Daily Encouragement (05/09/11) "Christ's Glorious Trifecta" "Jesus Saves!!!" (Hebrews 12:2,3)

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Follow Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter        The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. Home · About Us ·· Podcast · Free email <Previous Message  ·  Archives  ·  Archive edition Monday, May 9, 2011 Steudler Azalea Gardens 40 Day New Testament Reading/Listening Plan: We began a 40 day New Testament reading plan on April 3. If you want to participate and have not been following the reading schedule up to this point we suggest starting with today's reading and reading previous portions after this reading period ends. Here's the entire 40 day schedule. The links below will open to the selection to be read along with a built-in listening device.  Today's reading (May 9): 1 John 2-Jude beginning here. Listen to this message on your audio player. "Christ's Glorious Trifecta" "Jesus Saves!!!" "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:2,3). Yesterday was an extra special day for us. On May 8th we celebrate our wedding anniversary (1976) and my ordination to ministry (1979). But this year was also Mother's Day, so we really had three celebration events on one day. Last night I was talking to my brother in California and he told me that we had a trifecta, an interesting term I had heard of but don't commonly use, so I had to look it up. Turns out it's in part a horse racing term, but it also means "a run of three grand events".  That got me thinking about the greatest trifecta of all.   Our daily text begins "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him." To "fix our eyes" means to look away from other things and steadfastly or intently toward a distant object, at that which fills the heart. The idea is to direct one’s attention without distraction. Today let us consider three grand events comprising this glorious trivecta in the life of Christ as expressed in the remainder of this verse: 1) Christ endured the cross. We have the accounts in the Gospels of His endurance as He was completing the mission His Father had sent Him to earth to accomplish; His sacrificial death for the redemption of the human race.  Endured literally means "to remain under but not simply with resignation, but rather with a vibrant hope". It describes one who continues in an activity despite resistance and opposition. Jesus endured short-term pain because of the certainty of long-term gain. 2) Christ scorned the shame. I find an elaboration in the Amplified Bible helpful here, "ignoring the shame".  The cross at His time brought only shame (it was the most shameful of deaths, “yea, the death of the cross” Philippians 2:8). But Jesus ignored that and did his Father’s will by submitting to it. 3) Christ sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. The death and resurrection of Christ are not explicit in this passage but certainly powerfully taught. He who endured and despised the shame of the Cross, died for our sins, was resurrected, ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. In fact the writer of Hebrews introduced Jesus with the description... "When He had made purification of sins (His work of salvation as the sacrificial Lamb of God was accomplished once and for all), He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Hebrews 1:3). As a result of Christ's glorious trifecta we are called to "consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men." The word "consider" translates the Greek "analogizomai" which is used only here in the entire New Testament. (The English word "analyze" is related to this word.)  It means to carefully estimate and contemplate.  There's a powerful reason for this consideration, "so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."  Encouragement is a prominent theme in the book of Hebrews. In fact regular readers may recall that the theme verse for this ministry comes from Hebrews 3:13, "encourage one another daily." Today we have this same need don't we? By deeply contemplating these various aspects of Christ's redemptive trifecta, we receive encouragement and renewed determination to press on in our faith, even in the midst of opposition.  Jesus Saves! Sing above the battle strife: Jesus saves! Jesus saves! By His death and endless life Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Shout it brightly through the gloom, When the heart for mercy craves; Sing in triumph o’er the tomb: Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Jesus, we want to fix our eyes, our thoughts, and our affections on You, our blessed Redeemer.  Though You faced enormous opposition that would provide understandable excuse for altering Your redemption plan, nevertheless You endured the cross and scorned it's shame. Thank you that you died for our sins and rose in victory and returned to Your Father to sit at His right hand. When we consider the depth of Your commitment we're even more determined to be faithful in the night seasons of our Christian walk.  Help us to endure by keeping our eyes, not on that which is seen, but on the unseen future rewards that You promise to those who are faithful.  We pray this in Your name.  Amen. Our friends Tom and Marsha are young grandparents and are still physically fit.Tom managed to get on this Amish trike during a visit last fall.  They came to our church as a young married couple some 30 years ago. We were encouraged and humored by a note Brooksyne received from Marsha this morning concerning an experience in Children's Church yesterday: I must tell you what I said to the kids yesterday. In Children's Church I began to review  the ABC's of Proverbs which Krista and I have been teaching for several months.  I started from the letter "A" and began to elaborate on each letter and let the kids say what word goes with each letter: (Like, what is our "A" word? They answer, "Avoid" for "Avoid evil".... and so on for each letter). So, I get to the letter "F" and I ask with GREAT enthusiasm, "What is the "F" word?" I realize RIGHT away what I just asked as I glanced at a surprised 10 year old's face (his second time in Children's Church), along with the open mouth of my son-in-law Bill who had come to sit with his boys and is now blushing. Right away, I have to prompt the children that it is a good word that starts with the letter "F"-FRIENDS. Oh my! The teasing I had to put up with at the dinner table! Our wedding photo (May 8, 1976) (Click on photo to enlarge) For family members and friends: My brother, Pat, a newly credentialed minister at the time, performed the ceremony and is standing behind us. My sister Genelle was maid of honor standing on the platform to Brooksyne's left. My Mom and Dad are in the front row to my right. Saturday afternoon our friends Mike and Nicole Martin dropped by for a visit. They obviously ride motorcycles but also have a chaplaincy ministry to bike clubs and have made many inroads to present a witness for Christ. We stopped in Friday to see and pray with Jeanette Steudler who is in her nineties. She has one of the most pleasant dispositions we have ever encountered in the elderly! Jeanette has beautiful well tended Azaleas and Rhododendrens in her yard, gifts from her sons over the years every Mother's Day. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Jesus Saves"  Video   Travis Cottrell  Outstanding version of an old hymn with photos and lyrics. We encourage our readers to especially listen to this song and rejoice in what God has done! "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"  Video   "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"  Video  This version begins with a beautiful violin solo We are blessed and heartened by careful readers. A friend from Maine pointed out that the lighthouse in the background of a photo taken in our living room is the Bass Harbor Lighthouse located on the Southeast coast of Mount Desert Island in Maine. Many years ago we vacationed on Mount Desert Island where Acadia national Park is located. It is a beautiful place. My most distinct memory though and a reminder that I was still kind of foolhardy in my late thirties/early forties was racing down Cadillac Mountain on my bike at over 50 miles per hour! Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/31/10) 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. 2011 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 5/8/11: $3,375.00 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 by us 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 through feedburner. Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If you no longer desire to receive these messages you can remove your address from the list by merely using the link automatically inserted by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each email message. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.) Weekly Version: The weekly version is intended for those who may not check their email regularly or who may desire less frequent mailings. It is Friday's message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter: The daily message and prayer on Facebook.  The daily message and prayer on Twitter. Reader Survey:  Please take a few minutes to assist us in improving our ministry effectiveness by filling out this online reader survey. To take the survey click here. 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. All of these songs are also available for download on the site. 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 2011 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 (05/06/11) "The Living and Active Word of God"

Daily Encouragement Net -A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.

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Follow Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter        The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. Home · About Us ·· Podcast · Free email <Previous Message  ·  Archives  ·  Archive edition Friday, May 6, 2011 Lancaster County PA farm Hossler Road near Mount Joy. 40 Day New Testament Reading/Listening Plan: We began a 40 day New Testament reading plan on April 3. If you want to participate and have not been following the reading schedule up to this point we suggest starting with today's reading and reading previous portions after this reading period ends. Here's the entire 40 day schedule. The links below will open to the selection to be read along with a built-in listening device.  Today's reading (May 6): Hebrews 2-10 beginning here. Listen to this message on your audio player. "The Living and Active Word of God" "For the Word of God is living and active" (Hebrews 4:12). I remember well the day Brooksyne and I visited with a woman whose father had recently passed away. Patty works at a machine shop where we serve as chaplains and showed us the treasured possession her father left her; his Bible which she had carefully wrapped in plastic. We paged through the Bible and got a glimpse of his spiritual journey as we observed marked passages and notes he had written down such as this one: "Let my life be a window To let Your light shine through And a mirror to reflect Your love through me." Brooksyne shared with her that of all the material treasures a parent could leave to a child nothing could be more valuable than a cherished, oft-read, well-worn Bible. The wisdom transmitted from parent to child is but for a season, but the Bible is living and continues to reveal truth and wisdom to present and future generations. Its message is always relevant as it explores and engages the heart of those who choose to read it. Though Patty's dad had died he left a living Bible as a remembrance of his earthly life based on the eternal values found throughout the Bible. "The Word of God is living and active." One of my favorite sounds is Bible pages turning simultaneously in a Bible Study or a church service. One advantage of PowerPoint so commonly used in churches today is that Scripture can be displayed using one Bible version so that all can read together as well as reinforcing the message with the displayed notes. But on the other hand, in our view anyway, a growing number of people no longer follow along in their own Bibles as was the practice in past generations. I just wonder how this is contributing to Biblical illiteracy. My spirit is stirred when I see people earnestly incorporating the teachings of the Bible in their lives. The Bible is not a mere token of our religiosity that we display on a coffee table, but as the Word of God it is an instrument that is living and active. The Word of God is living (zoe). The Word of God is always alive! In the Book of Acts Stephen referred to Moses as a penman who "received living words to pass on to us." Although Stephen preached this message some 1,400 years after Moses received the words from God he acknowledges them as living words. Now nearly 2000 years after Stephen's sermon they are still "living words." The apostle Peter calls it "the living and enduring word of God." An old hymn uses the repeated phrase, "Wonderful Words of Life." The Word of God is active (energes). We get the English word "energy" from this Greek word. My Greek reference tool points out that this word is used often for "divine activity which produces effective results." Today, all over the world God's active Word is being proclaimed and lives are being changed hour by hour, day after day. As I prepare this encouragement message today I'm reminded of what a tremendous blessing it is to have God's Holy Word. The Word is truly living and active in my life as I appropriate the truths revealed in its pages. I encourage each reader who has the tremendous blessing of possessing their own Bible to read it regularly. Embrace it fully. Hide its message deep in your heart. Use it as a guide for prayer. Obey the commands contained therein and give thanks to God for the privilege you have to read from it freely. We also consider fellow believers living in closed countries who must conceal the Scriptures or read them in hiding. To be caught with the Scriptures would result in imprisonment or physical punishment. Many others do not even have full Bibles. I believe God has a very special reward awaiting them in heaven much like the martyrs who will receive a special crown. May God help us to be diligent readers of His Holy Word and faithful followers of His wise counsel. Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. The radiant light of Your Scripture goes before us dispelling the darkness of the enemy. It is living and active; therefore, it is always relevant, right up to date, and a foundation for our soul. Help us not to turn to the right nor to the left, but to keep our eyes fixed on Your Holy Word and our hearts tuned to the Holy Spirit so that we will be faithful to the very end of this life as we know it. We greatly desire to hear Your words of commendation on the other side, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Amen. Brooksyne's note: I, too, want God's Word to be active in my life and engrafted into my heart. I am a strong believer in the memorization of God's Word and try to regularly memorize portions of the Bible. Imagine some closed countries where thirty or more rely on one Bible as they pass it among congregational members since the Bible is prohibited in their country. Many of us have multiple versions of the Bible sitting on our shelves, many of them unused for weeks, months or years at a time. May we be faithful to read and obey His Holy Word – it is the best and most accurate living "self-help" book you will ever possess. At the very top of my treasured possessions is the Bible my father passed onto me which was passed onto him from his godly father. It's a blessed three generational Bible! I recall, as a child, how we gathered in the living room at my grandparent's house and we would read a chapter in the Bible before we knelt in prayer. I was thrilled when it was my turn to read. This is a photo of Grandpa and me sitting on the sand at Horsehead Lake located in the valley below his 200 acre farm on a mountain top.  I was a junior in Bible College in Missouri at the time and came with three other friends (one being Stephen) to hold a revival in Grandpa's church. By this time I had learned a whole lot more about Jesus and was growing to love Him the way my grandpa did.  For the curious here's a google map of the location. My grandparents eked out a living farming on any flat or partially flat land at the top of the mountain. Quite a contrast to the fertile farmland here in Lancaster County! My grandpa was certainly a simple country folk and he was the best grandpa in the whole world. (I say it without any partiality:) Last night we joined our friends Jim and Loine Hain, along at her parents' house for dinner. They are visiting from Roanoke Virginia. Jim is a retired minister and avid photographer so we have some common interests.  The Cream of Tomato Soup was delicious! We came up on these ducks last night along Donegal Creek who were waddling fast as they could to get away from us (especially our dogs). It was funny to watch them try to run; something the Creator just didn't design them to do, not in a way that would be admired;   instead we chuckle!   Finally they had the sense to just jump in the Creek, and it is in the water that they are greatly admired as they "glide" up or down the creek (floating and paddling, seemingly without effort)! Last night Ester joined her friend Ashley to attend an honors ceremony where Ashley submitted several of her graphic art projects for judging.  One project came in 2nd place and we congratulate her in this accomplishment.  Ashley is completing her education, majoring in Graphic Arts. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Speak O Lord"  Video  Kristyn Getty "Word of God Speak"  Video  MercyMe Ancient Words"  Video  Michael W. Smith Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/31/10) 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. 2011 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 5/5/11: $3,375.00 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 by us 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 through feedburner. Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If you no longer desire to receive these messages you can remove your address from the list by merely using the link automatically inserted by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each email message. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.) Weekly Version: The weekly version is intended for those who may not check their email regularly or who may desire less frequent mailings. It is Friday's message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter: The daily message and prayer on Facebook.  The daily message and prayer on Twitter. Reader Survey:  Please take a few minutes to assist us in improving our ministry effectiveness by filling out this online reader survey. To take the survey click here. 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. All of these songs are also available for download on the site. 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 2011 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 (05/05/11) "A Refreshing Spirit"

Daily Encouragement Net -A daily, Bible-based message of hope and encouragement.

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Follow Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter        The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. Home · About Us ·· Podcast · Free email <Previous Message  ·  Archives  ·  Archive edition Thursday, May 5, 2011 Wisconsin tulips Photo taken by my cousin Georgia 40 Day New Testament Reading/Listening Plan: We began a 40 day New Testament reading plan on April 3. If you want to participate and have not been following the reading schedule up to this point we suggest starting with today's reading and reading previous portions after this reading period ends. Here's the entire 40 day schedule. The links below will open to the selection to be read along with a built-in listening device.  Today's reading (May 5): 1 Timothy 6 - Hebrews 1 beginning here. Listen to this message on your audio player. "A Refreshing Spirit"   "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints" (Philemon 1:7). Yesterday afternoon we had some friends stop by from North Carolina. We've known Mike and Kathy Matangelo since 1977 when they attended the very first service in our church plant in Saint Marys, PA. Through the years they have been very supportive of our ministry and a great blessing to have as friends. They shared in our midweek service last night about a ministry in which they are very active; mentoring & discipling young men in prison.  Mike and Kathy Matangelo and Tina We enjoyed a country breakfast together this morning and then they headed up to Rhode Island to visit with Mike's mom, who recently entered an assisted living center. Our visits with Mike and Kathy are always refreshing and truly give us great joy and encouragement, similar to the Apostle Paul's very personal commendation to Philemon: "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints."  We sang the chorus of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" prior to praying a blessing over our breakfast, and these words really spoke to me, "Morning by morning new mercies I see". I asked God to help us see the mercies of this day; fresh, anew, and ever-abundant! So today let us consider that one of the merciful gifts God gives is a refreshing spirit. Several years ago I heard an interesting teaching of two types of impact we have on other people using an elevator button as an illustration. Consider being around those who are like an "up" button on the elevator. When you are around them they are energy givers, encouragers, people who have a powerful way of uplifting others. As I consider my long strand of friends through life I am blessed to have so many friends who have this characteristic such as Mike and Kathy.  Just a few minutes of "catch-up" conversation with them is uplifting and refreshing. Then there are those who seem to have only one button on their elevator; "down", sometimes all the way down to the basement! They are energy drainers, discouragers who just have a way of sucking the very life right out of you. And yes, I have met my share of these types of people as well. Getting on the elevator with them is not an "uplifting" experience!  In fact, I'd be eyeing the emergency button to escape if it were possible! Let me encourage each daily encouragement reader to consider the blessing of having a refreshing spirit. As the Proverb states, "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25).   I hope you are blessed by those having this quality today. In the tiny one chapter book of Philemon Paul writes a powerful commendation concerning Philemon: "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints" (Philemon 1:7). I encourage you to conscientiously demonstrate this quality and let it resonate from your heart. We're all gifted differently in our personalities and will thus express refreshing qualities distinct to who we are. As I think about my long list of those who have brought joy, encouragement and refreshing through life I consider how they are all different, yet each uses their giftings to uplift others.   Today you will interact with others in various settings. There will be those who encourage and refresh you today.  May they strengthen you and take you up on the elevator! Perhaps you will be the merciful provision for the weary, discouraged soul whom you meet in the course of this day who is in need of an uplift. Today you have a choice; will you be an up button or a down button?     Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, we're reminded in the book of Romans that no one lives unto himself.  We affect others both by what we do and what we don't do; what we believe and what we don't believe; what we say and what we don't say.  We want to be a conduit of Your grace and mercy to others along life's way.  We don't want to bring them down but lift them up in refreshing ways so that they are strengthened and encouraged by our presence.  There will always be those who tear down but we want to build up others according to their need.  With Your help, Father, we can be a blessing to those You bring in our path. We pray this in Jesus' name.  Amen. Brooksyne's Note:  As we sang "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" this morning I also considered the words, "Morning by morning new mercies I see."  The Father brought to my remembrance the cold night that we experienced last night here in Lancaster County.  I hadn't listened to the weather forecast and just yesterday morning had removed our electric blanket considering the cold season to be past.  I was so cold in the night that, after a miserable battle of half asleep vs. half awake I finally got up and got a blanket.  No more chill but a wonderful comfort level for sleeping resulted.  I was reminded of this blessing during the song as I considered those without comfortable bedding or warm clothing when the night is cold.  I'm so thankful for the "Great Provider" who provides all that we need. Note: Today is a National Day of Prayer here in the USA and we certainly pray for revival here and everywhere! Here's the official prayer written by Joni Eareckson Tada Almighty God, you are our Mighty Fortress, our refuge and the God in whom we place our trust.  As our nation faces great distress and uncertainty, we ask your Holy Spirit to fall afresh upon your people — convict us of sin and inflame within us a passion to pray for our land and its people.  Grant the leaders of our country an awareness of their desperate need of wisdom and salvation in You until sin becomes a reproach to all and righteousness exalts this nation. Protect and defend us against our enemies and may the cause of Christ always prevail in our schools, courts, homes, and churches.  Lord God, send a spirit of revival and may it begin in our own hearts. Remember America, we pray.  Remember the foundations on which this country was built.  Remember the prayers of our nation’s fathers and mothers, and do not forget us in our time of need. In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen. Mollie practicing her "herding" instinct on Dottie, which includes locking her eyes into position toward the target. One of the characteristics of a border collie according to breed info is that "it can master any type of herd by crouching down and mesmerizing the animals with its intense stare".   However Dottie is not amused and was definitely not mastered. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"  Video  Chris Rice "Friends"   Video   Michael W. Smith "He Hideth My Soul In The Cleft Of The Rock"  Video  Brookwood Church worship team I chose this song because of this verse: With numberless blessings each moment He crowns, And filled with His fullness divine, I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God For such a Redeemer as mine! "Satisfied"  Video  Red Rock Church "All I Have Is Christ"  Video  Sovereign Grace Music Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne

"We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/31/10) 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. 2011 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 5/4/11: $3,375.00 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 by us 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 through feedburner. Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If you no longer desire to receive these messages you can remove your address from the list by merely using the link automatically inserted by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each email message. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.) Weekly Version: The weekly version is intended for those who may not check their email regularly or who may desire less frequent mailings. It is Friday's message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter: The daily message and prayer on Facebook.  The daily message and prayer on Twitter. Reader Survey:  Please take a few minutes to assist us in improving our ministry effectiveness by filling out this online reader survey. To take the survey click here. 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. All of these songs are also available for download on the site. 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 2011 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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