Daily Encouragement Net - A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.
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 The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. <Previous Message · Archives · Archive edition Thursday, January 28, 2010  I wish I could tell you I took this outstanding photo but I didn't! My sister Genelle sent it to me in a collection of beautiful photos. "Character Matters" "For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example" (2 Thessalonians 3:7a). "Don't do as I do. Do as I say!" Something seems out of kilter with that expression doesn't it! And yet many leaders at home, in the workplace, and in the government live by that code, whether or not they actually say it. We are becoming increasingly accustomed to poor examples, so much so, that in the last several years there has been debate as to whether character even matters. Fame, talent, good looks, or educational degrees can trump over one's character when push comes to shove. One's flawed character is downplayed in favor of the ratings he or she can get and the money they generate just by their visibility. Perhaps you've heard the term "dumbing down", usually referring to education. Well, I feel this applies to morality as well. There are young people that are completely unaware of historic and Biblical morality concerning sexuality. The lack of sound teaching and positive example accompanied by the abundance of immoral trash, especially in the entertainment field and computer age, has very effectively "dumbed down" their sensitivity and awareness of right and wrong. "God gives each person strengths and abilities that will find their greatest usefulness only under His control. Outside that control, however, they don't accomplish what they could and often become tools for evil. One way to make sure this does not happen is to tell God of your willingness to be under His control. With His presence in your life, your natural strengths and abilities will be used to their greatest potential and for the greatest good" (Life Application Bible). Couple our abilities with godly character and we will accomplish much good for the kingdom of God. Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, had ministered personally to the believers in Thessalonica, having founded the church. They spent a relatively short time there, perhaps several months, before persecution drove them out (see Acts 17:1-10). Several months later he wrote a letter to them (1 Thessalonians). But during that short time of personal interface the Thessalonians had witnessed godly character in Paul and his ministry associates. Like Paul, powerful leaders accompanied by good character can properly declare, "Follow our example." In another text Paul elaborates on this with the essential necessity of consistent Christ-like character; "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). Today, we must resist the false contention of this world. Character does matter! Let this be our goal. "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us" (1 Peter 2:12). Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Our Father and God, help us to live our life in a way that does not gratify our flesh, but rather feeds our spirit that is redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. You have given us opportunity to make a positive difference in this degenerate world. May we, by word and example, bring light into this darkened, sin-indulged world. May the fruit of the spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, be evident in our lives so that these attitudes bring about good deeds which glorify You, Father. Others will look at our lives and see beyond our human frailties to recognize the Spirit of God that is at work in us. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. We like this quote: "Reputation is that which you want others to think of you. Character is who you are when no one else is looking, but God." Character and Reputation: An excellent instructional poem worthy of reproduction is found here. 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 Casting Crowns from movie "Fireproof" "I Would Be True" I would be true, for there are those who trust me; I would be pure, for there are those who care; I would be strong, for there is much to suffer; I would be brave, for there is much to dare; I would be brave, for there is much to dare. I would be friend of all—the foe, the friendless; I would be giving, and forget the gift; I would be humble, for I know my weakness; I would look up, and laugh, and love and lift. I would look up, and laugh, and love and lift. I would be faithful through each passing moment; I would be constantly in touch with God; I would be strong to follow where He leads me; I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod; I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod. Who is so low that I am not his brother? Who is so high that I’ve no path to him? Who is so poor, that I may not feel his hunger? Who is so rich I may not pity him? Who is so rich I may not pity him? Who is so hurt I may not know his heartache? Who sings for joy my heart may never share? Who in God’s heaven has passed beyond my vision? Who to Hell’s depths where I may never fare? Who to Hell’s depths where I may never fare? May none, then, call on me for understanding, May none, then, turn to me for help in pain, And drain alone his bitter cup of sorrow, Or find he knocks upon my heart in vain. Or find he knocks upon my heart in vain. |
 "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.2010 YTD financial offerings as of 1/27/10 $320.00 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! "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 2010 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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