Daily Encouragement (04/30/14) "Different Gifts"

Daily Encouragement Net
A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement. Having trouble reading this message? 
Read mobile edition online

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   Listen to these messages   Text only for printing       See here for more info. <Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Wednesday, April 30, 2014 San Antonio Riverwalk "Different Gifts" Listen to us read this message on your audio player. "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us" (Romans 12:6). Those who know me personally would tell you that I am a man with many questions. I suppose I was born with a very curious mind. My mom snapped photos of me when I was a youngster pouring over encyclopedias and maps so I guess my curious mind developed at a very young age. Family members even nicknamed me Curious Stephen. Whenever I closely observe something I immediately wonder, how does it work and then I consider the different ways people had a role in getting it to work as well as those who keep it working. One of the things I really enjoy about my role as a chaplain to various kinds of businesses is learning about their products and the ingenuity behind it. As we vacation here in the south my latest curiosity has been the development and maintenance of the Riverwalk here in San Antonio. The San Antonio River has flowed through central Texas since creation. Early in the 1700's the area was settled and a city slowly developed. Rivers tend to flood and of course that can be devastating. In the 1930's an urban park was developed along the river, which was modified to flow several stories below grade level. Obviously, a lot of engineering and hard work went into this. There is much going on behind the scenes to maintain it such as the work boat shown above that I saw out early this morning on a walk. So many have important functions such as Tyrone (left) who is involved in property maintenance. He noticed my curiosity concerning the portable air conditioners and walked over to explain how they work. We ended up getting into a spiritual discussion when I told him I was a chaplain, something he is interested in. I enjoyed engaging in brief discussions early this morning with many workers who were out maintaining the Riverwalk. I like to affirm people as they carry out their work responsibilities. People need to know that their work makes a positive difference. It's that way in the body of Christ as well when people share with others the message of Christ's love and redeeming power. We sat down to enjoy a meal last Saturday evening. The server demonstrated some evidence of having faith in Christ as she waited on us. At the end of the meal she asked if we'd enjoyed our food. I commented that the food was delicious and the service was great. She boldly blurted out, "Well, praise the Lord!" which really got our attention. When I questioned her she vibrantly expressed her faith and told us she had recently attended a Bible College and sensed God calling her to reach out to the lost prostitutes and homeless people. It's not a calling most people have so we pray that she pursues this leading God has placed upon her life. Our daily text states, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." I believe in many cases, particularly as we get older, we need to focus on the gifts God has given us and allow other members of the Christian body to fill in where we are ungifted. I am at that point, although I still try new things, I am aware there are giftings I just don't have. But my greatest energy is devoted to developing myself in areas where I have an apparent giftedness. We enjoy hearing the many ways our friends and readers are serving Christ, including very unconventional ways such as seeking to minister to prostitutes, which certainly goes beyond the stereotypical giftings for ministry. The Scripture says, "We have different gifts." What a blessing in the body of Christ to see the variety of gifts God has given us by His grace. Humanly we tend to esteem some gifts as more desirable and worthy than others, but this is a serious error. Gifts are distributed according to His grace. If I complain because I can't sing I am really casting aspersions on God's sovereign distribution of gifts. I encourage readers today to discover the gifts God has given you, further develop them, and frequently exercise their intended purpose for His glory. As Christ's body let us find a place of ministry where we can use our gifts to impact others for His glory. As we fervently pray for God's leading and have a sincere desire to honor Him He will lead us into effective service for Him. That's my desire and I pray that it's yours as well! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, You have called us, Your servants, to exercise our gifts of prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing to the needs of others, leading, and being vessels of Your mercy. Help us not to be fearful or timid in exercising our spiritual gift that flows from Your power within us, since it is not for our glory but rather for the building up of the body of Christ. We are inadequate within ourselves, but fully sufficient according to the grace given us through Your Holy Spirit. We seek affirmation from You, the ministry opportunities You provide us and other mature believers, to confirm our spiritual giftings. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. See Romans 12:1-8 Personal note: Today we are in San Antonio, Texas in a hotel overlooking the Alamo and near the River walk. This afternoon we are heading to Corpus Christi to spend several days on the Gulf. We hope to post our next message on Friday. The famous Texas Blue Bonnets - we arrived in Texas toward the end of their blooming period but saw a few patches here and there. Indian Blanket Flowers grow alongside the road. The botanical name is Gaillardia Pullchella. We became familiar with this beautiful flower when we grew it in our back yard. Canyon Lake is a beautiful lake near New Braunfels where Stephen took a pleasant walk across the dam. Canyon Lake Gorge was formed in a matter of hours during a flood in 2002 where the waters went over the spillway. The famous Mission San Antonio de Valero (AKA "The Alamo") We enjoyed two Mexican meals along the Riverwalk. It seems about 1/2 of the restaurants along the River Walk are Mexican which is alright with us. Living in the Northeast we don't see enough of them so we're getting our fill while in Texas. All along the Riverwalk mariache bands and singers come by to serenade diners. We are staying at the Hotel Indigo which overlooks the Alamo. Originally an office building built in 1909 the renovation included careful attention to maintaining the historical features such as this ornate lobby. They even left in the original maildrops that still work! Brooksyne is sending off a card from the fourth floor. This stately building is also near the Alamo and has been restored as a hotel. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Use Me"  Video  Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne Stephen and Brooksyne Weber (Click on photo to enlarge) About Us "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 10/21/13) 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 an offering 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. Click here to donate online. 2014 YTD offerings to Daily Encouragement Net: $4,174.00 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here. 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. 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. Your answers are anonymous and I we are unable to respond. If you want to send a personal message use the 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. 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 Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 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 | Snooze

Daily Encouragement (04/28/14) "He Who Will Not Forget Us!

Daily Encouragement Net
A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement. Having trouble reading this message? 
Read mobile edition online

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   Listen to these messages   Text only for printing       See here for more info. <Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Monday, April 28, 2014 Gingerbread House in Gruene Texas with cactus ornamentals framing the bay window. Cactuses are a very common sight decoratively planted as well as those growing amidst the weeds in the large fields that surround us. "He Who Will Not Forget Us! Listen to us read this message on your audio player. "The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him" (Genesis 40:23). "O Israel, I will not forget you" (Isaiah 44:21b). Have you ever been forgotten by someone else? Of course you have. Have you ever forgotten an important detail that might bring about different results than originally planned. I, Brooksyne, had such an experience this past Saturday only a few minutes before we drove to Baltimore for our trip to Texas. Since January 20th I've participated with 17 other employees in The Biggest Loser at one of the companies we serve as chaplains. They weigh in on Monday mornings but I send mine in through email to Sue and Dylan since I don't visit the plant until later in the week. It's been a good humbling experience, but a much needed discipline for me. Diabetes is always looming since all six of my family members have dealt with it, plus my extended family on both sides. My parents and oldest sister are now deceased but the remaining three are dealing with diabetes now. I want to beat the odds so I'm trying to get the weight off. Our last weigh in is today for the three month contest but I sent mine in on Saturday due to our planned trip. I weighed in and then wrote a note to the contest leaders stating my weight loss for the week and my total 3 month weight loss which would reveal my original weight. This is very personal, something I would never share with others except the leaders. The contest has been an excellent incentive for me. I've exercised rigorously, resisted the baked goods which I love to prepare, and I've taken off 29# in the three month period. (I can't believe Stephen talked me into writing this, but since our inspirational and personal writings give you a window into our everyday lives I guess this fits into such an introduction to our more important Biblical message. Surely some of you can relate either to sending a message to the wrong recipient or the weight loss battle.) I sent the email off quickly since I was in a hurry only to get a reply right away from Sue. She responded, "Brooksyne, I have no idea what this email is about!!! lol Susan". At first glance I scratched my head a little confused, but then I looked more carefully at the recipient address and to my horror realized I'd sent the message to the wrong Sue. Sue, who got my email, is a dailyencouragement reader that I've never met personally, but have corresponded with her over the years. I laid out one of my most protected secrets to someone I'd never met. After gasping for air, taking a huge dose of humiliation, and finally laughing at my absent mindedness I sent her another email explaining the story I've shared with readers today. She responded with kindness, understanding and surely a silent chuckle as well. We all deal with forgetfulness or some refer to it as absent-mindedness from time to time. Many will testify that it tends to increase as you age! There's a nuisance type forgetfulness that we experience daily, common to all who live busy lives. But there's also a critical type forgetfulness that can alter one's entire future. Today we look at two verses that show a remarkable contrast between the absent-mindedness of man and mindfulness of God. The first one concerns Joseph, who had been in prison when it seemed the perfect opportunity for his release had finally come. He had interpreted a dream for Pharaoh's cupbearer, which had a favorable outcome, saving the cupbearer from death. Joseph appealed to him to mention his unjust imprisonment to Pharaoh: "Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house" (Genesis 40:14). But the cupbearer, in spite of the remarkable turnabout in his life, forgot. "The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him" (Genesis 40:23). Perhaps the cupbearer simply erased his prison experience along with those whom he knew in prison! Or perhaps he was up in years and we know how sketchy the memory becomes as we get older! Isn't it reassuring that God never forgets us? God remembered Joseph and He will always remember us. It may not be the timing we expect but we can claim the promise in Isaiah 44. Although it speaks specifically of Israel, it surely also speaks to us today due to God's immutable (unchanging) character; "I will not forget you." This is especially important to remember during the mysterious delays of life. During times like this we may misunderstand God's "apparent" silence. Believing friend, He has not forgotten you any more than He forgot Joseph. Two full years later Pharaoh himself had a dream, and you know the rest of the story (if not, please read Genesis 41.) Are you facing a delay in life? Is there silence in regard to direction from the Lord? Perhaps it seems that God has forgotten you. No, no, no! Hold on to your faith. In His time He will make a way. Be assured He has not forgotten you nor will He ever forsake you. Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, when we examine the emotional pain of our lives we often start out with the question of "Why?"  But in hindsight we realize that those struggles taught us practical truths that we would not have otherwise learned, and that there truly is purpose in our pain. We often look to Joseph, not because he was a great ruler over Egypt, but because we identify with much of his life's experiences: betrayal, fear, rejection, his being lied about, separation, unjust treatment, delays, among other struggles. You accomplished Your purpose in His life, not in spite of his trials, but through his pain-filled ordeals. His story has been a source of encouragement to us time and again as he modeled integrity in the midst of the severe struggles and sweeping storms of life. Your eternal purpose is greater than our emotional pain. Remind us that it may not just be for our own instruction but others looking on may learn from our difficult experiences. Amen. Personal note: Today we are in New Braunfels, Texas staying with Brooksyne's sister, Elaine. This afternoon we are heading to San Antonio to spend several days on the Riverwalk area. We hope to post our next message on Wednesday. A nice scene of our Amish neighbor on Kraybill Church Road plowing before we left Lancaster County. (Click on photo for larger view) We have been in contact with Jim and De Scanlon for many years through daily encouragement. Yesterday we joined them for a service in their church and finally met them personally. It was a wonderful service. We were spiritually blessed and challenged! It was a joy to finally meet folks we've often corresponded with. Jim is a retired pastor who is a strong contender of the faith. We're visiting Elaine Morgan who's only 13 months older than me. Growing up we looked a lot alike so many people initially thought the Sherrell girls were twins. Mom played along with such an idea sewing all our wardrobe with matching outfits, though Elaine's fabrics were usually blue and mine were pink. It was a beautiful afternoon so Elaine and I served lunch out on the big porch that spreads across her house. With temps nearly 90 degrees the big ceiling fan kept us comfortable. Elaine's yard is filled with live oaks and junipers as seen in the background. She and her husband, Steve, moved to New Braunfels in 1998. Steve was diagnosed with cancer about six years ago and last July went home to be with the Lord. They have one daughter, Courtney, who lives in Nashville, TN. We visited the little town of Gruene yesterday afternoon. It's a town that was essentially abandoned as a ghost town in the nineteen-twenties when rediscovered and redeveloped into a vibrant tourist town. We all enjoyed milling about the General Store. Here we are in the 1878 Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas. The saloon was set up like the days of Bonanza though we went right past the bar and headed to the stage for this photo. It's fun to go back to these old buildings. One of the familiar sounds from childhood was once again hearing screen doors slam and the squeaking rough-hewn hardwood floors as we walked across the planks. The water tower is an iconic landmark for Gruene From the official website: In 1974, Chip Kaufman, an architecture student at UT Austin working with the Texas Historical Commission and an avid kayaker floated down a little further on the Guadalupe River than usual, to the southern most public takeout known as The Gruene Crossing. After catching a glimpse of an old water tower up the hill peeking above the treetops, he decided to investigate. Astonished by his discovery of numerous late 1800's and early 1900's buildings, some with architectural layering, he immediately realized their significance and requested permission from the Texas Historical Commission to inventory the buildings for their records, which they approved. While doing this he learned that a group of real estate developers had purchased the last 200+ acres of the Gruene Estate, including all the historic buildings, and planned a housing development which included razing the old structures to build condominiums on the river bluff. Kaufman convinced the developers of the significance of the buildings in Texas history and with their blessing Kaufman worked to place Gruene on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 as an entire district. The developers further agreed to let Kaufman find new owners interested in the old buildings for new commercial ventures which would provide a core for their new housing development. Here's more info. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "In His Time"  Video  Maranatha Singers "Four Days Late"  Video  Karen Peck and New River  An interesting perspective on God being "late". Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne Stephen and Brooksyne Weber (Click on photo to enlarge) About Us "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 10/21/13) 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 an offering 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. Click here to donate online. 2014 YTD offerings to Daily Encouragement Net: $4,174.00 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here. 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. 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. Your answers are anonymous and I we are unable to respond. If you want to send a personal message use the 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. 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 Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 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 | Snooze