Daily Encouragement (04/30/10) "A Covenant Of Purity"

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 <Previous Message  ·  Archives  ·  Archive edition Friday, April 30, 2010 I took this photo yesterday. Can you tell what it is? (See below message for answer!) Listen to this message on your audio player. "A Covenant Of Purity" "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl" (Job 31:1). "Keep yourself pure" (1 Timothy 5:22). Yesterday in the course of my chaplain work I visited a group of young men in a large factory. As I approached their work area I heard the familiar voice of Nancy Lee DeMoss, a Bible teacher on our local Christian radio station. For the last several days Nancy has been teaching on a topic that Brooksyne and I feel has been long neglected; the topic of modesty. I applaud the fact that she's not caving into critics who would label her a legalist and thereby cast her teaching aside. In fact she has been very forthright on this subject. I was heartened to see these young men subjecting themselves to godly teaching as they diligently worked. The counsel of God's Word is timeless and far-reaching. Our first daily text speaks of a personal covenant Job made that godly men and women do well to implement as their own today. In reading Job's covenant I readily confess that I can't conjure up in my mind's eye the sexual allurements that were common in his partriarchal day some 4000 years ago.  Perhaps seductive apparel, alluring fragrance, certain mannerisms, or a seductive voice would be among the tools of the trade in Job's time.  I do know the way they come in our time and a covenant with my eyes remains a wise practice. In Job's time did they have anything near the equivalent of swimsuit editions of sports magazines, Victoria Secret catalogs, graphic billboards or lingerie ads? Today the internet, which I certainly believe is a powerful tool for ministry, is also a major, major purveyor of pornography and has ensnared many people, both young and old, male and female. Lust inducing images abound. But true followers of Christ must obey God's call to purity and holiness, and resist the urge to gaze upon these images with a lustful heart. Staying pure has always been a challenge. We don't have the specifics about Job's time period, but presently fashion trends that contribute to lustful attitudes are the plunging necklines and low waistlines of women's apparel. Interestingly, some clothes are intentionally tight while young men's fashions includes pants so loose the waistline drops to the knee level as his "fashionable" underwear is being revealed. Have you ever seen a boy run in this attire? It's quite a comic sight, as he looks like he's running in a potato sack race!! Brooksyne has, more than once, tapped one of these young men on the shoulder and "innocently informed" him: "You're about to lose your drawers" to which he looks at her as though she was born in the patriarchal period. Interestingly, the dictionary defines underwear as you would expect: "clothes worn beneath outer clothes, usually next to the skin, and not seen in public."  It's rather interesting that some things that looks downright foolish to one generation can actually be sexually alluring to another. All through the Bible we read candid reports of Bible heroes and their battles in this regard. Joseph ran from the temptress while David caved into temptation. Samson struggled and was seduced. Judah failed miserably. All of these situations were met with consequences. Of course Joseph was the only example of one who resisted and yet he too was declared guilty by his accusers. But, in the eyes of God, in his heart and in the heart of his accuser, he was thoroughly innocent. Both daily verses enjoin us to personal responsibility, both in what we view and what we wear. A personal covenant (contract) with the eyes is a powerful decision and needs to be renewed regularly, daily. The straightforward command of the Apostle Paul to "Keep yourself pure" can easily be memorized and recalled at the time of temptation and used as a powerful guideline in our dress, behavior, attitudes and thoughts. Let us renew this commitment today and obey God. In doing so we take a stand against the tide of moral decadence in our land! Let us strive to keep ourselves pure! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Jesus, we know that Satan is a thief who "comes only to steal and kill and destroy" and millions fall victim to his enticements. You created us to have an emotional desire for physical and sexual intimacy and in Your perfect plan it is to be fulfilled in a marriage covenant. Knowing our inclination to sin, help us to carefully lay boundary lines where we are not feeding lust but are eliminating this destructive force in our lives. We desire purity and holiness as we daily pursue Your righteousness. Forgive us where we have resented, ignored, or disobeyed Your truths in this area of our lives. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Personal note from Stephen: Let me be quite blunt here. It occurs to me that there are likely those reading this who have godly materials on your computer such as Bibles, devotionals and other spiritual helps. But you also have pornography. You really need to make a decision and I share Joshua's ancient challenge. "Choose this day who you will serve." A powerful personal reminder might be to print out the daily verses and place them right above your computer screen, or make a banner type screensaver with this message! (You may need to do so above your TV as well.) If that isn't deterrent enough rid yourself of the tool of temptation altogether. BTW: It would be no problem to find illustrative photos for this message Personal note from Brooksyne: We know that unchecked lustful attitudes can lead to the viewing of pornography.  I have counseled with women who were devastated after finding that their husbands were involved with pornography. It made them feel that they were inadequate in meeting their husband's physical and sexual needs. It also made them feel like pornography was a mistress who had stolen their husband. Pornography creates unnatural and excessive desires in their husbands that a wife is unable to fulfill. It replaces the beauty of sexual intimacy in a marriage to one of shame and degradation. Husbands who generously love their wives and are wholly devoted to them will be blessed by wives who will give generously of themselves in a marital relationship. Of course, there are circumstances where it is the woman who is addicted to pornography and the husband experiences the same pain as described earlier. Mike Book, a friend of ours wrote this song: Lord, I give my eyes to You, Guard my sight and all I do. Help me to honor You each day, In all my thoughts and what I say. Refrain Purity, Holiness, Seal me Lord—in righteousness. Not by what I say and do, But through the grace that comes from You. Give me desire for Your word, May only building words be heard, Through my life be glorified, Jesus Christ, for me You died. Repeat refrain Get thee behind me Satan’s lie, I’ll do Your will Lord, come draw nigh. Help me avoid the tempter’s snare, Dwell in Your loving arms of care. Repeat refrain Technical note: Yesterday (April 29, 2010) we did not publish a Daily Encouragement Net message due to an early meeting and full day. 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.) "Create in Me A Clean Heart"  Video  Keith Green "Purify My Heart"  Video   "Holiness Is What I Long For"  Video "Revive Our Hearts"  The website for the teaching ministry of Nancy Lee DeMoss. You can listen to the very message Nancy shared yesterday that I referred to in today's message. Here are several more online resources that deal with the topic of moral purity. Pure Life Ministries Pure Intimacy Resisting the Lure: Recognizing the Dangers of Sexual Temptation (an online booklet from RBC) Pornography and Cybersex The Purity Principle: God's Guardrails on Life's Dangerous Roads  By Randy Alcorn / Multnomah Looking for a way to open up discussions about sexual integrity with your family---or at your church? Alcorn's biblical, practical one-stop handbook deals with everything from teaching young children about sexuality to relationship principles for teenagers, older singles, and married couples; from special advice for those in ministry to transforming hope for those sorely tempted. 96 pages, hardcover from Multnomah. Finally: Today's mystery photo (at the top) was taken looking up inside a working windmill near New Holland, Pennsylvania! Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update 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 4/29/10 $4,828.00 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  through feedburner. 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 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

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!

 

You are currently subscribed to dailyencouragement as: stephencweber.dailyencouragement@blogger.com Add scweber@dailyencouragement.net to your email address book to ensure delivery Forward to a Friend  |  Manage Subscription  |   Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe

Daily Encouragement (04/28/10) "Foxes Have Holes"

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 <Previous Message  ·  Archives  ·  Archive edition Wednesday, April 28, 2010 Tulips and barn in Mastersonville, PA Listen to this message on your audio player. "Foxes Have Holes" "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go."  Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head" (Matthew 8:19,20). "But He gave up His place with God and made Himself nothing.  He was born to be a man and became like a servant" (Philippians 2:7). Saturday afternoon Brooksyne and I were walking on the old tractor trail we often write about which is a well worn path between two rows of trees. However I chose to walk on the freshly harvested field side while Brooksyne walked on the trail.  She prefers level ground due to the lack of dexterity in her left ankle that she broke nearly two years ago. As we walked along we continued to talk but due to the dense foliage we couldn't really see each other. I heard her let out a loud shriek and immediately wondered if she had stumbled over some of the strewn limbs or small rocks on the path. Ester and I have become protective since her fall and we often worry about her falling again. (Brooksyne thinks we're overprotective.)  I ran through the trees to investigate and she excitedly told me she had seen a fox pup go into the hole pictured above.  When she first spotted the animal she thought it was a cat but soon realized it was more than a cat.  I tried to throw some rocks into the hole hoping to stir the pup out for a view, but to no avail. Yesterday I walked over myself to take a photo of the hole. As I approached it I heard a loud barking sound from the field and looked to see an adult fox running. I assume she was the mother who was threatened by my presence since perhaps the pups were in the hole.  We are going to have to keep an eye on this and perhaps we'll have some photos to share! When I saw the hole I immediately called to mind the daily verse. I don't recall ever specifically trying to memorize it but it just came out.  I returned home and saw Ester's friend Jenny who was visiting. I told them my story of seeing the fox and Jenny immediately quoted the verse she had memorized from Bible Quizzing days! Jesus used the illustration to reinforce the seriousness and cost of discipleship. A scribe had come to Him and said, "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go." Our Lord tests the sincerity of the scribe's loyalty by warning him that He was so poor that beasts of the fields and birds of the air have nicer accommodations than He Himself had. "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." If the popular leader fared so badly, what was the follower to expect?  How great was the humiliation of our Lord and King! He had no royal palace, no silken canopy.  He who created the universe and provides for the needs of humankind had no family looking for Him at the end of the day with a warm meal sitting on the dining table.  No memory foam pillow or select comfort mattress to comfortably lay at bedtime. Jesus' statement reveals His poverty from an earthly viewpoint; and yet "we through His poverty are made rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). We are not told if the scribe chose to follow Jesus after this outright disclosure; but the strong implication is that he did not. Perhaps, like the rich young ruler, he found the conditions too rigorous, nothing warm and fuzzy about Jesus' living conditions.   No bonus provided or awards banquet guaranteed if the scribe converted a certain number of souls to the kingdom.  No pension fund thrown into the offer. We who follow Jesus must do so without ulterior motive. The riches, recognition and comforts in this life God never promised.  In fact we must be willing to die to selfish ambition and vain conceits if we are to follow Christ in the humility which pleases Him.  Are we willing to do so today? Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, You have given us the greatest example of a humble spirit in the person of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who had nowhere to lay His head.  He went to where the needs were rather than the place where comforts awaited Him.  This is most especially expressed when He gave up His position in heaven where Jesus, being in very nature  God, did not consider equality with You something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature  of a servant, He was made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!  From the heights of the heavens to the depths of the earth we submit our will and our attitudes to Your conformity for our lives in Jesus' name.  Amen. See Philippians 2:1-11 Study note: The title "Son of man," as applied by Jesus to Himself, is first used at this point. It was His most common designation of Himself, and He used it no less than forty times; but only once is it ever found on anyone's lips except His own (Acts 7:56).   Some believe our Lord took this title from Psalm 8:4, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him; And the son of man, that thou visitest him?" 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.) "Lead me Lord, I Will Follow"  Video  Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir Outstanding song, it blesses us so!  Brooksyne directed a musical with this as a theme song, and it has been a special blessing to us ever since. "Follow Me"  Video  Kelly Willard  We both  enjoy the unusual thought provoking lyrics of this song written by Ira Stanphill. "All To Jesus I Surrender"  Video   "You Are My All In All"  Video   "Foxes Have Holes"  Video  This is the only song I could find using the title and I commend the young man for writing a song based on this Scripture.  Although I don't disagree with the sentiment of the song in caring for the homeless, I feel the main emphasis that Christ makes in the context is the call to sacrificing all in following Him. Fox bark  Video  This is the same bark I heard yesterday afternoon. Cute video of a fox hunting A sermon titled "Foxes Have Holes"  webpage Another message on discipleship based on today's passage. webpage Note: I did not take the photo of the live fox shown in today's message. I have seen fox on numerous occasions in our walks and drives but they are always moving along very fast. I did take the photo of the fox hole though! Darryl Eckert, a friend of ours, has this mounted red fox in his living room. Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update 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 4/27/10 $4,828.00 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  through feedburner. 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 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

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!

 

You are currently subscribed to dailyencouragement as: stephencweber.dailyencouragement@blogger.com Add scweber@dailyencouragement.net to your email address book to ensure delivery Forward to a Friend  |  Manage Subscription  |   Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe

Daily Encouragement (04/27/10) "Jesus Loves Even Me!"

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 <Previous Message  ·  Archives  ·  Archive edition Tuesday, April 27, 2010 Windmill and buggies at an Amish church service Listen to this message on your audio player. "Jesus Loves Even Me!" "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). Awhile back we attended a church service in the home of our Amish friends. Although we've been exposed to a variety of settings where people do church differently, this service stands out as a memorable occasion different than the others. The Amish service is held in homes or barns with people of all ages sitting on hard backless benches; men and boys on one side while women, girls and infants sit on the other. The service is sung and preached in German. Although I have a German heritage I don't know the German language! But the most distinct aspect of the service was the singing. The congregation sang in German one song that lasted for about ten minutes in a seeming archaic mode, a little like the sound of chanting monks. The Amish do not use musical instruments. A person sitting next to me shared his hymnal but it was of no help since I couldn't read German, but I did my best to follow along making out a few words in the text as it was sung. It seemed like one stanza took four or five minutes! Our friends thoughtfully asked us if there was anything we wanted them to explain about the service. We inquired about the singing and they smiled as they already knew that would require a little more explanation. Jesse took a scrap of paper and wrote down the words of a familiar hymn in English, "Amazing Grace". He said if we were to have sung this hymn in English, it would go something like this, "A---ma---zi-------ng gra-----ce, h---ow sw-------t th---e so-------und". He explained that they purposefully sing the song very slowly with many added syllables and indeed repeat certain phrases over and over for emphasis. In fact he and Anna illustrated by singing the song so that we could understand their explanation. Now that certainly is not the way we do it in most churches and it would sure take some major adjustment to sing in this style, but it does have merit. Many of the hymns and choruses are rich with meaning but as we sing at the customary tempo to keep the song and the overall church service moving we can easily overlook the depth of the words or phrases. This is true as well in our Scripture reading. We may have a goal to read so much of the Scriptures daily as we adhere to an annual reading plan, but in keeping up with the plan we may miss small gems that require additional time and focus. Others might prefer to read smaller portions of Scripture and meditate on one particular verse or dig in deeper for further study. One of the benefits of Scripture memorization is that it requires much repetition of the same verse, thinking on it for an extended period of time, and storing it in our brain as we seek to memorize.  After we memorize it our spirit cooperates with the Holy Spirit in recalling sacred Scripture at opportune moments. Many years ago I memorized the daily text, actually set to music. Remove the processor from your computer and what's left? A useless contraption fit for the junkyard! What happens to the  Christian if you remove "Christ" (i.e., you try to live the  Christian life and perform Christian work without Christ living and working out His life through you)? You have 3 letters left, from which you can compose the acronym...       I     Accomplish     Nothing Each word in the sacred text ministers to my heart. But today let us slowly consider one phrase, "who loved me." Writing of a deep assurance of Christ's love for him Paul simply says, "who loved me." This is Paul, who at one time with hateful vengeance, had persecuted the Church and at His conversion heard these words from Christ, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He now reflected on the love His Savior specifically had for him. So much so, that He "gave Himself for me." "God so loved the world". Amen, He sure does and He specifically loves you and me this day and every day. You may not have experienced a loving earthly family as I thankfully have. We personally know so many who have not. There are those reading our message who have been abused and carry deep scars. Some have had the sacred trust of a spouse, parent or sibling violated. You are now learning to trust your heavenly Father who is altogether trustworthy. His steadfast love never ceases, even during times that you have proven to be untrustworthy or vacillating in your commitment to Him. Pastor Robert Morgan, one of our favorite writers, makes this observation: "If you could have one verse of Scripture engraved onto your tombstone, what would it be? Or if you could have one verse and only one scripted and framed to hang in your living room or kitchen, which verse would you choose? Or, to put it a little differently, if someone were to write a biography of your life and put one verse on the title page, what verse would best summarize your aspirations and experiences as a Christian? I'd like to suggest that out of the 31,102 verses in the Bible, you'd have a hard time coming up with a better choice than Galatians 2:20." Those with deep scars especially listen to us today. Take our daily verse from Galatians 2:20; write it on a card and memorize it. Say it over and over, phrase by phrase. Hide it deep in your heart. For what Paul wrote for himself, you can say for yourself and I can say for me. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer:  Father, because of Your supreme love for us we are not consumed by Your wrath nor do we receive our deserved penalty for sin. Instead we are forgiven, cared for and loved by You.  Thank You for Jesus who laid His life down for us that we might be raised up to newness of life.  As our old nature is crucified with Him it is no longer our sinful nature that thrives, but Christ's spiritual nature who lives in us expressing His love, goodness and righteousness through our words, thoughts and deeds that glorify Him. May we be as a sweet aroma to You today.  Amen. Note from a coal miner's daughter: Yesterday we wrote concerning the coal miners memorial service in West Virginia and received this note from a long-time reader. "I wanted to just comment on today's letter. I only got to see the very end of the telecast of the coal miners. I sure wish I had heard the lady sing the Miners Bible song.  My father was killed in a coal mine when I was 10 years old, so what I did get to watch brought back many, many memories. There was not a lot of fanfare for him like they have today for the miners, but it was just a fact of life back then. He was only 32 years old.  Things happened and mining went on as usual. I am glad they are putting more safety in place for future miners." We attended the Amish home church service mentioned in today's message in December 2008. At that time we shared a daily encouragement message with a longer reflection on the service. (See the footnote) For students desiring a more indepth study concerning today's verse I suggest this resource, which is actually a compilation of many resources. It has become one of my favorite "go to" resources when I prepare sermons and Bible studies. 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.) "I Am Crucified With Christ"  Video  An outstanding song by Phillips, Craig and Dean. "I Have Been Crucified With Christ"  Video  Robin Mark  This version is a great way to learn the Scripture verse. "Oh, How He Loves You And Me"  Video   "Jesus Loves Me"  Video   "Crucified With Christ" Video A short sermon segment by Paris Reidhead. "Crucified With Christ"  Video  An interesting short teaching video. Finally today: Roxie loves to chase bunnies and squirrels but has never caught one to our knowledge. However she was quite intriqued when she saw this large rabbit as was the rabbit who apparently felt safe behind the fence! Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update 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 4/26/10 $4,828.00 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  through feedburner. 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 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

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!

 

You are currently subscribed to dailyencouragement as: stephencweber.dailyencouragement@blogger.com Add scweber@dailyencouragement.net to your email address book to ensure delivery Forward to a Friend  |  Manage Subscription  |   Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe