Daily Encouragement (01/31/12) "Living By Faith"

Daily Encouragement Net
A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.

Having trouble reading this message?  Read mobile edition online

A daily, Bible-based message of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. Home · About Us · Archives · Podcast · Free email ·   ·     ·     <Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Tuesday, January 31, 2012 A sunrise view from our home on a cold winter's morning (though we have no snow on the ground presently). Listen to this message on your audio player "Living By Faith" "We live by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). Yesterday I received a call from Jim, a long time friend from New Jersey. He shared a burden concerning his oldest son who has been very sick the last couple of weeks and has a cancer diagnosis. Jim and his wife are carrying a heavy burden for their son and his family.  When uncertainty about the future surmounts it can seem like we are in a dense cloud. And yet Jim gave testimony of how he already sees the Lord working in the matter. We prayed together over the phone for God's guidance and sustaining strength. We dedicate today's message to Jim and Dorothy and all who face sorrows like sea billows rolling. We've all experienced times when our vision is impaired due to thick fog. It can be extremely unsettling when we're behind the steering wheel of a car and we can't see if we're veering into the other lane or toward the ditch. In northern Pennsylvania we sometimes dealt with a whiteout in the winter. But we also have experienced the thick clouds of trial, as described by the hymnwriter who wrote, "when darkness veils His lovely face." I recall a trip many years ago when I lived in New England and had a meeting in Washington DC. Returning to Providence, RI I had difficulty getting out due to the heavy fog which canceled many flights. I actually had to stay all night at the airport (too cheap to rent a room) and early the next morning the fog was still so thick that you could barely see the planes pulled up next to the terminal. But by mid morning the fog in the Washington area lifted and it was a beautiful day when I finally boarded the plane to return to Providence. The pilot announced that the weather in Providence was very similar to the way it had been in Washington earlier that morning. That was assuring!  On the way to Providence I could see out the window the thick clouds below us. After we descended we were surrounded by dense clouds and I could see nothing out the plane window as I intently looked for the first glimpse of the ground on the way down. We were getting very close to landing, yet we were still engulfed in clouds. Just as we crossed the access road around the airport, at the very end of the runway the ground finally appeared and within seconds we were on the ground.  That's always a great feeling, and especially so on that trip! The pilot could see no more from the front of the plane than I could see out the side of the plane. He had to rely entirely on the instruments to land the plane safely. He was carefully following a glide path, which indicated his course as he lined up to the runway. Too high, too low, or off-center were all indicated by the instrumentation that he meticulously followed since he couldn't visually line up for the landing.  He was essentially flying by faith in the accuracy of these instruments and not by sight! What a wonderful illustration of faith as we navigate through the clouds of life. God has provided absolutely reliable instrumentation in His Word. Truly we can say, "The Lord is faithful to all His promises" (Psalms 145:13b). "We live by faith, not by sight".  Some of you are doubtlessly going through very thick clouds right now in your life and perhaps there's even unexpected turbulence.  By faith recognize the integrity of God's promises and trust God.  He's forever faithful! But we like to see don't we? We like to know what's going on, and we especially like to be in control of our circumstances. Much of the time we believe we really are. We think we have it all figured out. However we must remember the wise proverb, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). God wants each step of our earthly journey to be a step of faith so that our eyes are not focused on the situation nearly so much as they are focused on Him and the continuing work He is doing in our lives.  If our physical vision is limited then we will more fully rely on our spiritual vision and see that God providentially allows these foggy periods in our life for His glory and for our good. Just as the fog required the pilots to rely on their instruments rather than their sight, so our trials will cause us to focus on God, our faith and the eternal, which is where our focus should be. Earlier I quoted a phrase from a hymn that expresses my heart today: "When darkness veils His lovely face". Those who know the hymns can complete the sentence, "I rest on His unchanging grace." Oh, for this blessed assurance to be upon each of our readers today is our prayer, especially those experiencing life in the clouds! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Father help us to have the kind of faith prescribed in Hebrews 11:1 where "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  It is the kind of faith that is triumphant in the worst of circumstances because our faith in Christ is the victory that overcomes the world.  We will not be overcome by life's circumstances but we will overcome by the blood of the Lamb.  Praise God!  Amen. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "The Solid Rock"  Video  Sovereign Grace Music This is the hymn referenced in the message today. It was written nearly 200 years ago and the allusion is not an auto or plane of course but rather nautical! "In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil." "It Is Well"  Video  Musician not identified. Something that struck me when viewing the lyrics to this song and following yesterday's study on the Gospel is the clear presentation of the Gospel in this song! Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. This is a familiar hymn story but this account has some additional details some may be unaware of: This hymn was written after several traumatic events in Spafford’s life. The first was the death of his son in 1871 at the age of four, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer). Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the SS Ville du Havre, but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sailing ship, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone . . .". Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died. Bliss called his tune Ville du Havre, from the name of the stricken vessel. The Spaffords later had three more children, one of whom (a son) died in infancy. In 1881 the Spaffords, including baby Bertha and newborn Grace, set sail for Israel. The Spaffords moved to Jerusalem and helped found a group called the American Colony; its mission was to serve the poor. Although the original manuscript reads "know" at the end of the third line, almost all recordings and written reproductions read "say".  (SCW note: Interesting in light of Romans 8:28) "Living By Faith"  Video  This old hymn came to mind as I prepared today's message. I don't suppose too many these days have even heard of it. "Till The Storm Passes By"  Video  An unspecified choir Brooksyne's Note:  This morning I invited my sister, Elaine, to sip some coffee with me from mugs I got at our local Thrift Store.  They're made by Frankhoma Pottery which is located only about three miles from the home where we grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma so I was delighted when I spotted them a few months back.  You know what it's like to find an item or a person that takes you back in memory to your childhood years. In fact we've been on a sentimental journey for the past three days during our visit together.  She and her husband, Steve, reside in New Braunfels, TX and headed back in that direction today in their massive RV. Steve has prostate cancer so we dedicate today's message to him  and Elaine (in addition to Jim and Dorothy), as they courageously deal with the all the medicines, treatments, and painful symptoms that result from this disease.  Elaine is an attentive, loving caregiver to Steve and my heart is warmed by her diligence and dedication to his many needs. Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

Weber family Christmas 2011 "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/11) Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible. 2012 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 1/30/12: $1,175.00 We express thanks to all who support our ministry! 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. Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter: The daily message and prayer on Facebook.  The daily message and prayer on Twitter. 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! 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!) (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 2012 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 (01/31/12) "The Glorious Gospel"

Daily Encouragement Net
A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.

Having trouble reading this message?  Read mobile edition online

A daily, Bible-based message of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. Home · About Us · Archives · Podcast · Free email ·   ·     ·     <Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Monday, January 30, 2012 Listen to this message on your audio player "The Glorious Gospel" "The glorious gospel of the blessed God, which He entrusted to me" (1 Timothy 1:11). "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God" (Romans 1:1). "I am so eager to preach the gospel" (Romans 1:15). "I am not ashamed of the gospel" (Romans 1:16). The "Jesus" film has been a remarkable tool in the proclamation of the Gospel all over the world. Wendy Murray Zoba writes: “In Peru, during the insurgence of the Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path), a Wycliffe couple was traveling to show the "Jesus" film in a village. Their vehicle was intercepted by the Senderos, and they feared for their lives (with just cause). Instead of killing them, however, the terrorists decided to seize their equipment, including the film projector. The husband boldly suggested that they might as well take the film reels too. Sometime later, a man contacted them to say that he had been among the Senderos who had robbed them. He told them they watched the film seven times (out of sheer boredom), and some had been converted through it. He came to apologize and to tell of his ministry in preaching and evangelism! Among words rich in theological meaning but increasingly cheapened is the word "gospel". For instance I came across a blog named, "The Gospel of Good Cooking" and a news headline, "The gospel of Occupy Wall Street." The Gospel is foundationally the truth concerning the mission of Jesus Christ to earth and very specifically His atoning death, burial, and bodily resurrection. (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). For many who have been in Bible-preaching churches it's the old, old story but one we should be hearing and preaching unceasingly; to use the words from an old hymn "for those who know it best, seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest." I find this succinct description helpful: "The Gospel of Christ is the message of how Jesus is the promised Messiah and how He was conceived in Mary's womb by the Holy Spirit and was born the Son of God and how He received the Holy Spirit and went forth for 3½ years preaching and doing great miracles and wonders by the power of the Father. At the end of the 3½ years Jesus fulfilled His ministry by dying on the cross for our sins on the cross of Calvary and was resurrected from the dead 3 days later by the Father."  This Gospel is surely at the very core of the true church, "contending earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3) Let us consider three attitudes that Paul expressed concerning this Gospel in the first chapter of Romans. As I read them I ask God that they would be mine as well. 1) "Set apart for the gospel" What sets you apart? People who know me may consider the suspenders that I'm almost always wearing sets me apart (utilitarian purpose in keeping my pants up!) People try so many outward things to set them apart, but Paul states that he is "set apart for the gospel of God."  We may not all be called into vocational ministry but we should all be set apart for the gospel! 2) "Eager to preach the gospel" Paul demonstrates this abundantly following his miraculous conversion to Christ. In 1 Corinthians 9:16 he states, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" It would seem that preachers can readily apply this, but we should all be prepared and eager to share the Gospel. 3) "Not ashamed of the gospel" This in my view is one of the greatest verses in the Bible and an essential truth to live by.  The world has always been hostile to the truth that is in Christ Jesus. Paul certainly experienced this hostility and many times paid a price for his unwavering commitment to preaching the Gospel. This hostility can contribute to feelings of embarrassment, apology, or even shame to those who preach the Gospel, if they're not well-grounded in the Scriptures. The evidence is overwhelming that this hostility is increasing as is commonly expressed in various settings and on numerous fronts. And sadly many are compromising the message in order to be acceptable to the world. Paul wrote to the Ephesian believers, "Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus" (Ephesians 4:21).  The "apostle's teaching", expressed in the Scriptures, form the foundation for genuine Christian discipleship. It is surely the faith delivered to the saints once for all that Jude in verse 3 instructs us to earnestly contend for. As our world plunges into wickedness and now shamelessly revels in it and even promotes it, Christ's true church needs to stand firm for the Gospel. Today, as individuals scattered around the world, let us proclaim unashamedly the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the only power of God for salvation from sin! We have a choice today. Do we stand up for the gospel of Jesus Christ?  Or do we pursue the ever-changing philosophies and trends of our day? We really can't do both, since trying to do so will bring about compromise, frustration, lack of effectiveness and the real possibility of falling away from the truth once for all entrusted to the saints. That's why I am not ashamed of the Gospel, The Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am not afraid to be counted, But I'm willing to give my life, Now I'm ready to be all He wants me to be. Give up the wrong for the right, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Father, the philosophies, trends, and mind-set of the world stands in great contrast to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Your Word tells us that those who are not for You are against You. We can't walk on both sides of the fence so we are faced with a choice we must make; the same kind of choice Joshua gave to the Israelites thousands of years ago. We must choose whether to follow after the gods of this world and forsake You or we must forsake the world and devote ourselves to You. Father, I choose to follow after You; You who reconciled me to Yourself through Jesus. You have proven Yourself trustworthy for Your promises are true. You provide the power and presence of Your Holy Spirit to lead me and direct my every path. Your Word illumines my every thought. I choose You today, exclusively and eternally! Amen. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "What Is The Gospel?"  A short message by R.C. Sproul (For those who may desire a brief but deeper theological explanation.) "The Glorious Gospel"  A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon (For those who may desire a longer and even  deeper theological explanation!!!)  Imagine that large crowds gathered to hear a message like this w/o the aid of sound reinforcement or PowerPoint visual aids! "I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel"  Video  Heritage Singers with lyrics "I'm Not Ashamed"  Video  Newsboys "Tell Me The Story Of Jesus/I Love To Tell The Story"  Video  Homecoming Story regarding converted terrorists: Wendy Murray Zoba, “Bill Bright’s Wonderful Plan for the World,” Christianity Today, no. 14 (July 1997), 24; as cited in Larson, Choice Contemporary Stories and Illustrations, 103. References to examples in the paragraph of how the word "gospel" is being cheapened and misused (I am not recommending these sites!!!) "The Gospel of Good Cooking" "The gospel of Occupy Wall Street" Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

Weber family Christmas 2011 "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/11) Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible. 2012 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 1/29/12: $1,175.00 We express thanks to all who support our ministry! 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. Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter: The daily message and prayer on Facebook.  The daily message and prayer on Twitter. 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! 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!) (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 2012 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 (01/27/12) "Serving Wholeheartedly"

Daily Encouragement Net
A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.

Having trouble reading this message?  Read mobile edition online

A daily, Bible-based message of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. Home · About Us · Archives · Podcast · Free email ·   ·     ·     <Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Friday, January 27, 2012 A happy face barn also makes my heart cheerful! This barn is near Reinholds in northeastern Lancaster County, PA. (Note: This photo is not doctored by photoshop. This barn really does have this smile face painted on it!) Listen to this message on your audio player "Serving Wholeheartedly" "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does" (Ephesians 6:7,8). "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Colossians 3:23,24). Yesterday a celebration luncheon was held for Everett Dewald, who has the very rare distinction of having worked for the same company in the same location in Bird in Hand, PA for sixty years!  The company held a surprise luncheon for all the employees to honor Everett's 60 years of service.  He began working at Vallorbs in January 1952 when he was 17, since it was just up the street from his house, and he continues to show up for work every weekday morning at the age of 76! Everett is a cheerful man whose pleasant and positive personality is appreciated throughout the company. For many years he has been singing "Happy Birthday" over the PA system to the employee who's celebrating his or her birthday (no way you can keep that fact quiet where Everett is present). One supervisor commented, "I don't think Everett ever gets up on the wrong side of the bed."  I asked his wife, Linda, "Is he always so joyful at home?" Without hesitation she responded, "Yes, that's how he wakes up first thing in the morning."   Everett makes small metal parts in a job that would not be fulfilling to many folks and is certainly not glamorous. It's rather loud and the odor from the lubrication for the parts fills the factory, nothing like the Yankee Candle aromatic scent that Brooksyne likes to burn in our house. However Everett is involved in noble work that provides a benefit to society. The parts he makes goes into equipment and machinery that benefits us all. Though other rewards will be received with our future inheritance in heaven, the solid work ethic that Everett demonstrates brings reward for the diligent worker here and now. This would include commendation from supervisors, possible promotions and pay raises within the company, providing a positive role-model for co-workers and family members, being a productive worker which increases profits within a company, fulfillment at the end of the day, a steady paycheck (in addition to many more that you might add to our list.) For Christians our work is a place to let our light shine. (Matthew 5:14-16) The Scriptural teaching in the second and third daily text is a call to diligence. This is actually a teaching of the Apostle Paul to Christian slaves but this principle can easily be applied to secular work. Consider the phrases "Serve wholeheartedly" and "Work at it with all your heart." In our work responsibilities we should indeed serve wholeheartedly. Christians should be diligent, and in fact, as a part of their testimony, be among the most exemplary workers any company has!  What kind of employee are you? I encourage you to consider the end use of the product you are making or service you are providing and the blessing it may be to so many people. "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does." We should apply these same principles in our work ethic toward our employers. In whatever we do, our work should be "as to the Lord." Our underlying motivation is the future inheritance we will receive "from the Lord". And what is that inheritance? It's our home in heaven that can "never perish, spoil or fade." When we work with this attitude Scripture teaches us that in some remarkable way that "It is the Lord Christ we are serving," even more so than our employer. Perhaps that's because plenty of character building goes on in our lives as we serve others in the workplace. May the joy of the Lord accompany you in your work today. Be sure not to keep it to yourself; spread it to others around you! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Father, when we're tempted to be halfhearted in our vocational work or find ourselves bored by monotonous repetition help us to find creative means that will make us even more productive and content in our work assignments.  May our conduct and attitude reflect values set forth in Scripture.  Make us a blessing so that we bring joy to our co-workers, supervisors, and to the workplace in general. During times of personality conflict or when disagreements arise bring to our memory the Scripture that reminds us our primary motivation for being a good worker is that we are serving You when we are diligent in our work.   Not only in our service do we want to do our best but we also ask You to keep our attitudes in check and our words uplifting in the work place.  Help us to be quick to see another co-worker's need and respond accordingly.  May we be slow to judge and finding fault with others. Prompt us to be faithful in prayer for our employers, supervisors, co-workers, and the business in which we serve.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "How Can I Find Satisfaction In My Work?" A study booklet you can either order or read online as a pdf.  Find out what the Bible has to say about work and your attitude toward it. With wisdom from the Word, Kurt De Haan shares four principles to help you better understand God’s blueprint for your work life. You’ll discover how you can experience a sense of fulfillment when you follow the “job description” God designed just for you. "Working With Joy"  Video  West Coast Mennonite Chamber Choir (It was hard to find a song to go along with today's message!) "Crown Him With Many Crowns" Video When our labors on earth are over! Congregational singing with an unidentified female lead singer.  Sacred music at its best. Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

Weber family Christmas 2011 "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/11) Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible. 2012 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 1/26/12: $1,145.00 We express thanks to all who support our ministry! 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. Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter: The daily message and prayer on Facebook.  The daily message and prayer on Twitter. 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! 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!) (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 2012 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