Daily Encouragement (07/03/09) "People of Conviction"

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A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. Home   ·   About Us   ·   ·  Podcast  ·  Free email See here for more info. <Previous Messages    ·    Archives    ·    Archive/print edition Friday, July 3, 2009 A well-watered garden in Perry County, PA. Click here for a large desktop version of the photo. Listen to us share this message on your audio player. "People of Conviction" "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). "They are a nation without sense, there is no discernment in them" (Deuteronomy 32:28).     Tomorrow is Independence Day here in America with many beginning to celebrate today and throughout the extended weekend.  I realize many readers live outside of the USA but you can also apply today's brief challenge to the nation in which you live. In fact. in one way or another there's nowhere on earth this message would not apply. Proverbs 14:34 describes two contrasting outlooks concerning the state of a nation in God's reckoning: 1) "Righteousness exalts a nation." Righteousness in this case refers to people seeking to live according to God's holy standards as expressed in His Word. As people seek to live this way a nation is exalted or elevated; it is upright. By "nation" we may think of a present day political subdivision but the sense here is a people group. 2) "But sin is a disgrace to any people."  A great definition of sin is from the Westminster Catechism, a helpful learning tool developed during the Reformation which taught the faith with questions followed by brief answers. What is sin? "Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God."  Sin is a disgrace or, as translated in many versions, a "reproach". It stains, separates, and brings shame to the transgressor. Consider the disgrace of rampant sexual immorality, violence, idolatry, dishonesty, greed and so many other evidences of sin in our land.  It seems day by day this disgrace increases and the pace has certainly accelerated here in the USA in recent years, and is even more visible in recent months.  A depraved entertainer dies and the media and masses practically deify him. June was declared by our president a month to celebrate sexual perversions. Here in my state (Pennsylvania) our governor is an ardent gambling proponent and in the last several years casino gambling has been approved as a means of urban renewal and tax relief!  A state-sponsored ad promoting gambling speaks of the players as "investing".  What a sad, pathetic condition this land is in. Deuteronomy 32:28 is taken from the context of a nation experiencing God's judgment; summed up with this description, "without sense, no discernment". Today I write to the people of God scattered throughout the world and encourage you to pray and live out a godly life against the grain of popular culture.  In this great spiritual darkness Jesus continues to call His followers to "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).  Calvin Coolidge observed that "the strength of a country is the strength of its religious convictions."  It is obvious by the sin that abounds in our land that our spiritual convictions are very weak in our present day. Let us, as Christ's true disciples, be people of conviction who will stand up for righteousness.  May we be counted among those who exercise spiritual sense and discernment.  By doing so our righteousness will have a part in exalting this nation and help to bring about spiritual change in the lives of those living within our nation! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer:  Father, we want to live above the fray of this world as a people of righteousness set apart for Your purpose.  We forsake the things of this world that bring disgrace to Your holy name and live for the purpose of bringing glory, honor and praise to You, our Father.  We pray for our nation, for the turning away from our sins and turning toward the abundant life we find in Christ our Lord.  You've called us to repentance and to share the good news of salvation to all who are lost.  Help us to seek a fresh calling upon our lives to be obedient in this commission from Scripture.  In Jesus name we pray, Amen. "Spiritual Revival" To all of God's people who are interested in the study of His Word, in the development of their own Christian lives, in a revival of the spiritual life of the Church, in the conversion of sinners, and in the evangelization of the world: Many thoughtful people have come to feel strongly that the hope of the church today is in a deep and widespread revival.  We are confronted with difficulties that can be met in no other way.  The enemy has come in like a flood - it is time for those who believe in a supernatural religion to look to God to lift up a standard against him.  Oh, for a revival of such power that the tide of unbelief and worldliness that is sweeping in upon us shall be beaten back; that every Christian shall be lifted to a higher level of life and power, and multitudes of perishing souls be converted to God!  Why not?  God's arm is not shortened, nor His ear heavy. The history of revivals proves that such a work must begin at the house of God.  Who can doubt that if somehow the Church could be thoroughly aroused – not a mere scratching of the surface of our emotions, but a deep heart-work that shall make us right with God and clothe us with power in prayer and service – this century would witness the mightiest movements of the Holy Spirit since Pentecost! Let us break up our fallow ground, seek a fresh anointing of the Spirit, and then move forward, expecting great things of God. (D.L. Moody wrote the above message about Spiritual Revival to Christian workers, inviting them to attend a Conference at Northfield, MA, in August of 1899 (four months before his death at 62 years.)  We include this message today because, though it was penned 110 years ago, its message is timely for our nation and our world.)   Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources Click on the link to open and play. (In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.) "If My People Pray"  Video  Avalon "Purify My heart"  Video  Brian Doerkson "Restore My Soul"  Audio "Give Us Clean Hands"  Video  Chris Tomlin The Westminster Shorter Catechism  Here is a complete online version. I regret that a teaching method like this is not used more today, including in my own ministry. Regardless of what country you may live in we all sure need a heaven-sent revival! This Sunday morning July 5 our church will join many others in participating in "Call2Fall", a nationwide prayer meeting. We encourage others to look into this, especially pastors here in America. Essentially this is a definite time during worship on Sunday, July 5th when we get on our knees before the Lord in repentant prayer, pleading with God to reshape our lives, renew our land, and send times of refreshing (See 2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 3:19).  Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update Revised 05/08/09 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 daily encouragement ministry? Donations are tax deductible and will be receipted directly by my chaplaincy endorsing ministry. Thanks!  See here for details. (2009 YTD financial offerings through 7/2/09: $5,770.00) SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Were you forwarded this edition of Daily Encouragement Net?  If you desire you can receive your own free! To receive these "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe. This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR a friend forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the rss feed. or as an email subscription update through feedburner.  Subscribe to Daily Encouragement Updates by Email Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If these messages no longer meet your needs (providing encouragement) you can remove your address by merely use 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. 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. 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!) Last updated with the story of Mildred Swanson, who joyfully discovers her "spiritual gift" is sending forwarded emails! (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. We are distributing this CD without charge in our ministry. All of these songs are also available for download on the site. If any reader in this series would like a CD merely write us and request one. Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com. Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for using these links when purchasing online through CBD! 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. © Copyright 2009 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 Contact us Endorsed chaplain "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation" www.dailyencouragement.net

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Daily Encouragement (07/02/09) "A Safeguard For The Soul"

   Daily Encouragement Net   Trouble reading this message?  Read online or see archives

A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. Home   ·   About Us   ·   ·  Podcast  ·  Free email See here for more info. <Previous Messages    ·    Archives    ·    Archive/print edition Thursday, July 2, 2009 Amish hay harvest All through the summer there are different times for harvest. This is alfalfa hay being harvested by my friends Eli and Jesse. The team pulls the operation but a gasoline-powered generator is used to run the hay baler. Do you notice the puff of smoke in the background (center left)?  That's the steam engine from the Strasburg Railroad. Listen to us share this message on your audio player. "A Safeguard For The Soul" "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you" (Philippians 3:1). "So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things" (2 Peter 1:12-15). What do you think of when you hear the word "safeguard"? For many years it has been a popular brand of bath soap and we periodically use it in our home. I like the fragrance and supposedly using it is a "safeguard" against offensive body odors.  We also serve as chaplains at a company called Safeguard that, among other things, makes pet homes and thus the name.  But today's first text deals with another type of safeguard, one we will call a "safeguard for the soul." For many as we get older we tend to be more forgetful and may speak of "senior moments" or as a friend shared in last night's Bible Study, "data overload".  This is generally short-term memory loss (like forgetting where we put our wallet, coffee cup, car keys, cell phone, etc.).  These are common sources of minor frustration in our home. Apparently a different part of our brain is used for long-term memory and it is not necessarily related. When my mom's fall resulted in a major head injury over ten years ago we were advised to expect the greatest impact would be her short-term memory and that proved to be true.  We need certain prompts to keep us on track, like some tying a string around a finger or post-it notes (we use a lot of those!). Today we want to share about the most important memory prompts, reminders of spiritual truths. I have on occasion taught a senior class.  Most class members have been believers for many years and are familiar with the teachings of the Bible.  I realize particularly with this group my function as a teacher is to remind and reinforce truths they already know and spur them on to faithfulness toward God.  Now certainly I hope that I periodically share a new insight or perspective on an old truth but I am fundamentally committed to "earnestly contending for the faith once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). I am not interested in "tickling ears" (see 2 Timothy 4:2-4) Let me ask you a question as a maturing believer (if we are a believer we should all be in the process of maturing whether young or old in age).  How do you respond when you receive teaching that you are familiar with?  Among some I have noticed a critical spirit expressed by a cavalier, "I already know that" attitude, while many clamor after "new teachings".  I so appreciate those who have a sweet, receptive spirit and accept the reminders of truth with joy. That's how I want to be as I "mature" in years and Christian experience.  May old well-known truths bring reassurance and refreshing to my inner soul. The daily texts, although written by two different apostles (Paul and Peter), are similar and express an attitude we should have when we are reminded of truths of which we are already familiar.  The apostle Paul was aware that he had shared the same things before with the Philippians but spoke of them as a "safeguard".  That's a great attitude for us to have as we receive unchanging truth in this day where the shifting sands of relativism abound.  Although Peter was confident his readers not only knew the truths he shared but were also established in them, he pledged to be steadfast in reminding them of these things. He was determined to "make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things."  That's a faithful minister! Do you receive the reminders of truth with joy?  I recall the line in an old hymn that puts it this way, "I love to tell the story, for those who know it best, seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest."  That's how I want to be! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, may our hearts reflect that of songwriter Catherine Hankey who found it a privilege to repeat the gospel message to all who would hear.  With each telling of the salvation story she found its message more wonderfully sweet within her own spirit.  May we never weary of the basics of the gospel and never lose the awe and wonder of seeing a life that is changed when redemption takes place.  We want to hunger and thirst after righteousness and never lose sight of the old, old story that will be our theme throughout eternity.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.   An old memory! Brooksyne's paternal grandpa, Elbert Sherrell, was one of the godliest men I ever met.  He and his wife lived in a very simple concrete block home on a desolate mountain ridge in northwest Arkansas which was reached after traveling about twenty miles of rugged dirt roads.  He didn't drive and used a team of mules for farming.  He and Brooksyne's grandma made a monthly trip to town with one of his children for food supplies.  He had a very simple but extremely earnest faith that set him apart as one who loved the fundamental truths of the gospel. Over thirty years later I can still hear his earnest voice as he prayed nightly for his children and grandchildren. He was mentally as sharp as a tack until he died suddenly of a heart attack while going about his farm work.  One night shortly after we married we drove down from the Springfield MO area and visited her grandparents. We thought it would be exciting (or perhaps I did) to go back into a corner of the property and sleep out under the black canopy of stars in the back of our little pickup. Brooksyne had heard many stories of weird things (unsolved mysteries) that had happened on the mountain since childhood which she began to speak of as we lay in the wide open space. The sound of the summer insects and wild animal sounds in the mountains was practically deafening. Needless to say we didn't sleep very well.  It was very scary and we were most anxious to see the sunrise in the very early morning hours!  For the curious here's a google map of the location. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources Click on the link to open and play. (In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.) "I Love To Tell The Story"  Video  The Chuck Wagon Gang "Wonderful Words Of Life"  Video  Gaither Homecoming Safeguard Products We will visit this company today. Regardless of what country you may live in we sure need a revival! On Sunday morning July 5 our church will join many others in participating in "Call2Fall", a nationwide prayer meeting. We encourage others to look into this, especially pastors here in America. Essentially this is a definite time during worship on Sunday, July 5th when we get on our knees before the Lord in repentant prayer, pleading with God to reshape our lives, renew our land, and send times of refreshing (See 2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 3:19).  Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update Revised 05/08/09 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 daily encouragement ministry? Donations are tax deductible and will be receipted directly by my chaplaincy endorsing ministry. Thanks!  See here for details. (2009 YTD financial offerings through 7/1/09: $5,770.00) SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Were you forwarded this edition of Daily Encouragement Net?  If you desire you can receive your own free! To receive these "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe. This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR a friend forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the rss feed. or as an email subscription update through feedburner.  Subscribe to Daily Encouragement Updates by Email Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If these messages no longer meet your needs (providing encouragement) you can remove your address by merely use 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. 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. 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!) Last updated with the story of Mildred Swanson, who joyfully discovers her "spiritual gift" is sending forwarded emails! (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. We are distributing this CD without charge in our ministry. All of these songs are also available for download on the site. If any reader in this series would like a CD merely write us and request one. Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com. Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for using these links when purchasing online through CBD! 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. © Copyright 2009 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 Contact us 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!

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Daily Encouragement (07/01/09) "A Good Name"

   Daily Encouragement Net   Trouble reading this message?  Read online or see archives

A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. Home   ·   About Us   ·   ·  Podcast  ·  Free email See here for more info. <Previous Messages    ·    Archives    ·    Archive/print edition Wednesday, July 1, 2009 Late yesterday afternoon we witnessed this brilliant cloud pattern in the sky as the sun hid behind it. Listen to us share this message on your audio player. "A Good Name" "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold" (Proverbs 22:1). Last week we passed a sign in New Jersey that caught our attention. I don't think I've ever seen a road named for Delilah and would find it interesting to learn of its origin. I wonder if it was named after a real person.  Did they have knowledge of the Bible character? (See Judges 16) Normally when we name a child after someone, especially a Bible name, we consider the character of the person who bears (or bore) the name. I've met a lot of men with names like John, Mark or Paul and women named Mary, Sarah and Rachel. But certain Biblical characters have few people or places named after them. They just aren't "good names".  I've never met a woman named Delilah or Jezebel, or a man named Nabal or Ahab. "A good name is more desirable than great riches."  When I was younger I assumed this meant having a name one liked.  I've always liked my name since I am named after Stephen, a bold, uncompromising Bible character.  My middle name is Clark and I like that because I think of the explorers Lewis and Clark. But frankly there are certain names I am sure glad my parents didn't choose to name me.  I won't mention these names, since it might actually be someone's name and I certainly don't want to offend!    But a "good name" in the text means a name that connotes a person of honorable character and good reputation.  For instance when we refer to a business that is known for honesty and integrity, we often say, "It has a good name." Having a good name is truly more desirous than possessing great riches which only have short duration. A good name is developed over time, really a life time, and the true judgment of success will not be known until this life is over and we personally meet the Lord. The highest standard will be to hear our Lord say these words directly to us, "Well done, good and faithful servant."   Consider your name.  What do you suppose others think when they speak your name or hear it spoken in various group settings (home, church, work, neighborhood, etc.)?  Does it reflect a person who has a good name based upon integrity, truthfulness and godly character, one who is not self-absorbed but is concerned for the interests of others? When you get right down to it, it's not what we've accomplished or how much we've accumulated that counts in the end.  It's who we are as a person that will determine whether or not our name is spoken in a favorable way.  Indeed, "to be esteemed is better than silver or gold."     Be encouraged today,     Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer:  Jesus, Your name stands out above every name. When we speak Your name the demons flee, the sick are restored, the weak are strengthened, and those held captive to sin are freed. It is only in the name of Jesus that we find salvation, for there is no other name in heaven or on earth whereby we can be saved.  We, as Christians, take on the derivative of Your Messianic name, when we receive You as our Savior.  We want to honor You as we bear Your name before a cynical unbelieving world. May our actions and attitudes not bring blemish or present opportunity for the unconverted to mock and ridicule those who identify themselves as Christians.  Instead may our lives be set apart for Your glory like Daniel, who purposed in his heart, not to defile his God.  May we also have a good name like Daniel whose godless Babylonian administration could find no corruption in him because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Though the world may not agree with our stand for You may we be seen as people who are honorable and trustworthy.  It is in the name of Christ that we pray.  Amen. Note from Brooksyne: Speaking of names, mine has always distinguished me from all the rest (in school, church, work, etc.).  People often inquire about the pronunciation and the origin as well.  Brooksyne is pronounced Brook-seen'.  I would be unable to count the number of times I've explained it and had to pronounce it since I was young enough to speak for myself.  My father's name was Brooklyn and my folks were hoping for a baby boy, but surprise, I was a girl!  Mom had to come up with some derivative and thus the name "Brooksyne" originated 53 years ago.  In the past twenty-five years the name "Brooke" has become popularized and has made my name a bit less distinct.  I would have welcomed that as a child, but I've come to appreciate the distinctness of an original name.  But my heartfelt prayer is that my life will always reflect that of a person with "a good name" (not just because it's unusual, not because I'm perfect cause I certainly am not, but because I have lived a life set apart for Christ and tried to honor Him in all my ways.) Stephen's note: Today's message causes me to ponder concerning a pet peeve I have concerning naming; that is naming a building or institution after yourself (or allowing others to do so) while you're still alive. I recall in Bible College a church in Springfield where the pastor had named a new educational wing after himself, or at the very least allowed others to name it after him. In my lifetime several have named colleges they founded after themselves and in some cases later took a hard and notorious fall.  I recall meeting a young man who had gone to one of these colleges and noted his embarrasment whenever someone asked him, "Where did you go to college?" Now after you have passed away and finished the race faithfully if someone else wants to name something after you that's a different story! Yesterday afternoon our longtime friends Ken & Nila came over and joined us for supper, along with their son David. Ken brought over a truckload of straw for our garden and David helped him unload it. David is growing up quickly and learning to work and serve others just like his dad. He'll soon have his second birthday. Here's a photo I took on his literal birthday. Later some new friends stopped by for an evening visit. Mike & Nikki are involved in ministry to motorcylists and lead the local Bikers For Christ chapter. We learned a lot about the biker culture and commend this couple for their efforts in reaching out to this people group. Here's the site for the Susquehanna Valley Chapter that Mike leads. In today's message we referred to a road sign in New Jersey. We pass this road sign in Centre County as we travel through central Pennsylvania.  We consider how it would be neat to live on Bible Road! Many of you will recall a childhood song and if you're like us you'll immediately recall the words: The B-I-B-L-E Yes that's the book for me. I stand upon the Word of God The B-I-B-L-E. Here's a second verse I found to the B-I-B-L-E song that I don't recall singing as a child. I like it! The B-I-B-L-E Yes that's the book for me I read and pray, trust and obey The B-I-B-L-E. The B-I-B-L-E, yes that's the book for me! (audio mp3) Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources Click on the link to open and play. (In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.) As I prepared today's message this book came to mind: Bad Girls of the Bible By Liz Curtis Higgs / Random House, Inc Women everywhere marvel at those "good girls" in Scripture---Sarah, Mary, Esther---but on most days, that's not who they see when they look in the mirror. Most women (if they're honest) see the selfishness of Sapphira or the deception of Delilah. They catch of glimpse of Jezebel's take-charge pride or Eve's disastrous disobedience. Like Bathsheba, Herodias, and the rest, today's modern woman is surrounded by temptations, exhausted by the demands of daily living, and burdened by her own desires. So what's a good girl to do? Learn from their lives, says Liz Curtis Higgs, and by God's grace, choose a better path. In Bad Girls of the Bible, Higgs offers a unique and clear-sighted approach to understanding those "other women" in Scripture, combining a contemporary retelling of their stories with a verse-by-verse study of their mistakes and what lessons women today can learn from them. Whether they were "Bad to the Bone," "Bad for a Season, but Not Forever" or only "Bad for a Moment," these infamous sisters show women how not to handle the challenges of life. With her trademark humor and encouragement, Higgs teaches you how to avoid their tragic mistakes and joyfully embrace grace.  Includes reflection questions at the end of each chapter. Bad Boys of the New Testament: Exploring Men of Questionable Virtue By Barbara J. Essex / Pilgrim Press When teaching or preaching about biblical characters we tend to present them as perfect human beings and role models. If we look closer we will find that the Bible does no such thing. Along with the courageous and heroic character traits of a person the outrageous and underhanded instincts are depicted as well. This 8 week study of seven biblical men will deepen, broaden, and expand your faith as you examine the whole picture of humanity and are reminded of God's gracious and merciful love for us. Commentary, background, reflection questions, and suggestions for preaching and teaching the "bad boys" are included. Regardless of what country you may live in we sure need a revival! On Sunday morning July 5 our church will join many others in participating in "Call2Fall", a nationwide prayer meeting. We encourage others to look into this, especially pastors here in America. Essentially this is a definite time during worship on Sunday, July 5th when we get on our knees before the Lord in repentant prayer, pleading with God to reshape our lives, renew our land, and send times of refreshing (See 2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 3:19).  Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update Revised 05/08/09 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 daily encouragement ministry? Donations are tax deductible and will be receipted directly by my chaplaincy endorsing ministry. Thanks!  See here for details. (2009 YTD financial offerings through 6/29/09: $5,770.00) SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Were you forwarded this edition of Daily Encouragement Net?  If you desire you can receive your own free! To receive these "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe. This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR a friend forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the rss feed. or as an email subscription update through feedburner.  Subscribe to Daily Encouragement Updates by Email Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If these messages no longer meet your needs (providing encouragement) you can remove your address by merely use 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. 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. 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!) Last updated with the story of Mildred Swanson, who joyfully discovers her "spiritual gift" is sending forwarded emails! (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. We are distributing this CD without charge in our ministry. All of these songs are also available for download on the site. If any reader in this series would like a CD merely write us and request one. Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com. Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for using these links when purchasing online through CBD! 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. © Copyright 2009 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 Contact us Endorsed chaplain "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation" www.dailyencouragement.net

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