Daily Encouragement

Tuesday, November 7, 2006

Photo of nature's autumn Christmas colors!

Nature's autumn Christmas colors!
Brooksyne took this photo of arborvitae with firebush beside it.

(Click here to listen to this message on your audio player.)

"Men Like Daniel"

"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (Daniel 1:8). "At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent" (Daniel 6:4).

Andy is a friend in New England who runs his own website design business, developing websites for both secular companies and churches. He began work on a large multi-thousand dollar secular account when he encountered a problem. He noted that the site would contain material he had determined in the formation of his business he would not work on.

He declined the job and wrote back to the client; "Several years ago I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart, and as a Christian have determined to live by the principles set forth in the Bible. I determined when I started my web design business that I would continue to follow the Scriptures in my business dealings and my company would abide by them no matter what the financial impact it may be. One of the policies I established is: *

The two events in our daily texts are seperated by some sixty years. The first verse describes Daniel as a young man separated from his family after being taken captive into Babylon. He made a purposeful resolution to stay true to his faith. He, "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself." I have always drawn strength and encouragement from this verse and consider the unseen influence of his parents and other godly leaders when he was young in equipping him for such a decision.

The second verse describes Daniel as an old man, still faithfully serving God and known even among his most ardent critics for his integrity. Here we find him late in his career serving in government office during the reign of Darius, who happened to be the third world emperor he served under. His righteousness and Darius' intention to further promote him prompted jealousy in the other leaders. They looked for a basis to make charges but were unable to find any. What a powerful testimony he had. "They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent."

What a steadfast man Daniel was! Every generation needs men and women like him. Surely we need such strong unwavering followers of Jesus Christ today! The specific sources of temptation may vary, but we all need to "purpose in our heart" that we will stay faithful to God and His truth.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer: Father, I thank you for the "Daniels" of our day. Many of us grew up with godly fathers and mothers who not only taught us right from wrong, but modeled it daily in their relations with family and others. So many today are growing up without Biblical models or Scriptural instruction which has brought about much confusion regarding what is right and wrong, true or false. The power of Your inspired Holy Word reveals absolute truth and is often taught by the examples of people such as Daniel. He didn't allow his fear, pride, or earthly ambitions to compromise his integrity. Even as Daniel stood the test while continually overcoming the tempter, I pray that You, Father, would help us to prove our loyalty to You when faced with daily temptations, especially those that are subtle. You will help us to get beyond knowing right from wrong in theory only, as You help us to carry it out in response to sinful temptation. May our temptation to do good always exceed our temptation to do evil. Amen.

I have a framed copy of an old hymn "More Men Like Daniel" that sits on my desk beside me as I work. It's not well known and in fact I have rarely seen it in a hymnal. It has long been out of copyright so I can share it here:

We need more men like Daniel to stand for God and right;
Men clean and strong, who hate the wrong,
And for the truth will fight.
When those controlled by evil their base designs pursue,
We need more men like Daniel who never prove untrue.

We need more men like Daniel their virtue here to show;
Men bold, sincere, who know no fear when called to face the foe.
Though dangers dark may threaten, they crave not ease or rest.
We need more men like Daniel who boldly stand the test.

We need more men like Daniel whose faith defied the king;
Who knelt and prayed when plans were laid
His shameful death to bring.
But God sent down His angel His all to guard and shield;
We need more men like Daniel whose hearts will never yield. *

"More Men Like Daniel" Neal McAulay/Charles Gabriel © 1922 Homer Rodeheaver

Note from Brooksyne: A quote that frequently comes to mind when I consider godly men and women is: "Reputation is what others think of you but character is what God sees when no one else is looking."

Today we have special guests in our home. Around 7:00 AM a horse and buggy pulled into our driveway and dropped off two toddlers for us to watch. Our neighbors Jesse and Anna are serving at a wedding and will be there all day late into the evening so we are watching their children. The children really like an old gospel song called "Bringing in the Sheaves." They often hear their Mom sing it as well as their church so I found a version on the internet and we've been playing it over and over as they sing along with big smiles. (However they can't quite get the words right and it sort of sounds like "Fragrance in the Shoes.")

"Bringing in the Sheaves"
Vocal with Tennessee Ernie Ford
Audio instrumental (This has some toe-tapping strings!)

Photo of Amish men's dress hats at wedding

I drove over this morning intending to get a photo of the property with all of the buggies lined up where the Amish wedding was being held but was unable to get a good photo. This photo is hard to see but I got a kick out of it. The men had all stacked their black dress hats on the shelves of a produce stand in front of the house before they went in. One has fallen off and I wonder if the dog might try to get a hold of it!

Also here's a website for those who may want to learn more about Amish wedding customs.

* See the web version of today's message for his content policy - although there is nothing objectionable about the policy I use a content analysis filter to assure delivery of the list mail and interestingly the mere wording of the policy was a problem due to certain words that flagged the filter and would likely have resulted in the message being blocked on certain systems!)
"Webs By Andy" - My friend Andy's website business.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Each weekday Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all around the world. Would you please help us continue this encouragement ministry? As an expression of appreciation for your support we are offering our new "Encouragement" screensaver, a selection of photos with accompanying Scriptures, along with our desktop collection with each offering (available either as download or CD.) See here for details.

Personal Ministry Update

Join: To receive this free "Daily Encouragement" e-mail devotional use our form. New subscribers receive a link to free computer desktop background photos with Scriptures! Here's the welcome letter that comes with new subscriptions.

Cancel: To remove your address from this mailing list merely use the link at the very bottom. (To change addresses cancel old address and then join again using new address.)

Bookstore
Daily Encouragement Net is

an affiliate of Christianbook.com

The Weber Family
Stephen, Brooksyne & Ester

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"
(Click on photo to enlarge)

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. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

© Copyright 2006 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved

Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552

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

Daily Encouragement Net

Monday, November 06, 2006

Daily Encouragement (11/06/06) "Old-Fashioned"

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. Whitelist Us Trouble reading this email? Read current message online or see archives.

RSS feed Podcast feed

Mobile version

A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.

Home · About Us · Archives · Donate · Free email subscription

Monday, November 6, 2006

Photo of fall porch arrangement

Porch arrangement in Lancaster County, PA

(Click here to listen to this message on your audio player.)

"Old-Fashioned"

"Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints" (Jude 1:3).

This weekend we took our Amish neighbors to a mission service sponsored by Christian Aid Ministries at a large warehouse near Ephrata, PA. It is a distribution center for food and clothing donated to mission causes around the world. They had cleared out the warehouse and set up folding chairs to seat 3,500 people and still there were people who could not get a seat!

Those attending the event were "Plain", a term denoting their lifestyle and attire. The women and older teens all wore cape dresses and head coverings. Each young girl had long beautiful braided hair. It seemed that Ester and Brooksyne were the only ones present without the distinctive dress! We'd never been in a gathering where there was such a variety of Mennonite and Amish orders. It was a very interesting evening. Many would view these folks as "old-fashioned" but what an earnest faith they have and the extent of the mission work in the organization is outstanding.

To many "old-fashioned" is a dreaded term. We want to be contemporary, trendy, and cool. To be described as "old-fashioned" would be the ultimate put-down to those who strive to be contemporary!

But I believe there are many ways in which being old-fashioned is very desirable. I am unapologetically old-fashioned when it comes to a commitment to holding firmly to the teachings of the Bible, the apostle's doctrine. Many now mock the teachings of Scripture that have been held dear by earnest believers for nearly 2,000 years. The Genesis creation account, Biblical miracles, the virgin birth, the atoning death and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ are scorned by modernists as being hopelessly old-fashioned in our enlightened age. In my own lifetime I may very well see a time when those of us who hold to the Biblical teaching concerning marriage may be viewed by dominant culture as old-fashioned and unenlightened.

Call me "old-fashioned", that's OK with me. I take seriously the call of Jude in the daily text to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints." The word translated "contend" means to "struggle for" and thank God for ministers and lay people alike who are struggling to uphold these truths.

"Once for all" is also very significant. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Kittel) states that this "refers to the definitive nature of Christian teaching ("the faith") by which we know all that is needed for salvation and which we are thus to hold fast." This has been handed down or entrusted to us.

By God's grace let us indeed hold fast to the truths of the Bible today, even if we are called "old-fashioned"!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen C. Weber

Daily Prayer: Lord, as I consider the long-range history of humankind since the beginning of creation one recurring theme is evident throughout the generations. Change is inevitable and generally an indicator of discovery and development resulting from people's intellect, giftings, skills and Your blessings. Other changes evidenced over the centuries are changes in fashions, attitudes, governments and in many other ways. In a world of uncertainty and change I'm so thankful that I can be certain of Your Word and its relevance in my life. It does not change based upon the climate of our society or require reinterpretation or revising. Our days on earth are like grass; we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone, as though we had never been here. In a changing world You are my unchanging God and Your love endures forever. You are indeed the same yesterday, today, and forever! AMEN

Brooksyne's Note: Attending the Christian Aid Ministries missionary service on Friday evening left a lasting impression on my heart. Two hours of colorful slides were presented of missionaries reaching out to the destitute and impoverished people of other countries in addition to those affected by disasters in the U.S. To see the conditions of how so many people live in third world brought tears to my eyes several times. The care packages delivered to these needy people were received with such sincere appreciation. On our trip home we talked about how we enjoy a meal at home everyday that is better than what these poor people get only when their care packages are delivered. We were deeply touched by the care and love extended by missionaries to those who need medical attention, housing, and food. But we even more impressed that the gospel message of salvation was not watered down so that the efforts of the missionaries was simply a social gospel. The salvation message was presented to all who would hear. What a blessing!

As I prepared today's message a song came to mind. Perhaps not surprisingly it's, "Give me that old-time religion." Here's a rather interesting version that will likely make you smile from what appears to be an Italian website. mp3 audio (For some reason it has a long, rather unconventional intro.)

We often refer to our Amish friends and the "Plain people" we have association with here in Lancaster County. Here's a website for those who may want to learn more about them.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Personal Ministry Update

Cancel: To remove your address from this mailing list merely use the link at the very bottom. (To change addresses cancel old address and then join again using new address.)

Bookstore
Daily Encouragement Net is

an affiliate of Christianbook.com

The Weber Family Stephen, Brooksyne & Ester

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"
(Click on photo to enlarge)

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. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

© Copyright 2006 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552

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

Daily Encouragement Net

Friday, November 03, 2006

Daily Encouragement (11/03/06) "Enoch Prophesied"

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. Whitelist Us Trouble reading this email? Read current message online or see archives.

RSS feed Podcast feed

Mobile version

A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.

Home · About Us · Archives · Donate · Free email subscription

Friday, November 3, 2006

Road sign on Colebrook Road, Lancaster County, PA

(Click here to listen to this message on your audio player.)

"Enoch Prophesied"

"Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men" (Jude 1:14a).

Last Saturday we went to a prophecy conference. Of course it was mostly "prophecy" in the sense of a perspective on end-time events. Among the topics presented was the moral decline, sexual perversions and promiscuity that is so evident in our time. One of the speakers shared that he has gone to large churches here in the U.S. where he was told outright that he is not to speak out on these issues since some may find the message offensive or intolerant. Thankfully in the Bible College setting I was in last Saturday he spoke the truth!

When Brooksyne and I first got married we got a little mixed Chow puppy which we had for about eight years. Being dedicated Bible college students we took the name of a Bible character and named him Enoch. He was a colorful part of the early years of our marriage and to this day I am sure many who knew us then will remember him! In fact several years ago I even wrote a story about him! *

The Biblical Enoch is best known for his remarkable departure from this world. The Bible simply states, "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him" (Genesis 5:24). We also know from Hebrews 11:5 & 6 that he was a man of faith and "he was commended as one who pleased God."

But our daily verse provides an additional glimpse into his character. Although he lived in the rampantly evil, pre-flood period of human history, he didn't keep his faith to himself. He prophesied, speaking out regarding his belief in God and his convictions. In fact he is the very first recorded Bible character to prophesy for God.

The specific prophecy that Enoch spoke forth in his day is just as meaningful to our generation as it was when he first gave it; "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of His holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against Him" (Jude 1:14b, 15). Now that's a message that many would find offensive and unloving. Proclaim that today and you will be labeled a crackpot by the world and sadly many in the visible church would critique your message to be "unloving."

But the Lord is coming in judgment and men and women are still called by God to walk with Him and faithfully speak forth His word. Enoch's great-grandson Noah sure did. In 2 Peter 2:5 he is called a "preacher of righteousness." And many, many more have done so throughout both the Biblical and Church ages. In our own day millions are walking with God and speaking out boldly for Him. Are you?

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer: Father, I must confess that holy boldness does not come easily for me. Though I may hold an unwavering conviction based upon the teachings of Scripture, I find it difficult to articulate my position when faced with opposing views or by those with a lifestyle contrary to the Christian believer. It is in this setting that I rely upon Your Holy Spirit to equip me with the words I am to speak and the tone of which I speak them. You've instructed the believer to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have. And then You further instruct us about the spirit that accompanies our response. We are to do this prayerfully with gentleness, respect, and a clear conscience so that those who would respond unfavorably toward us would regret their behavior. Keep our motives pure as we unashamedly and boldly declare Your truths to a lost and dying generation. Amen.

(Portion of prayer based on I Peter 3:15 & 16.)

There are two individuals mentioned in Scripture (Enoch and Elijah) that did not die in the usual sense but were transferred to heaven. The Bible teaches that the generation still alive at the time of the return of Christ will pass directly to heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

* Periodically in this series we refer to our present dog, Roxie. In the past I've written about two of the dogs I had. Suzy was my dog while growing up. Enoch was the dog Brooksyne and I had the first 8 years of our marriage. We also had a dog for about three years in New England that we left with our friend, Linda, who delivered our daily newspaper.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Personal Ministry Update

Cancel: To remove your address from this mailing list merely use the link at the very bottom. (To change addresses cancel old address and then join again using new address.)

Bookstore
Daily Encouragement Net is

an affiliate of Christianbook.com

The Weber Family Stephen, Brooksyne & Ester

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"
(Click on photo to enlarge)

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. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

© Copyright 2006 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552

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

Daily Encouragement Net

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Daily Encouragement (11/02/06) "Called According To His Purpose"

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. Whitelist Us Trouble reading this email? Read current message online or see archives.

RSS feed Podcast feed

Mobile version

A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.

Home · About Us · Archives · Donate · Free email subscription

Thursday, November 2, 2006

(Click here to listen to this message on your audio player.)

"Called According To His Purpose"

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

In our daily encouragement yesterday we mentioned that the notes and prayers of many daily encouragement readers, written to the Amish following the schoolhouse slayings last month, had been delivered. I am quite sure these messages will be a blessing.

But we also were personally blessed as we read and compiled the thoughts, prayers and expressions of condolences from readers all over the world. For several the slayings brought memories of their own hurts in life and one that especially touched me was from a friend whom I had worked with several years ago. She shared of a situation in her life that I was not aware of.

Thirty years ago her two week old son died as a result of a heart catheterization that punctured his heart causing him to bleed to death. She wrote about the intense pain and loss she endured and how this tragic experience helped her to relate to others whose children die. But she testified of her assurance that God was in control even in that tragedy, although she could not see it then but only believed it to be true, claiming our daily verse.

A situation like this always puts us at a crossroads. We can grow bitter or we can trust the Lord in the midst of the ensuing pain in what are, at times, His incomprehensible ways.

What a wonderful testimony she shares: "Shortly after our son died, my husband and I became involved in a Bible Study for children and eventually conducted the study in our own home and had nearly 50 different children learning God's Word. We never had done anything like that before, and had we been caring for a new baby plus our two other children, we would never have been involved in that ministry. Over a period of about 11 years we had the opportunity to lead about 25 of those children to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today those children are grown and have children and some of them teach Sunday School and have led their own children to the Lord. They tell me that the teaching in our home and the enjoyment of having their neighborhood friends all gathering together at our house to learn about God's Word was the incentive that led them to their belief and desire to serve today. So a loving message to all those Amish families connected to this terrible happening, I pray that you believe, even though you cannot imagine good to come out of this... Romans 8:28 (I claimed this verse when my son died and continue today). Good does come out of God's plan especially when you believe it long before you see it. God loves you dear people and will help you through this day by day."

How often believers through the ages have drawn strength and assurance from the wonderful promise of the daily Scripture verse. It was one of the first verses I memorized as a young Christian and I have often obtained assurance by meditating on it. In our reading of Romans 8:28 we tend to focus on the first part and particularly the phrase "works for the good." Today let us consider the final phrase, "called according to His purpose."

His purpose is always good, whether expressed toward the individual or to the cosmos. In Ephesians 3:11 Paul writes of God's "eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." Summing up God's purpose in a single thought or phrase is bound to be deficient but theologian J.I. Packer attempts. "God's purpose, here and hereafter, is to keep expressing His love in Christ to us." Or as Oswald Chambers observes, "I thought God's purpose was to make me full of happiness and joy. It is, but it is happiness and joy from God's standpoint, not from mine." Amen, and that's the rub; we must be continually seeking to understand God's viewpoint.

Today God has called us according to His purpose. His peace prevails when we realize that His almighty purpose cannot be thwarted. In a rather obscure verse from the prophet Isaiah we read, "For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back" (Isaiah 14:27). The answer to both questions is an absolute, resounding "NO ONE!"

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer: Father, what tremendous comfort the Scriptures bring when I consider the uncertainties of life. About the time I get comfortable or think I've figured out what the future holds I get thrown a ringer. I'm so grateful for passages of reassurance such as Romans 8:28 that reminds me You're working on my behalf even though evil is prevalent and I'm often affected by its presence. As a blood-bought child of Yours, You have called me to work Your purpose and will for my life. What You have purposed for me cannot be thwarted though the enemy may stalk me or make me his target. After all, since You are for us, who can be against us. Help me to receive Your deep abiding peace even in the midst of difficult and perplexing situations, because I know that You use even those circumstances for our long-range good. May our trusting response to these undesirable sufferings prove to believers and unbelievers that we are becoming more and more like Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Here's the choir of the First Baptist Church in Durham NC with a song that I really enjoy called "Trust His Heart"

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Personal Ministry Update

Cancel: To remove your address from this mailing list merely use the link at the very bottom. (To change addresses cancel old address and then join again using new address.)

Bookstore
Daily Encouragement Net is

an affiliate of Christianbook.com

The Weber Family Stephen, Brooksyne & Ester

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"
(Click on photo to enlarge)

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. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

© Copyright 2006 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552

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

Daily Encouragement Net

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Daily Encouragement (11/01/06) "The Life Verse"

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. Whitelist Us Trouble reading this email? Read current message online or see archives.

RSS feed Podcast feed

Mobile version

A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.

Home · About Us · Archives · Donate · Free email subscription

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Lancaster County farmview 11/1/06 (click on photo to enlarge)

(Click here to listen to this message on your audio player.)

"The Life Verse"

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).

At 6:30 this morning I received a phone call and since I had a pretty good idea of who would be calling so early I boldly declared, "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" It was indeed our neighbor Anna Ruth and as I greeted her I immediately considered my Aunt Ruth.

I had a lot of aunts and uncles but only a few are still living. My Mom's oldest sister was Anita Ruth better known to me as "Aunt Ruth". She went to be with the Lord a couple of years ago although she lived well into her nineties. She lived in tiny Windsor, Missouri, not far from the village of Tightwad.*

As she aged she became forgetful but remained spry and witty to the end. When I would visit her she would keep repeating, "It's so good to see you Darling". When Mom was alive I would take her for visits with Aunt Ruth. As they enjoyed each other's company I'd pay a visit to the local country barbershop. While the older barber was cutting my hair I asked him if he knew Ruth Campbell. He thought for a moment and said, "You mean Anita Ruth?" It turns out that she had been his Sunday School teacher when he was four or five. He's still in the same church.

Aunt Ruth's favorite Bible verse was "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." I sure miss hearing her say it. Back in the eighties we sang many Scripture verses verbatim. This verse was one of them and many of you still sing it!

I consider how other people in my life are known for Scripture verses they often quoted or are known to cherish. Jack, a long-time friend often quotes Proverbs 3:5&6. I always appreciate hearing Brooksyne lead out in the 23rd Psalm, a chapter she memorized as a child.

I would hope that those from my former congregations would say they think of me when they read I Corinthians 15:58 which I often quoted and still do today: "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, for you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." As a matter of fact I have a clock on a wooden plaque the congregation gave me where I served in St. Marys, PA hanging right here in my office. The inscription included on the plaque has this very verse on it.

Earl Martin, a very godly friend, who passed away several years ago would choose a theme verse each January for the coming year. I can still recall him sharing it with our congregation the first week of January prior to his death the following summer. "The joy of the Lord is my strength" from Nehemiah 8:9 was his year's theme verse. As a matter of fact this verse was a backdrop for the theme of his funeral which, in addition to the inspiration of the written Holy Word, added special personal meaning.

What about you? Do you have a life's verse or a verse you often refer to or are known for? If not, perhaps you'd like to consider one that affirms your life's message!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer: Father, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. I pray that the light of Your Word shines forth not only in my path, but spreads out to those nearby. As I meditate, memorize, apply and endear Your Word to my heart I pray that meaningful Scripture will be a natural outflow of who I have become through Christ. In honoring Your Word the power of Your Holy Spirit uses Scripture to bring conviction, instruction, and inspiration. Help us to be faithful in reading and engrafting Your Word to our hearts this day. Amen.

Update: Last month many of you wrote condolence messages to the Amish who live in our area. These messages have been delivered and I want to thank all who responded. There were many moving prayers and a several shared experiences in their own lives of overcoming hurts. Tomorrow I will write about one family's experience of overcoming a deep hurt. Below is a model prayer that especially touched our hearts from Grace, a friend of ours who lives in Massachusetts. It is also a reminder to us that we should continue to lift up these broken-hearted families in prayer.

"Lord, I lift up to you the families and friends in the Lancaster County area. I pray that you will gently wrap your love around each individual. I pray that you will bless and support the grieving heart of the families and friends. Touch them with your love and peace. When they are weak may they sense your strength as the one getting them through the grief. When they are fearful of the days would you cover them with your courage. May they sense your grace throughout the day and evening. Lord, in your infinite ways restore the innocence of the children in the Lancaster County area. Protect their broken and bruised hearts. In the midnight hour would you speak peace and safety to their broken hearts. Help them to sense your hedge of protection around them when they go back to school. When the children go to sleep in the evening would you give them a peaceful rest. May their thoughts dwell on those things that are lovely and pure. Lord, please heal them of the fear that would try to rob them of their future. Protect and guide them in the days ahead. Pour out your peace, strength and courage for each family in the hours, days and months to come. Lord you are the only one who can lift them from this horrendous loss. Give wisdom to those left behind. Lord it is your peace and strength that will get them through. I pray for forgiveness towards the family of the perpetrator. Lord, comfort all those that have been touched by this tragedy. You are faithful to see them through each step of their grief. God bless you with His peace and comfort."

* Tightwad, Missouri – Yes, there really us such a place! I drove through it several years ago and had considered opening a checking account from the local bank. It would be neat to have a Tighwad national bank on each check. The village's unusual name is said to stem from an episode in which a store owner cheated a customer, gouging him for an extra fifty cents. Some sources claim the transaction involved a watermelon, others a rooster.

Here's the piano accompaniment for "This is the Day." It's a very straightforward arrangement making it quite easy for those who know the tune to sing along with. What a great Scripture to sing and apply to your heart on this day, the day that our Lord has made!!