 The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. <Previous Message · Archives · Archive edition Thursday, January 27, 2011  "All of us, like sheep, have gone astray" (Isaiah 53:6). We came upon these sheep who had clearly gone astray on Echo Valley Road here in Lancaster County PA on our way home from a church service. (They appear to be licking the freezing road surface, but they were likely licking salt that had been spread due to icy conditions. I'm surprised their tongue didn't get stuck!)  Listen to this message on your audio player."A Solemn Warning" "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12). In about two weeks we will approach the milestone of living here in Lancaster County ten years. That brings a recollection of one of my final sermons I preached at our church in Massachusetts. I used a rather unusual method of preaching that I've never used before or since then. On our last Sunday evening church service, in January 2001, I slowly walked through the aisles of the sanctuary. Pew by pew, with all the solemnity I could muster, I respectfully placed a hand on each person’s shoulder and looked them in the eye with great earnest. I then proceeded to quote the daily verse: "See to it, brother, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God." (Although I don't recall specifically I suppose I adapted "sister" when I gave this biblical charge to the women.) Corey was a young man in that church service. For several years after we left that area he went through some difficult times and, sadly, began to "dabble in Egypt"*, like so many older teenagers and young adults often do. But eventually he recommitted his life to the living God. He told us years later that he especially remembered that sermon when I repeated the verse to each individual. God used that very verse to help him return to his spiritual roots. Of course God also used other believers and Scriptural promptings to bring Corey back into right relationship with the Savior as well. Corey is presently attending Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary preparing for ministry. The daily verse is a truth that is so straightforward it requires little exposition. It's a simple but very precise warning. Children can understand it as well as senior adults. It speaks to believers today just as it surely did to the congregations who first heard that charge read to them some 2000 years ago. It doesn't matter where you live, it doesn't matter how long you've walked with God, and it doesn't matter the kind of family you were brought up in. We all know our heart's propensity to behave in a sinful manner, and when sin goes unchecked for a period of time; it turns our hearts away from God. Because sin and righteousness do not peacefully co-exist, we will either turn away from the living God or turn away from the destructive sin. We all know people who have turned away from the Truth, but on the other hand, we’ve also seen some of those people repent of their sins and return to the living God. Our human nature hasn't changed a bit in 2000 years, in that, it is prone to wandering into dangerous waters where it can easily be pulled under by the deadly currents of sin and unbelief. Going back to my opening illustration, when I quoted Hebrews 3:12 to every individual it took quite a while. Certainly I didn't know how it would be received but I sensed the Lord leading me to do it. When I finished moving throughout the congregation giving what amounted to a personal message repeated over and over I asked afterward if any would voluntarily share the verse aloud. (Repetition is a great key to memorization.) Many were able and willing to do so. And then Andy, a good friend and deacon in the church, looked straight at me and said, "I'd like to direct this verse to you." As he looked right at me he unhesitatingly quoted our verse. Yes, I need the reminder as well. Warnings are good. Let me share our verse one final time with each reader. I am not able to place my hand on your shoulder and I can't look you directly in the eye and yet I am solemnly quoting this verse even as I type this biblical charge and warning. Receive it and I encourage you to memorize it. "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God." Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber  Daily Prayer: Father, as we walk by faith and not by sight, grant us grace that none of us will have a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from You, the living God. Rather may we hate what is evil and cling to what is good. May we be devoted to one another in brotherly love and honor one another above ourselves. May we never be lacking in zeal, but keep our spiritual fervor, serving the Lord, being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. In Jesus Name. Amen.Prayer adapted from Romans 12:9-13. * "Dabble in Egypt" - an expression used for those who return to the ways of the world. It's derived from the book of Exodus when the Israelites, who were freed from slavery in Egypt, wanted to return after the going got tough in their journey to the Promised Land. Staying connected is great. Both Andy and Corey are a part of my active contact list. We had a beautiful snowfall overnight and it's just beautiful this morning! Due to an early appointment we are limited in time but we hope to post more photos tomorrow.  Our cat Dottie will spend hour after hour sitting in front of our living room picture window watching the birds, squirrels and other critters at the feeders. She doesn't meow but makes a clicking sound with her mouth.  When she realized I was behind her she stood up and stretched out, apparently realizing her longing for capturing the wildlife was futile! Follow Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter: We now post the Daily Encouragement messages on Facebook and Twitter  The daily message on Facebook. The daily prayer on Facebook. (Brooksyne's account) The daily message and prayer on Twitter.I tend to be a slow learner with these types of programs so please pardon me if I didn't set this up right. I welcome suggested improvements as to utilizing them better and expect upon advice I will be making some adjustments. 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.) "When God Ran" Video Phillips, Craig and Dean Today if you are away from the living God He is waiting for your return. This song is based on the return of the Prodigal. "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing" Video Chris Rice I chose this song due to recalling this verse: O to grace how great a debtor Daily I’m constrained to be! Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love; Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above. "I Have Returned" Video Homecoming series "My Eyes Are Dry" Video Keith Green Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne. |
 "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update (Revised 12/31/10)  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. 2011 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 1/26/11: $655.00 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 by us 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 you no longer desire to receive these messages you can remove your address from the list by merely using 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 or who may desire less frequent mailings. It is Friday's message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. Reader Survey: Please take a few minutes to assist us in improving our ministry effectiveness by filling out this online reader survey. To take the survey click here. 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 2011 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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