Thursday, April 30, 2015

Daily Encouragement (04/30/15) "Godly Parents - An Endangered Species"

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Thursday, April 30, 2015

Shock's Mill Bridge 04-29-15 (Click to enlarge)
Shock's Mill Bridge over Susquehanna River
Click on photo for large view

"Godly Parents - An Endangered Species"

ListenListen to this message on your audio player.

"Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).

Yesterday afternoon we took a five mile walk along the Susquehanna River. The walking trail passes the stately bridge presented in our lead photo.

Eagle watching 04-29-15We passed two eagle nests and saw an eagle in one of them. I didn't have a camera with zoom but plan to return for our own eagle photo. A donated observation viewer is mounted alongside the trail and Brooksyne is examining for evidence of an eagle in its nest high up in the tree. Unfortunately it must have gone out for a walk (I mean, flight).

When we hear the term "endangered species" we may immediately think of the bald eagle. The bald eagle was declared endangered in 1967 and extensive efforts were taken to protect it which have been very successful. In 2007 the bald eagle was removed from the federal endangered species list. Now we have nests up and down the Susquehanna River and many other places in America. It sure is nice to see the progress made in saving the Bald Eagle but during this time something else needs to be placed on the endangered list.

I saw a bumper sticker that stated "Godly parents – An Endangered Species". I can't speak for the situation all over the world but I suspect it's pretty similar to the conditions here in America everywhere.

We see so much evidence of this but this week many of us have been following the events in Baltimore, a city some 60 miles south of us. Although commentators differ on solutions based on their political and ideological persuasions all agree that the breakdown of the family is a major contributor. I strongly agree with one's comment that government cannot fix this chaotic mess but families need a much greater role in the "faith community". Faith community is the politically preferred phrase for "church".

This weekend Ester was scheduled to attend "Acquire the Fire", a conference in a church near the area where the rioting has taken place. But it, like many other events including the major baseball games were cancelled (the game took place yesterday but no fans allowed in the stadium - a 1st in history). We think of the restraining influence of these churches and God-fearing inner city pastors. Thank the Lord for inner city parents who resolve, against the forceful tide of mocking unbelief, to live by God's pattern. I recently spoke to a young man in his early 30's who lives in this kind of setting but is seeking to be a good husband, father, and role-model.

But there is a decreasing number who make their priority in life that of bringing up children in "the training and instruction of the Lord" which is at the heart of raising godly children and being godly parents.

Indeed there is an urgent need for godly parents, who will take the responsibility of raising their children according to Biblical standards. It requires sacrifice and perseverance and at times it seems no fruit comes from our labor. But, Parents & Grandparents, hold onto God's Word and this reassuring promise through the apostle Paul "that our labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58).


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Praying man Daily prayer: Father, as the state of the family declines year by year it also brings down our country. Many politicians, community leaders and individuals cry out, "Pour more money into education and community programs." Others wring their hands and wonder what can be done to improve our neighborhood, city and country. Though the answers are found in Your Holy Word these same people ridicule and reject that which is of spiritual origin so the troubles continue and even escalate during times of crisis. Father, we need a heaven sent revival that will reveal who You are to those who know You not and revive those of us who do. Help those who are childrearing not to become discouraged but to persevere in bringing their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It's in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen.



A walk along the Susquehanna River

Shock's Mill Bridge 04-29-15
The river trail is a recent project we have enjoyed for several years. Previously, this railroad bridge had stopped the trail but they made this interesting walkway under the bridge right near the Susquehanna River, a portion we walked for the first time yesterday.

Wild flowers along River trail
Many beautiful wild flowers along the Susquehanna River trail.

Lancaster County farm Susquehanna 4/29/15
A secluded farm along the peaceful river trail.

Creekside greenhouse
We stopped by yesterday to see our Amish friends, parents of nine children, who run the Creekside Greenhouse. Wonderful to see the older kids helping out.



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources


An interesting plaque about bald eagles we saw along the trail. Among other factoids is that an eagle nest can weigh more than 2 tons!

"Find Your Wings"  Video   Mark Harris A powerful song for godly parents using an analogy from an eagle (or other bird) raising their young

"Learn To Let Go"   Video  Mark Schultz

"Train Up A Child"  Video  Rob Frazier

"Family Bible"   Video  
Dailey and Vincent

Contact Us
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

Stephen and Brooksyne Weber 38th anniversary photo (click on photo to enlarge)
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 12/10/14)

Make a donation to Dailly Encouragement MinistriesAre our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages andDonate online 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.

2015 YTD offerings to Daily Encouragement Net: $3,254.00 We express thanks to all who support our ministry!

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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.)

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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.


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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 make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

Four Spiritual Laws

How to become a child of God




Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International
* The phrase "terrestrial ball" is found in the great hymn ...

"All Hail The Power Of Jesus Name" Video   Paul Baloche
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 2015 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved

Daily Encouragement Net
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552

Contact Us

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"Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation"

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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!

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Friday, April 24, 2015

Daily Encouragement (04/24/15) "Success Or Failure?"

Daily Encouragement Net
A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.
Having trouble reading this message?  Read online
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The on line Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.
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Friday, April 24, 2015

Scenic view in Strasburg, PA (Click to enlarge)
Early yesterday morning we passed this scenic view in Strasburg, PA across from the Strasburg Railroad. Our part of the world is really getting green!
(Click on photo for larger view)

"Success Or Failure?"

ListenListen to this message on your audio player.

"He (Uzziah) sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success" (2 Chronicles 26:5). "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God" (2 Chronicles 26:16).

How do we define success? A common formula is fame, power, prestige and money; ideally all of them for those striving for worldly success.

Today let us consider an Old Testament king who was identified as successful. King Uzziah is not one of the more famous kings but
the entire 26th chapter of 2 Chronicles is devoted to his life. The Bible records the lives of these kings not only as history, but also for the lessons we can learn from them.

Uzziah began his reign as king at sixteen and ruled over Judah for fifty-two years. At the beginning of his reign he was under the instruction of Zechariah, who had a godly impact on the young king. Under his example and influence he sought the Lord and "as long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success". Notice the nature of Zechariah's teaching: "who instructed him in the fear of God". Zechariah taught him that he had a God to whom he was accountable. That's a lesson we all need to learn and hide deep in our hearts.

Uzziah's success is described in verses 6-15
. I like a tiny detail about his life: "he loved the soil" (v. 10). Another interesting verse states "In Jerusalem he made engines of war invented by skillful men to be on the towers and on the corners for the purpose of shooting arrows and great stones" (v.15a).

This section ends with this transitional phrase, "His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful" (v.15b).
He would likely have continued to do well (ie. have success) for a time after this, but eventually it caught up with him.

His life took a sad turn summed up in our second daily text:
"But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God." He even tried some spiritual shenanigans such as entering the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense, something he was strictly forbidden to do.

This is an excellent example of one who is filled with pride. When an individual gets to thinking he or she is above the law of God, pride is at work in that person's heart.

Uzziah's downfall led to isolation and death by leprosy as described in v.21: "in a separate house—leprous, and banned from the temple of the Lord."

Uzziah reminds us that we should always seek the Lord. Do not let your success (or apparent lack thereof) deceive you. The presumption of God's blessings based upon the appearance of "success" is one of the great deceptions of the modern church. The first call of God in our lives is to seek Him (Matthew 6:33). God ever remains a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.



Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Praying man Daily prayer: Father, we consider the great honor granted Uzziah when he was crowned king at a young age. Due to the influence of Zechariah, he was taught in the ways of the Lord. You blessed, prospered, and honored him as he implemented godly principles and followed the commands of Scripture. But, much to his demise and that of the people he served, he took his eyes off Your truths and pride led to his downfall. Indulging pride entered his heart and its tentacles spread to his head giving him an inflated sense of self-importance which began the downward spiral. We've seen it many times when Christian leaders take their eyes off the Master they are serving and begin to think more highly of themselves than they ought. When pride creeps into our thoughts, help us to recognize it. Perhaps it will be a Scripture, a messenger sent from God, or a consequence resulting from our pride that will get our attention and get us back on track to recognize that all gifts, skills, knowledge and abilities come from You, not within ourselves. Keep us submitted to Your will and walking in Your ways all the days of our lives, in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.



A Visit To The
Strasburg Railroad Maintenance Shop


Strasburg Railroad maintenance shop
Yesterday I had an "excuse" to visit the Strasburg Railroad Maintenance shop. Earlier in the morning I spoke to two roofers, Rodney and Ray, who told me they had an unusual roofing job; putting a new roof on a railroad car. I eagerly stopped by to greet them at their worksite.

Strasburg Railroad maintenance shop
Jeff is one of the engineers who also works in the shop. It was fun visiting with the employees, several who dressed like real old time rail yard workers, black soot and all.

Strasburg Railroad maintenance shop
The shop is restoring this old steam engine and has a full array of tool shop machines for the job. After all, you just won't find these parts listed on EBay!

Strasburg Railroad maintenance shop
Big old rail wheels. Anyone believe they could bench press these!

Strasburg Railroad maintenance shop
Wouldn't want to see this engine coming at me for real!

Amish seven mule tilling team near Bird In Hand PA 4/23/15
On the road again we passed this Amish farmer with a seven mule team tilling the soil.
We think Uzziah would have enjoyed this scene since
"he loved the soil"!
(Click on photo for larger view.)



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources


Last night we saw this video and must not forget! Recant or Else: Saeed Faces New Psychological Torture

"Glorious Freedom"  Video  Gaither Vocal Band  This evening we are going with a group of friends to a concert at the Giant Center in Hershey with the Gaither Vocal Band and several others and sure hope to hear this song!

"Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days)
"  Video  The Isaacs (Another group we will hear tonight)

"There Is A Way"  Video 
The Nelons  We will also hear this group!

Strasburg Railroad  The Strasburg Rail Road Company is America's oldest short line railroad, incorporated in 1832. It still hauls freight but is now mostly a tourist railroad.

For the enthusiast here's a site for their repair shop or watch this video

A bike train in the Poconos we hope to take in several weeks! Neat video with great song!

Finally today:

Blue Heeler with new pups 4/23/15
Yesterday we stopped by to see some friends and their Blue Heeler just had puppies!


Contact Us
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

Stephen and Brooksyne Weber 38th anniversary photo (click on photo to enlarge)
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 12/10/14)

Make a donation to Dailly Encouragement MinistriesAre our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages andDonate online 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.

2015 YTD offerings to Daily Encouragement Net: $3,254.00 We express thanks to all who support our ministry!

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

Free email subscriptionIf 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:

Daily Encouragement on Facebook
The daily message and prayer on Facebook.
Daily Encouragement on Twitter
 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 make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

Four Spiritual Laws

How to become a child of God




Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International
* The phrase "terrestrial ball" is found in the great hymn ...

"All Hail The Power Of Jesus Name" Video   Paul Baloche
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 2015 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved

Daily Encouragement Net
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552

Contact Us

Chaplaincy logo
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
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