Daily Encouragement

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Statue of Phillips Brooks
Copley Square in Boston Massachusetts
Any of our visits to Boston include a walk by this statue!

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"The Patience Of God"

"For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples" (Nehemiah 9:30).

Phillips Brooks was pastor of Trinity Church on Copley Square in Boston during the 1800's. This church is now under the shadow of the John Hancock Tower, the tallest building in New England, which provides a stunning visual contrast.

There is a large statue beside the church building that shows Phillips Brooks preaching. The Lord is standing behind him with His hand on Brooks' shoulder. Now that's inspiring! He served the Lord Jesus during his lifetime and is best known today as the author of the well-known Christmas carol, "O little town of Bethlehem." But I especially like the first inscription on the statue, "Preacher of the Word of God."

Phillips Brooks was noted for his poise and quiet manner. At times, however, he suffered moments of frustration and irritability, as we all do. One day a friend saw him feverishly pacing the floor like a caged lion. “What’s the trouble, Mr. Brooks?” he asked. “The trouble is that I’m in a hurry, but God isn’t!” Haven’t we felt the same way many times? I sure have!

God's patience is both a blessing and a mystery. Today I want to consider the mystery aspect. As I observe the increasingly frayed moral and spiritual condition here in America and throughout the world I marvel at God's patience and wonder just how long before He sends judgment upon the earth. Of course we live with the consequences of our sins and often that is judgment enough!

Our daily verse describes the patience of God in regard to His dealings with the nation of Israel. Many years were really many centuries. God had spoken again and again through His prophets all through this time. Nehemiah served the Lord around 450 BC. It seems we have a sweeping panorama of the previous thousand years since the great Exodus. God had been patient and had warned His people repeatedly. They paid no attention and faced various judgments, ending with the Babylonian captivity which ended about 100 years before this verse was recorded.

Consider the timeless truth in this verse as it relates to your life, the church, or your nation. My, has God been patient! Surely He has been gracious in sending many, many prophets, who like Phillips Brooks were "preachers of the Word of God" to admonish and warn. I'm particularly intrigued with the phrase "yet they paid no attention."

How much attention is our modern culture paying to the warnings of God? What about much of the church? What about you and me today? May we have the response of young Samuel, who exclaimed, "Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10).

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, help us to be people who do not merely listen to the Word or read it hastily. Help us to do what it says so that we will be blessed in all that we do. We receive Your favor and sense inner peace when we are obedient to You. Help us to look intently into Your Holy Word and apply its teaching so that we enjoy freedom from sin, unceasing joy, and the promise of eternity spent with You. With sincerity of heart we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

PS: Some of the greatest missionaries of history devotedly spread the seed of God’s Word and yet had to wait long periods before seeing the fruit of their efforts. William Carey, for example, labored seven years before the first Hindu convert was brought to Christ in Burma, and Adoniram Judson toiled seven years before his faithful preaching was rewarded. In western Africa, it was fourteen years before one convert was received into the Christian church. In New Zealand, it took nine years; and in Tahiti, it was sixteen years before the first harvest of souls began.

Brooksyne's note: Each time I think about Phillips Brooks I'm reminded of Hellen Keller. In her autobiography she writes about Bishop Brooks and what a great spiritual influence he was as she attended his church while a student at Perkins School for the Blind in Boston. Two of our long time Daily Encouragement subscribers, Charlie and Rose, attended this school and reside in the Boston area. They took a train from Boston one Sunday to visit us while we lived in Taunton, MA. What a blessing they were to us on that very special day.

Today's Suggested Music and
Supplemental Resources

"Kindness" (Audio)

"The Lord Is Gracious And Compassionate" (Audio) I had never heard this song before but I like the lyrics (not necessarily the instrumentation!) The lead vocalist takes me way back to my BC days and vaguely reminds me of Janis Joplin, whom few of you have even heard of!

"What A Friend We Have In Jesus" (Audio)

The chapter on the Patience Of God in AW Pink's classic book, "The Attributes of God"

Goldfinch
Photo by Doris High

Administration Information

Stephen, Brooksyne and Ester Weber

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update
Revised 11/28/07

Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. Would you please consider a financial offering to support us in this encouragement ministry? Thanks! See here for details. (2008 YTD financial offerings 1/21/2008 $595.00)

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Our other blogs:
"A Daily Prayer" - The daily prayer from each daily encouragement message.
"A Little Foolishness" - A collection of humorous and satirical stories drawn mostly from our years of ministry, as well as my sometimes fertile imagination.
"Clear Minded" - Longer, periodic articles on specific issues impacting the church.

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Musical playlists Classic hymns mix Christian eclectic mix

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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.

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Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552
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Tuesday, January 22, 2008

"Such As These"

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Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Kelsie & Kristie
(Yes, that's Ester on the right and their cousin, Joey, on the left!)

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"Such As These"

"When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these'" (Mark 10:14).

Kelsie and Kristie are two cute little blond twins with huge smiles, who often came up to me for the "pastor's hug" when I pastored in Taunton, Massachusetts. They have an interesting testimony.

In 1994, their mother, who was a teenager with one child already, sat in an abortion clinic in Brookline, Massachusetts. She had been advised that an abortion was her best option in the occurrence of her unplanned pregnancy.

She was there with her mother, who had recently rededicated her life to Christ and who was strongly opposed to the abortion. They had just sat through the "counseling" phase at the clinic, which was nothing more than pro-abortion propaganda. As she was waiting for her name to be called she had enough time to contemplate the fact that she was nurturing a little person, not just dealing with unwelcome tissue.

Suddenly she turned to her mother and said, "Mom, you know, this baby already has fingernails." Just as the nurse called her name they got up and proceeded to walk out of the clinic rather than into the "procedure room." In a matter of weeks tests would show that there was not just one baby with fingernails saved that day, but two!

Today tens of thousands of dedicated pro-life supporters will be gathering in Washington as they do each year. They will be peacefully protesting the 1973 Supreme Court decision that overruled state laws restricting abortion here in America. I joined this march on several occasions in the 80's when I pastored in northern Pennsylvania, believing it to be a just cause. For many years my Aunt Mary traveled to the rally in a bus all the way from western Missouri. I believe these "protesters" are among God's finest.

Today's text is the only time in the gospels the word "indignant" ("much displeased" in the KJV) is used to describe Jesus' attitude. The word in the Amplified Version is described as "indignant and pained." This was directed to the disciples who rebuked those who were bringing little children to Jesus. They thought they were doing the Lord a favor by protecting Him from the nuisance of those who had come bringing little children for Him to touch. His time was limited, crowds took up valuable space, children were noisy and pampers were yet to be made available so babies could also be smelly, and He had many "adult" issues to deal with.

Yet Jesus responded, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

I am particularly intrigued by the phrase, "for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." The phrase "such as these" refers to the children and those who brought them. Jesus wanted them to come to Him and not be hindered by unauthorized screening from the disciples.

The living Lord continues to proclaim to our generation, "Let the little children come unto me." Of course I am aware that this passage is not specifically related to an unborn child but the principle remains the same.

Those who are created by our Maker are to be cherished by His children. May we never hamper these innocent lives but instead let us embrace them in our affections and in prayerful intercession.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, You welcome all to be a part of Your kingdom: the young and the old, the weak and the strong, those born in ideal circumstances and those conceived in the worst imaginable setting. All the days ordained for our lives were written in Your book before one of them came to be. Because You take broken vessels and piece them back together with Your miraculous healing touch no soul is without hope. For those dedicated to spreading this message of life and hope to mothers and fathers of the unborn we pray that they will be spurred on by the power of Your Holy Spirit. May their voices make a welcoming difference to innocent lives in our hostile world, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Note: We moved from New England in 2001 and have lost touch with Kelsie and Kristie, who would now be about 14 years old. Perhaps we'll get an update from a friend in New England.

Today's Suggested Music

"Give me A Chance" (Audio)

"Stunning videos with musical background" (Video) (Video)

"The Silent Scream" (Video) This is a classic expression and if this film were remade with the imaging technology available today it would be even more remarkable. In the 80's I read Dr. Nathanson's book "Aborting America" chronicling his conversion from being an avid proponent of abortion and founder of one of the abortion organizations to being an articulate pro-life advocate as seen in this film. (Warning: the film is very graphic.)

Matt Weaber is a friend of mine who has a wonderful testimony. Read it here.

Titmouse
(photo by Doris High)

Administration Information

Stephen, Brooksyne and Ester Weber

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update
Revised 11/28/07

Musical playlists Classic hymns mix Christian eclectic mix

Daily Encouragement Net
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552
Contact us

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

Monday, January 21, 2008

"Soaring Like Eagles"

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Monday, January 21, 2008

Eagle carving by Tom Jenkins

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"Soaring Like Eagles"

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

Several weeks ago I shared in an encouragement message that I saw an eagle fly high over our home and I've seen it several times since. Yesterday Brooksyne and Ester spotted one on the way home from church and we kept an eye on it as it soared high above us with wings spread appearing to enjoy the bitterly cold weather. It seems I never have the camera ready when we spot the eagles - it would probably be too far away for an effective shot anyway.

The daily Scripture text is among the first verses I committed to memory as a young Christian. It was a popular chorus at that time and really still should be, since it's merely singing the very words of Scripture. It has so often been a source of assurance and strength in my life.

Isaiah 40 is recognized by many to be among the most powerful chapters of Scripture and even many secularists acknowledge the superb literary beauty of this passage.

The daily text is the final verse in this great chapter. What an encouraging promise! Read it slowly and aloud if you are able. "Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength." Isaiah, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote these words some 2,700 years ago. But the Word of God is living and active and this is a present unchangeable truth.

It presents an essential key to personal renewal - hoping in the Lord. We may look back and recall when we accepted the Lord, first placing our hope and trust in Him. That's wonderful. But this verse refers to an active, present tense hope and trust in the Lord.

The Full Life Study Bible has this note concerning the passage: "To hope in the Lord is to trust Him fully with our lives; it involves looking to Him as our source of help and grace in time of need. Those who hope in the Lord are promised:
1) God's strength to revive them in the midst of exhaustion and weakness, of suffering and trial;
2) The ability to rise above their difficulties like an eagle that soars in the sky; and
3) The ability to run spiritually without tiring and to walk steadily forward without fainting at God's delays. God promises that if His people will patiently trust Him, He will provide whatever is needed to sustain them constantly."

The image of a soaring eagle is used. "They will soar on wings like eagles." Many have observed the ability of the eagle to soar above the storms and likewise through our hope we can soar above the storms of life.

By God's grace may you hope in the Lord, may your strength be renewed and may you spiritually soar above the inevitable storms of life!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, we look to You for hope that renews our faith and restores our strength. In the midst of situations that challenge and weary us, Your power and strength never diminish. You never tire of us coming to You but rather You expect it. The promise of Your strength helps us rise above life's detours and difficulties. We place our confidence in You, unchanging God, and develop the fruit of patience as we wait on You to fulfill the promises You've made in Your Word. Amen.

Note: The version used for the chorus mentioned in the message is the King James and rather than hope the KJV uses wait, "They that wait upon the Lord…" The Amplified Bible is helpful in expressing the depth of the Hebrew word, "those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him.]"

I wish I could tell you I took this outstanding photo but I didn't! My sister Genelle sent it to me in a collection of beautiful photos.

Saturday morning we had a breakfast gathering in our home for the small group leaders chaired by our pastor, Bob Verno, who is at the top of the photo. Pastor had a great sermon yesterday on simple living and in the course of the message illustrated a point that sure gave the church a good laugh. He was illustrating extravagant purchases and showed his watch that he had purchased at a discount store. He said (to the effect) "This works just fine, it tells time as well as a Rolodex." Of course he meant Rolex!

Yesterday, several of Darrel's friends who served with the Youth With A Mission program had come up to visit and were gathered at our church. They were from Tennessee, Massachusetts and Maryland. These young people had been in the program at the same Colorado center where the murders occured last month. It was nice to visit with them and hear of their heart to live for the Lord. (Darrel is holding his niece.)

Today's Suggested Music

I was unable to find an audio of the chorus I mentioned in the message based on Isaiah 40:31 although I am sure many of you have sung it. I did find some great music with this theme as I searched though!

"For This Cause" (Audio) This is a beautiful song of commitment.

"They That Wait On The Lord" (Audio)

Some More Related Resources

Here's a video of a Bald eagle soaring and landing on rock.

Here's a very interesting website that has videos of cameras mounted on an eagle for a fascinating view. I find it interesting that the narrator speaks of the eagle's "superb aerodynamic design." It's so hard to avoid the recognition of a Designer!

Here is an excellent message drawing spiritual meaning from an eagle. This is one of the most researched articles on this matter I have ever come across.

The Story of the Carved Eagle

The wood carving of the eagle featured in the photo at the very top of this message was sent to me by Tom Jenkins, a professional woodcarver, whom I know only from this online writing ministry going back many years. Knowing of my interest in eagles he sent me the carving as a gift and I am so pleased! Tom has a wonderful testimony of deliverance and shares it in a written insert with each order. He has given me permission and would be pleased if I shared it with Daily Encouragement readers:

"For thirty years I was a drunk; an intelligent drunk.

I always worked and was good at my job, but I drank every day; from the time that I got off work until I went to bed and on the weekends, from the time I got up until I passed out.

I admired good drinkers and only hung out with the drinkers. I wouldn't go anywhere that I couldn't drink.

It's not as uncommon as you might think; no matter where I went I was able to find people just like me. It was a way of life and I liked it.
The only problem was I couldn't do anything else...at least, not well.

I loved woodcarving but could only do it for a few hours at a time. I knew myself well enough to know that I could never do it for a living. It would get in the way of my drinking.

My wife started going to church and she chose to attend a church 60 miles away in Phoenix. She always asked me if I wanted to go but never pushed. I eventually gave in so she packed me a 6-pack; three beers on the way to church and three beers for the ride home; a pretty good deal for me.

I was content and my wife was glad that I was going to church. But then after several months of this on Super Bowl Sunday in 1997, half way to Phoenix I started to cry. I told my wife that I had to be prayed for, that I had to quit drinking.

I was prayed for and I confessed my sins to Jesus.

That was the last day that I drink any alcohol. I had no side affects; no shakes, no bad dreams, no sleepless nights and no desire to drink. Jesus took it all away and I am free today.

That's why I'm able to be here.

My carvings are signed "T&J" for Tom and Jesus because I couldn't be doing this without Jesus."

Tom's website.

Administration Information

Stephen, Brooksyne and Ester Weber

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update
Revised 11/28/07

Musical playlists Classic hymns mix Christian eclectic mix

Daily Encouragement Net
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552
Contact us

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

Friday, January 18, 2008

"Genuine Friendships"

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Friday, January 18, 2008

We had our first significant snow of the season yesterday and it's beautiful outside. Here's a snowy path along Donegal Creek where Roxie and I walked yesterday during the snowfall. To view this photo in a larger desktop size with a Scripture verse click here.

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"Genuine Friendships"

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17).

For several years I served as a chaplain in a large produce distribution company. Initially I visited with many of the associates in a rather cramped, extremely busy office type environment with buyers and sellers constantly on the phone. (Several years ago they built a new spacious complex that certainly improved their previous cramped quarters.)

I enjoyed my visits there and most especially with two workers who had developed an unlikely friendship. Tony was from the Cleveland area and had an Italian Catholic background. He had relocated to Lancaster County several years earlier to accept his position with the produce company. Mel, on the other hand, was a long-term Lancaster County resident and a devout conservative Mennonite.

Tony had a vibrant sense of humor and outgoing friendliness and often ribbed Mel and the other associates in a good natured way. Mel was more quiet natured but enjoyed Tony's vibrancy as they both demonstrated their love for the Lord. Over the years I observed their camaraderie and friendship when I made my visits. Though their backgrounds varied significantly they had a deep respect for one another.

Early last year Tony was diagnosed with cancer and I spoke with him several times following his grim diagnosis. Mel also kept me informed of developments throughout the year. On Monday he informed me that his friend, Tony, had passed away. Mel and his wife drove out to Cleveland to attend the funeral service today. That's a mark of genuine friendship!

I enjoy studying Biblical friendships such as David and Jonathan, Paul and Timothy. One of the most intriguing and often maligned friendships are Job's three friends who "sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was" (Job 2:13). Seven days was the customary mourning period for the dead. Job's friends didn't give empty explanations at this point for his suffering, but they chose instead to suffer with him.

I consider those who have drawn near to me in my hour of grief or in periods of bewilderment and transition. They may not have the answers to improve my circumstances, but they do empathize with me in my suffering and stand with me even when I am unable to "give" in our friendship.

The Proverb I have chosen to use today speaks of the type of friendship Mel and Tony demonstrated. "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

"A friend loves at all times.." Loyalty is the dominant trait in genuine friendships yet is often lacking today. There are many instances that contribute to a loving relationship, but there are also experiences that test an enduring friendship. I've felt the scourge of a friend's betrayal and disloyalty as I'm sure you have.

"A brother is born for adversity.." Real friendships endure even in the midst of adversity. Perhaps this very loose paraphrase captures the meaning: "Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble."

As I go through life I try to collect friends, the longest going back over forty-five years ago to first grade and another going back over thirty years ago when I first started in ministry. I continue to make friends and hope to do so until the Lord calls me home. Friendships enrich our quality of life.

Today do you have a friend(s) that you could encourage and express gratitude for? Perhaps just saying, "Thanks for being such a good friend" would bring a youthful spring to one's slow step. The other night, following a church service, a friend walked through a crowd of people toward Brooksyne. She took her hand and with an affectionate smile said, "I want to thank you for being my friend." It certainly warmed Brooksyne's heart as she later told me about their brief exchange of conversation. True friends are a lasting treasure.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, help me to be like a refreshing cup of cold water on a hot summer's day to the friends You've given me. May I contribute encouragement, comfort, wisdom, accountability, and loyalty to our friendship. Help me to reserve judgment and faithfully pray for my friends as we walk together heart to heart and hand in hand. Amen.

Brooksyne and I have been "best friends" for nearly 35 years now. I hope your marriage is based on a friendship with your lifetime partner!

Tony & Marge Arruda Everett & Irene Dupont

This morning's message brought to mind another friendship I recall observing. Everett and Tony were two senior members of the church we served in New England. They would always sit together with their wives on one of the short pews, inevitably filling it. Pastors like to see the pews full! They both came into the church at different times, relatively later in their lives. What I find remarkable is that the enduring friendship of Everett and Tony actually goes back to their early childhood. Tony (left in photo) passed away shortly after we moved to Pennsylvania in 2001.

Today's Suggested Music

"Friends" (Audio) For many years I have enjoyed this song as it relates to long-term friendship. I suppose it dates Michael W. Smith since it was already well-known and sung at our farewell from St. Marys PA in 1993 and again when we moved from New England in early 2001.

Here's an instrumental version played on the piano by Joy Steincross, my cousin George's wife. Dub (as we cousins have always called him) is a retired minister yet he and Joy stay very active and always have a place for us in the Kansas City area when we are out that way. They were especially kind and attentive to my folks during their last years before my Dad died in 1998. Here's Joy's webpage.

Let us share some snowscape photos
from our neck of the woods!

We enjoy the snow and this side view outside of our dining room.

A frosty tree along Musser Road about a mile from our house.

I stepped outside just before I finished our work this morning and took a photo of this oak tree. I enjoy the color contrast. It is making an interesting crackling sound as the snow and frost fall off it!

I mentioned yesterday that I found an interesting source for online music. I want to share it again.
Classic hymns mix A collection of ten of my favorite hymns.
Christian eclectic mix A longer collection of contemporary songs (as many as I could place on the playlist!) Some I had heard before, most were new to me. Several are by artists I am familiar with, but most I had never heard of.

Administration Information

Stephen, Brooksyne and Ester Weber

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!"

Personal Ministry Update
Revised 11/28/07

Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. Would you please consider a financial offering to support us in this encouragement ministry? Thanks! See here for details. (2008 YTD financial offerings 1/16/2008 $595.00)

Join: To receive these free "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe. You can also subscribe to the rss feed.

Cancel: To remove your address from this mailing list merely use the link automatically placed by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each message.

Weekly Version: The weekly version is designed for those who do not check their email regularly. It is merely the Friday message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.)

Please feel free to pass this message on!

Daily Encouragement Net
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552
Contact us

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