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The on line Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. Home About Us Archives Free email subscription Follow Daily Encouragement on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn See here for more info. <Previous Message · Archive edition "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). "If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8,9). Brooksyne also took Ester each September when it was Home School Day at Sturbridge. It was in the fall of 2000 when Ester was 11 years old that they witnessed something a little out of the ordinary. Brooksyne recalls the story: Ester and I had a great day touring the village with other home schooling families and learning more about the lifestyle consistent with the early 1800's. Before we took the long drive home I decided to stop in at a cafeteria style restaurant on the grounds where the food was set out on a buffet and people just took what they wanted as they went through the line. It was late afternoon and the cafeteria was nearly empty except for Ester and me. He must have been reading my mind. As I was still reeling from the sight I had just witnessed. To make sure that I wasn't just imagining things he repeated the disgusting act while looking straight at me. It was as though he was gloating in his crude behavior. Afterward he vigorously stirred the topping with the dipper, but this time he plunged his fingers into the filled dipper for another round of "finger samplings". He then took a large serving spoon and gleefully stirred the topping to fill in the cavern he had made with his fingers. The whipped topping was good as new! Perhaps he reasoned that by distributing his germs throughout the entire bowl he was diluting them to the degree they would not be harmful to anyone! His smoothing over the top was evidence that he wanted to cover up what he had done. I wonder how long he had been in charge of the whipped topping bowl. (I was relieved that I hadn't dipped from it.) It was a literal attempt to conceal his wrongdoing! Isn't that the way many deal with sin? Conceal the offense by trying to smooth over the visible part others might view. Smooth over with the outward appearance but allow the sin to linger within. Among man's many remedies for the sin problem is the feeble attempt to cover-up. Adam and Eve tried it first but their act was followed by many in Scripture and of course all throughout history. Numbers 32:23 states, "Be sure that your sin will find you out." God's only remedy for sin is Christ and our responsibility is confession and repentance which involves turning away from the sin. Two days ago we referred to David's cover-up after his sin with Bathsheba. It was a progressive attempt beginning with deceit, misuse of power, forcing others to do wrong such as Joab the Commander, and ending with multiple murders (see 2 Samuel 11:17). When David sinned God was watching and "the thing David had done displeased the LORD." It remains a constant on this side of eternity that "he who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." This Proverb is mirrored in one of the great New Testament promises. We urge you to receive and practice it today. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Note from Brooksyne: I remember very well the very nauseating incident with the young teen who was so brazen in the dipping and licking of his fingers in a public food place. He didn't flinch while he repeated this act the second time as I watched him which was even more shocking than the first sighting of his abuse as food handler. I turned this employee into his supervisor hoping that a severe action would be taken. This act of rebellion reminded me of those who willfully sin as they shake their fists at the Father. There will be judgment day coming for those who are proud in their sin, rather than being humble in their repentance. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "1 John 1:8,9" Video From the Integrity Scripture memory series, which we enjoyed in the nineties and learned a lot of Scripture verses through music. "My Eyes Are Dry" Video Keith Green "Whiter Than The Snow" Video "Create In Me A Clean Heart" Video Keith Green (Click on photo to enlarge) About Us "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update (Revised 11/12/14) 2014 YTD offerings to Daily Encouragement Net: $11,614.11 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION These messages are never sent by us unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR it was forwarded to you. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or as an email subscription through Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.) Cancel: These messages are only sent from us to people who request it; please accept our apologies if it reached you in error. You can unsubscribe from this list at any time. 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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. 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. Other versions are also occasionally used. © Copyright 2014 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Endorsed chaplain "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation" www.dailyencouragement.net |
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