire Bible. True ministry is a very serious calling. The word for "diligent" conveys "to take care of."  I'm so glad our Lord has provided such an adequate instruction manual for those who serve Him!  We are called to devote ourselves "wholly" to this call.  Whatever your form of service for Christ give of your whole self so that others will see your progress.  "Progress" is  translated from a wonderful word ("prokope").  In fact one of our favorite preachers, Warren Wiersbe, had a newsletter with this title.  It essentially conveys advancement and increase.  Is your faith and the character traits of Christ advancing in your life?  Do others see this increase? "Watch your life and doctrine closely." That is, pay close attention to how you live and what you believe.  So many start the race well but some neglected sin or doctrinal aberration creeps in.  We know those who have served for a "season".  I think of fellow Bible College students and associates in ministry who have not "stayed the course." May God help us to regularly examine our lives and doctrine frequently and persevere in doing what is right! Don't let popular opinion of the day sway you.  God's Word is settled once and for all; its truths and principles apply to every generation. The final phrase is amongst the most sobering in the Bible: "because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."  I certainly don't believe this negates other teachings about salvation through Christ by grace.  Of course Paul is not saying that "we" save.  Only Christ can save.  But our influence on others is great, both for good and bad.  Certainly there are those who have abandoned the faith due to the fall of preachers and Christian leaders.  May God help each of us to stay faithful and stay on course, for both ourselves and for our hearers!  "God, help me to persevere today!" Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Jesus, stir in my heart the desire to be diligently immersed in the Word of God.  The deceiver is diligent in planting seeds of doubt, confusion and clever lies always intending to lead me off course in my spiritual walk. As I persevere in reading and applying truths inscribed throughout Your Word I ward off the incessant pleas from Satan to yield to sin.  I desire to be Your faithful follower not just for a season but all through eternity.  It is my heart's desire to influence as many as possible to join me in this noble calling.  May You find me faithful so that those who watch my life daily may also find me faithful! Brooksyne's Note:  When I was a teen-ager I first heard a song that goes something like this; "Your life's the only Bible that some people read.  That's why we must be careful of what we say and do."  I've stored these words in my heart over the decades as I've sought to live faithfully for Jesus: "To whom much is given much is required." Related to today's message I think of II Samuel 11 which reveals the progression of sin in David's life that led him to lust, commit adultery, cover up and when that didn't work he eventually murdered an innocent man.  No doubt David thought himself clever in the beginning but when we choose to commit sin we never know how far it will escalate as it takes us away from that which we know is right.  It's a sad testimonial in the life of a king also known as "a man after God's own heart."  I consider the privileged position God gave David and yet he used his kingly position for evil.  May God help us to be ever vigilant in recognizing the devil's seducing power when we are in positions of authority.  Our earthly authority is always subject to God's spiritual authority in everything we do!  So let's be careful in what we say and do. A sober recollection from Stephen: About twenty years ago I was going out to visit my folks in the Kansas City area. In Pittsburg I met Paul, a pastor friend who was headed to Springfield MO. We had the same flight to KC and sat together. With a broken heart he told me about a dear friend of his who had a very successful ministry and pastored a large church who had just fallen into moral failure. I recall how hard it was for Paul to believe that his pastor friend (whom I didn't know) had so grievously failed. Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne 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.) "Slow Fade"  Video  This song powerfully describes the lure into sin and getting off course.  This song was featured in "Fireproof". Slow Fade Teaching  Video  Mark Hall is the youth pastor who wrote the song and leads the group "Casting Crowns". He shares an interesting perspective from Psalm 1 that prompted this song. "Take My Life"  Video  A beautful rendering of an old hymn. Here's an audio of the original version. "Take Time To Be Holy"  Video  This is another old hymn you don't hear much these days, but its message is very relevant and timeless. Today's top photo with the road sign, which Brooksyne took this last Sunday afternoon, illustrates many roads here in Lancaster Country and would have been an appropriate photo to use with this message I prepared last week while in Missouri! "Consequences Of A Moral Failure" This material, adapted from an article by Randy Alcorn, is helpful in enumerating the consequences of disobedience, especially moral but many of the points apply to any form of failure. "Prayer for Pastor" I prepared this prayer about eight years ago when I was asked to pray for Jim Gambini, my pastor at that time, during pastor appreciation month. I then made a version for the internet and have been blessed to see how often it has been requested, one of the most popular pages on the Daily Encouragement Net website. Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update Revised 10/21/09 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 10/28/09: $9,450.00) 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. You can also subscribe to Daily Encouragement feed 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. All of these songs are also available for download on the site. 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 (10/28/09) "Mistaken Identity"

Daily Encouragement Net - A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.
Trouble reading this message?  Read online or see archives

The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 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 Wednesday, October 28, 2009 A Gate View Risser Mill Road, Lancaster County, PA When my brother saw this he mused what a nice walk it would be down to the meadow. I agree! Listen to us share this message on your audio player. "Mistaken Identity" "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" (Proverbs 17:22). "A time to laugh" (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Brooksyne and I are both involved in an interesting, unusual, and fulfilling form of ministry.  For over ten years we've served as corporate chaplains. At first it was very part-time in New England, when we also served in full-time pastoral ministry. People often ask us what is involved in our worksite visits.  Simply described, we walk through the workplace weekly and greet the employees individually; engendering friendships, taking personal interest and showing genuine care. There are many hurting people in the workplace and they often unload their burdens on the chaplain. We follow up in various ways.  We also get involved outside of the workplace when there is a crisis, family death, hospitalization, etc.  It all sounds very serious, which it is, but we also have plenty of lighter moments where we enjoy a good laugh.  I've asked Brooksyne to share one of her experiences: Several years ago on one of my factory worksite visits I went to a room on the second floor where two women normally occupy the desks.  Due to security reasons the door remains locked from the outside but has a glass window so you can see in.  As was my custom I prepared to knock on the door after which one of the women would open the door so I could enter.  But on this day I first peered through the glass and observed that the first woman was not at her regular desk.  Then I looked to the left of the door at the other desk. A woman was sitting with her hands folded resting them on the desk with her head leaning back on her chair.  She was in full uniform along with the required hair netting and safety glasses so it was hard to identify her, although I could tell it was not the usual woman who sat there.  Upon closer observation I noticed that her mouth was agape (really open!) and that her eyes were closed.  I became concerned about knocking because I didn't want to startle her. I also didn't want to embarrass her since she'd know that I'd seen her sound asleep on the job!  Anyone who's been awakened by another with his or her mouth wide open is quite humiliated, especially a woman.  So I stood to the side of the door away from the window and knocked, hoping that the worker would hear the knock and rally herself to a wakeful position. Then she could answer as though she'd not been sleeping. But after knocking a couple times there was still no response so I peeked through the window again.  This time I became very concerned about the unresponsive woman – that she was not asleep but unconscious or, worse yet, that she was dying or was already dead since I saw no movement. Her chest did not rise to indicate that she was breathing. My heart began to race as I said a prayer to myself that I would do the right thing.  Now I was in a dilemma for I felt that I must get help, but I would feel very foolish if she was indeed sleeping soundly and I might get her in trouble. (In my defense, the glass in the door was double thick which somewhat distorted my view.)  After what seemed a long time, the employee who usually sat at the main desk in this room came around the corner and immediately detected that I was troubled.  "Is something wrong?" she asked me.  I nervously told her, "I'm afraid that the woman in your office is in trouble." She quickly peered through the glass and with a chuckle looked back at me as she explained, "She's just a dummy dressed up in uniform that we use to practice CPR."   Imagine how foolish I felt!  The story circulated all through the company all the way to the president's office. It certainly changed the image of the chaplain for any who might have felt that clergy are rather starchy individuals! Brooksyne told me the story when she came home that evening and we both had a good laugh. Ecclesiastes 3:4 tells us "there is a time to laugh."  So many times we deal with people who have a crushed or broken spirit due to marital strife, rebellious children, addiction to destructive habits, or loved ones dying from a terminal illness. But there are other times when we just enjoy laughing together.  God gives us the ability to laugh at situations, with others and at ourselves. Do you carry a heavy load today?  Truly a broken or crushed spirit can dry up the bones making us feel our situation is beyond hope and that we're carrying a heavy weight on our shoulders.  But Peter tells us, "Cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you."  Make sure you enjoy some laughter today and spread some cheer since it is welcome by others as pain-relieving medicine.  That's our Daily Encouragement prescription for you today!  Be encouraged today! Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Father, there are many troubling situations that weigh our heart down when that is our primary focus.  But You want us to bring these troubles to You in prayer, entrust them to Your care, and be joyful on our journey. Nehemiah reminds us, "The joy of the Lord is my strength."  So help us not to live in a state of alarm, but to have a joyful disposition so that we can bring cheer to those around us.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen. Note from Brooksyne:  Thank you for the well wishes I received on my birthday last week, many through email from readers.  A most recent humorous experience happened last Wednesday on my birthday.  I purposely didn't mention that is was my birthday at the three chaplain sites I visited that morning. I then walked into the fourth company expecting to do the same.  But within minutes the intercom came on and a cheerful voice announced, "It's someone's birthday today."  I shook it off thinking, surely it must be another employee since they wouldn't know it's mine.  But, lo and behold, the voice over the intercom sang "Happy birthday to Brooksyne."  The people looking on had such a great laugh as they saw my face turn as bright orange as my orange plaid shirt.  One of the ladies brought me a fan to cool myself.  All throughout the company I was greeted with "Happy Birthday" and a big smile.  Once I got over the embarrassment the delightful part of it was that Everett who is 74 is the one who did the singing.  He is a most cheerful employee and I often hear this said of him by others, "I've never seen him have a bad day."  He's worked there for nearly sixty years!  What wonderful character this man exhibits to his co-workers. Stephen's note: When we first became involved in corporate chaplain ministry in 1998 we worked for a company that provided these services. In 2001 I resigned from my pastoral position in New England and took a full-time job with the company, moving to Mount Joy, PA. I resigned in 2004 from that company and sought to take this online ministry to a deeper level but also desired to develop a corporate chaplain ministry directly serving local owners. Brooksyne and I have partnered with several companies since that time and our ministry is now described as multi-vocational with a mix of types, including at the present time a part-time role as pastor of a local congregation here in Lancaster County. We had a rainy day yesterday so Brooksyne processed a large neck pumpkin we bought at an old order Mennonite road stand several weeks ago.  We thought you might enjoy some of the photos. This will give you an idea of how large the pumpkin is. I put the 20# neck pumpkin around my neck. I prefer neck pumpkin because it is less watery than other more common types, has fewer seeds and very little stringy pulp.  It is solid pumpkin until the very bottom (see photo below) so you really get your money's worth.  I also prefer the taste over the others, but I must admit I'd never seen this kind of pumpkin until we moved to Lancaster County. I like to peel the pumpkin first before baking.  That way I can process the softened pumpkin right after it comes out of the oven. The food processor sure does a great job pureeing pumpkin.  I also use this method for butternut squash. The pumpkin is now divided into cup size portions. I then packed 4 to 6 bags into larger gallon freezer bags before putting them in the freezer. I use the pumpkin for making Pumpkin Cranberry Bread, Pumpkin Pie, and Velvety Pumpkin Curry Soup. Stephen and I had some Velvety Pumpkin Curry Soup for lunch yesterday. It's so tasty I thought I'd share the easy recipe. My suggested recipe edit: I use butter instead of margarine, delete cayenne, and substitute green or red curry paste in place of curry powder (1 heaping tsp. for spicy, but not hot - taste as you go.) 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.) "A Joyful Heart Is Good Medicine" Audio (the 5th song on this page.)  Steve Green (Brooksyne recalled this from a children's album!) Since today's message has a humorous note it brings to mind a group some of you will recall from the late seventies that had skits using humor. If I remember correctly we listened to these skits on LPs (although the cassette tape had been invented). The name of the group was Isaac Air Freight. Here's a history of the group.  Here's one of their skits, especially appropriate for baseball fans at this time, called "The Last World Series Report" (this is on Youtube but it's audio only).  If you are interested the "Related Videos" on the side bar have other skits by them. I also thought our readers may enjoy this: Doris High, our photographer friend,  has two recent posts demonstrating the beautiful Autumn we are enjoying in our area: Here and here. Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update Revised 10/21/09 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 10/27/09: $9,350.00) 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. You can also subscribe to Daily Encouragement feed 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. All of these songs are also available for download on the site. 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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