Daily Encouragement (12/05/11) "The First Tailor"

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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, December 5, 2011  Dottie our cat watches when I eat cereal at my desk and waits for me to set the bowl down. When I'm finished she laps up any remaining milk. I don't think I would find this a very comfortable eating position! Listen to this message on your audio player. "The First Tailor" "The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them" (Genesis 3:21). "And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger" (Luke 2:7). What type of clothing distinguishes you? Of course that will vary depending on where you live, your customs, the climate and so forth. It would be interesting to have a group photo of Daily Encouragement readers from all around the world and note the wide variety and yet basic similarity! Two articles of clothing I regularly wear distinguish me (Stephen); suspenders and often, especially when it's colder, a vest. The other day a friend saw me wearing black pants, a blue shirt and black suspenders and asked if I had become Amish! Brooksyne is a little less predictable but her wardrobe leans toward the autumn colors. One thing is for sure; you won't see us wearing fig leaves! The very first immediate consequence of the fall was that Adam and Eve became aware of their own nakedness and need for a covering.  The Bible describes their pre-fallen condition as "naked and not ashamed."   An easily observable condition to this day regardless of where we live is the natural and unashamed nakedness in the animal kingdom. Our three pets, two dogs and a cat, run around all day without a stitch of clothing and think nothing of it. If animals are clothed it's due to a novelty for humans such as putting sweaters on dogs or perhaps an assumption that they need additional warmth in severe climates. Even the "higher" animals, those that evolutionists claim are "more related" to us, do not clothe themselves. The need to clothe and the ability to do so is distinctively human and goes back to a consequence of the fall. At the very moment of Adam's transgression (interestingly not Eve's) their eyes were "opened, and they realized they were naked" (Genesis 3:7).  They crudely sewed fig leaves together to make coverings and sought to hide from God.  But God initiated the search and the very first question God asked fallen Adam were, "Where are you?". He proceeded to pronounce judgment for their disobedience. But God also acted redemptively in serving as the first custom tailor. Consider the provision in the daily text: "The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them" (Genesis 3:21). Where did the "skin" come from?  Up to this point there had been no death in the Garden.  Surely an animal or animals were slain to provide these skins. It sure wasn't road kill!*  Blood was shed.  I believe it was likely a lamb, but this is not specified.  The two verbs are so rich in meaning.  God made and God clothed.  What a type of a wonderful covering God provides for all mankind! Isaiah proclaimed and so can we today, "I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness" (Isaiah 61:10). We fast forward to the birth of Christ when Almighty God became the supreme articulation of Deity to all humankind. "And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger." Charles Wesley, in his first published hymn text, "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" reveals God's greatest Gift to the world in the following words:   Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the Incarnate Deity. Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Immanuel.   Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Father, my soul rejoices in the wondrous Gift of Your Son, Jesus, who descended from the sinless atmosphere of heaven and clothed Himself in the garment of humankind. Prior to this marvelous undertaking You spoke to us through the prophets who revealed only a partial and prepatory revelation of the Triune God.  But the perfect revelation of who You are is revealed in the Person of Jesus Christ which is made understandable in human terms. For the Son is the radiance of Your glory and the exact representation of Your Being.  As we have come to know Jesus, the Son of man, we also know You, Father, because Your character and power are revealed in the life and works of Your Son, Jesus.  Thank You for mercifully adopting us as Your children and clothing us in robes of righteousness, for without this clothing, we cannot enter heaven.  Amen. See Hebrews 1:2,3 and John 14 :10 Brooksyne's Note: Many references from Scripture come to mind regarding the clothing that is not an outward adornment bringing glory to oneself.  Rather I'm thinking of the clothing that dresses the inner self where the character of Christ is revealed to others as we converse and mingle with others throughout the day.  Consider I Peter 3:1-6 where Paul speaks to wives regarding their inner dress. In Colossians 3:1-12 Paul tells believers to clothe themselves with humility, compassion, kindness, etc.  Ephesians 6:10-17 reminds us of the ensuing battle of the enemy and the only way we will be victorious is by clothing ourselves in spiritual armor. * Explanation: For any readers unfamiliar with the term "road kill"; it's an animal that's been run over by a vehicle. In certain parts they will salvage the meat of a road kill deer if they know it's still fresh enough to eat safely. Brooksyne shares: This last Saturday I joined a group of ladies at a Christmas tea featuring Nancy Lee Demoss as the speaker. What a blessing to sit under her teaching.  She is a devout woman of God. In her early fifties and yet never married, she has been set apart for a single purpose in presenting the solemn Word of God without compromise. Though most of her listeners are women Stephen and I have walked through two of our companies where we've seen young men tuning into her daily radio program, and that is of special blessing. Following the Christmas Tea we had lunch with our friends who attended and then went to the National Christmas Center - it's really like a museum. It was featured in the most recent Martha Stewart Magazine.  And then our last stop was the mall where Ester insisted I put on this silly hat so she could take a photo for her facebook. So here we are.....and the hats remain at the J.C. Penney's store (for any interested). The least I can do is run a free commercial for them since we "borrowed" their knit caps with braids for the photo shoot! Stephen's note: This last Saturday my cousin, 80 years old, passed away. Jeannine is the oldest from our generation of cousins and the first of our generation to go. Jeannine was always positive, never grumpy and no touchy disposition on her part. She was always pleasant to be around and interested in others. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Hark The Herald Angels Sing"  Video  Amy Grant "Immanuel"  Video  Charles Billingsley Are you Christmas shopping online? 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 considering using these links when purchasing online through CBD! Tip: If you are regular CBD customer consider bookmarking this link and using it whenever you shop. This Christmas many of our readers will be shopping for gifts that have spiritual and lasting value as well as a means of witness and encouraging others. Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

Our photo taken at the Bridge of Flowers in Sherburne Falls, MA Fall 2011 "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/11) 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 teaching 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 12/4/11: $13,041.00 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!) (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 (12/02/11) "The Trap Of Greed"

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, December 2, 2011 Yesterday we passed these beautiful willow trees on a farm along Rockvale Road.  (Click here for larger version) Listen to this message on your audio player. "The Trap Of Greed" "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Timothy 6:9,10). Yesterday in the course of our chaplain work I visited with Rick, who was making some design improvements to a small animal trap the Safeguard Company manufactures and sells. He showed me how the trap was intended to work and a key component of the trap's effectiveness is the bait, intended to attract the animal into the trap. Later in my visit I also saw Jeff and Isaiah, two young men who assemble these traps by the thousands day after day. It seems there is no shortage of nuisance animals. Speaking of traps I'd like to consider a different type of trap we need to be wary of, the trap of greed, as we share our fourth point in our series on contentment.  We experience contentment when we conscientiously and diligently avoid the trap of greed. We marvel at the timeless relevance of God's Word.  In 1 Timothy 6 Paul has warnings to both the rich (1 Timothy 6:17-19) and those who desire to be rich (verses 6-10 which we have been studying this week). We surely benefit from the warnings that Paul gives to the rich. You may say, "Well, that's sure doesn't include me!" Yes, it probably does include you. Most of us have far more of this world's goods than the vast majority of people on a worldwide economic scale.  We also  need the solemn warning in our daily text that Paul gives to "people who want to get rich." You see, it seems no matter how much we have, we always want more! The progressive bait in the trap of greed begins with the devil putting troubling notions in our minds that tempt us with "many foolish and harmful desires" which in turn "plunge men into ruin and destruction." Thomas Brooks who served the Lord in the late 1600's writes of "the plague of unsatisfiedness".  Wow, imagine what he would see today! William S. Plumer who lived in the mid 1800's wrote, "A right view of the perils of wealth would, with the divine blessing, have a mighty efficacy in curing our covetousness and discontent." Let's just consider one word in our Scripture text today.  The word "trap" has the root meaning "fastened by a noose".  Wow, isn't that the case?  A noose is loose at first but gets tighter and tighter. Isn't that the nature of sin in general and greed in particular? There's an appeal, such as the bait set in a trap, but going down that road indeed leads to ruin and destruction. "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." Let us heed the Scripture's warning today, being careful to see money for what it is and using it for what God intends! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Father,  we consider the Scriptures that warn us of attitudes, desires, and behaviors that lead us on a road to destruction. We want to be faithful to the righteous path that we began the day we surrendered our lives to You. May we seek You wholeheartedly so that our desires, our actions, and our affections align us with the straight and narrow path You walked before us.  May we use our resources for Your glory and not our own.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen. We regularly see messages with short slogans and Scripture texts on church signs, along the road at farms and even on silos, such as this one we passed yesterday. They are such a blessing! Occasionally I see signs that don't edify me but the all time worst church sign  was a church that had bingo for fundraising. The large marquee sign along US Route 219 in New York advertised bingo night with this phrase, "Holy Ghost Bingo". What a shameful witness for the third person in the divine, holy Trinity! Yesterday in the course of our chaplain work we visited with Stephen who works in a company that does laser cutting and often does programming work at a desk. He was teased, "When working at your desk you should be wearing a tie." So he complied, wearing this tie! Yesterday we passed this little pony and cart turning on to busy Newport Road. These conveyances do not strike us as being safe on busy highways This boy was having a great time harness racing through a field as we passed by. Are you Christmas shopping online? 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 considering using these links when purchasing online through CBD! Tip: If you are regular CBD customer consider bookmarking this link and using it whenever you shop. This Christmas many of our readers will be shopping for gifts that have spiritual and lasting value as well as a means of witness and encouraging others. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain"  Video  A song based upon 1 Timothy 6:6 written and sung by our friend Mike Book. We find it helpful when Scripture is set to music and in many cases this becomes the basis for memorization. "I'd Rather Have Jesus"   Video  Dallas Holm     I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;     I’d rather be His than have riches untold;     I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;     I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand         Refrain:         Than to be the king of a vast domain         And be held in sin’s dread sway;         I’d rather have Jesus than anything         This world affords today.     I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;     I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;     I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;     I’d rather be true to His holy name     He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;     He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;     He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;     I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead. Writing today of sordid greed making news in our area is a lady that killed her grandmother by poisoning her after stealing moeny from her. (See here) Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

Our photo taken at the Bridge of Flowers in Sherburne Falls, MA Fall 2011 "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/11) 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 teaching 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 12/1/11: $13,041.00 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!) (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 (12/01/11) "Wants Or Needs?"

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, December 1, 2011 Our friend Mike Martin shared this photo he took at Elizabeth Farms here in Lancaster County. In the course of our travels we expect to pass this farm today along Route 322 near Brickerville Pennsylvania. Listen to this message on your audio player. "Wants Or Needs?" "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Timothy 6:8). Today we continue our series on experiencing contentment based upon the Apostle Paul's teaching in 1 Timothy 6. Yesterday's teaching asserted that we experience contentment when we keep our focus on the eternal. We experience contentment when we properly distinguish between needs and wants. In today's verse Paul calls to our attention two foundational necessities regarding our material existence; food and clothing. It would seem to me that there are basically three material needs people have regardless of where they live; food, clothing and shelter. However generally when the Scripture teaches on foundational needs the two are food and clothing. (See also Matthew 6:25) So much of what we spend money on does not fit in these categories although we may reckon them as necessities. Indeed many are essential to maintain the type of lifestyle we are accustomed to and can easily believe we are entitled to. But just consider all the ways we use our current resources and then reflect on the attitude expressed in our daily text,  "If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." The teaching of Scripture has not changed, even in the modern era, regarding what is foundationally needed. It is up to us to honestly seek the answer to the question, Is this a want or a need? Wants aren't necessarily bad but we must be able to make the distinction or we will most certainly live in a state of discontent. Select your words carefully when you say, "I really need..." in light of today's Scripture! A heart of contentment must be a humble heart, a heart which can be content with simple things. Bible teacher David Guzik points out: "Most all of us become jaded over the years, and our over-stimulated culture is effective at producing this in us; things that used to satisfy us are no longer good enough. The constant hunger for more and more, for more and better, for new and improved, is just plain ungodly - and we need God to deal with us on this one!" Let us purposefully pursue a heart of contentment by thankfully stating, "If I have food and clothing, I will be content with that."  In doing so we are far more likely to see the remainder of God's abundant material provisions as blessings and not entitlements! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Father, there is nothing that we have need of that You do not supply. Your benevolent nature gives us far more than we need and abundantly provides pleasurable and comfortable material possessions. Help us to know the difference between that which is essential, such as food, clothing and shelter, from the inessentials that make life a bit more comfortable and eases our work load. We are indebted to You for all that we have and want to be careful to share with those who have less. We thank You that Your divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of You who has called us by Your own glory and goodness.  Amen. We received word that a friend of ours from a previous church we served passed away yesterday. Herbie Basso was a very colorful Italian who had a wonderful voice and great skill on the harmonoica. Before we moved from New England he and his wife, Cecelia, took us to an authentic Italian restaurant in the Federal Hill section of Providence, Rhode Island (Little Italy). I remember Herb eating Escargot. This is among the numerous fine memories we have. Herbie's voice and harmonica along with violinist Laura Silvia, the daughter of a pastor friend of ours from Wyoming, can be heard in this version of Silent Night. (mp3) One of my fondest memories is when I went to Boston to see him in the hospital after he had open heart surgery and Ester, who was about 7 at the time, went with me.  Herbie invited us to watch a video about his rehab and recovery.  Ester who was being disciplined at the time had been told by Brooksyne she couldn't watch any videos solemnly informed me, "Daddy, I can't watch it. Mommy isn't allowing me to watch any videos." Today we want to share a response from a reader, with her permission. We have never met her  (like most who correspond with us in regard to a message), but we feel her message is a stirring testimony and instructive to the body of Christ as well: Reader's Note:  With the Christmas season upon us, and the world's focus on buying and getting the best gifts, it makes it harder to be content.  I have an illness called MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities)  It has "forced" me to be with less.  Anything with chemicals and many new things can't come into our house due to the smell of the "new"  Due to my illness, my husband lost his job to care for me.  Before all this, we were quite well off, and  had a good "nest egg" already at the age of 40.  Now, 4 years later, we are not in need, but we can't have and do what we once could (due to illness and lack of funds). I am confined to home, especially now during the winter.  The perfumes and "scents" keep me from going into other places.  This illness has taught me to rest in God and in God alone, with so much "taken away".  Thankfully, I am feeling better health wise, but in order to stay that way, I need to avoid the many things I am sensitive to.  Some days I feel very alone and very isolated.  We have moved, so my friends are not nearby and it is hard to make friends when you can't go out with them!  I just wanted to share my story and make contact.  Thank you so much for your ministry, these daily encouragements truly have been just that, an encouragement. A follow up note the next day shed further insight: It has been a tough road, some days are harder than others, but I have really learned I need to keep focusing on God, and it is Him who gives me strength and the courage to keep going. We have 2 beautiful daughters (10 and 12) that He blessed us with through adoption. They too have some needs. God is using me in their lives in a mighty way, including homeschooling (so thankful I am well enough to do that).  Both my husband and I believe God will use what we have been through to help others and to encourage others.  It seems to give "purpose" to this trial!  We know the power of prayer and knowing others are praying means so much. Again, thanks for your ministry, for your e-mail, and your prayers.  My husband thanks you  as well.  He just finished remodeling a house for me that is chemical free--what a blessing of a husband he is!  I am able to do more on my own again, so now it is time for him to find work --- easier said than done in today's economy! Perhaps the Lord will lay this family on your hearts so that you will remember them in prayer. Are you Christmas shopping online? 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 considering using these links when purchasing online through CBD! Tip: If you are regular CBD customer consider bookmarking this link and using it whenever you shop. This Christmas many of our readers will be shopping for gifts that have spiritual and lasting value. We would like to suggest several that we have found to be a blessing both personally and as gifts to others: Note: The first link we shared yesterday was a collection of hymns and was sold out when we checked later in the day. Our apologies. It is available as a DVD. Hymns 4 Worship: A Live Worship Experience, DVD By Various Artists / Provident Music Distribution Hymns4Worship - A LIVE Worship Experience features top artists 4HIM, Israel, Sara Groves, Paul Baloche, and others singing favorite hymns such as "Just As I Am," "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," and "How Great Thou Art." From the creators of Songs4Worship comes the ultimate video collection of favorite hymns that worshipers will cherish. Song List: The Solid Rock He Leadeth Me What A Friend We Have In Jesus Take My Life And Let It Be Consecrated Be Thou My Vision Softly and Tenderly I Need Thee Every Hour Great Is Thy Faithfulness A Mighty Fortress Is Our God It Is Well With My Soul Just As I Am I Surrender All My Jesus I Love Thee There Is A Redeemer How Great Thou Art Love Came For Me CD By Shannon Wexelberg / Discovery House We've featured Shannon Wexelberg often in our suggested list of music the past couple years. Weeks ago we purchased her Christmas CD, "Love Came For Me" and have been enjoying not only the traditional Christmas hymns but also her original music, meaningful lyrics, and powerful vocals. The title song, "Love Came For Me" is a message for every redeemed follower of Christ.  She also includes a beautiful song, "The Magnificat" based on Mary's song of praise in Luke 1:46-48. Shannon's personal and passionate music will transport you to the heart of Christmas! Includes an exuberant rendition of "Joy to the World"; the breathtaking splendor of "O Holy Night"; piano arrangements of "Silent Night" and "Good Christian Men, Rejoice"; plus "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus"; "Angels from the Realms of Glory"; and original compositions "This Child" and the title track. Ordering information Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well By Billy Graham / Thomas Nelson We both are reading this book and sensing the earnestness for which so many love Billy Graham. He writes, "When granted many years of life, growing old in age is natural but growing old with grace is a choice." Many people, even Christians, fear growing older. We don't like to think about losing independence and control in our lives, but perhaps learning to accept these changes is the first step in dealing with them. After 93 years of living and decades of Christian service, renowned evangelist Billy Graham writes to encourage people of all ages to live with purpose and grace in Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well. Graham also discusses the importance of building strong foundations in relationships, facing life's transitions with trust, and understanding our glorious hope in Jesus. Join Billy as he shares the challenges of fading strength, but still standing strong in his commitment to finishing life well. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain"  Video  A song based upon 1 Timothy 6:6 written and sung by our friend Mike Book. We find it helpful when Scripture is set to music and in many cases this becomes the basis for memorization. "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need"  Video  An Isaac Watts hymn I don't recall ever hearing before sung by a group called "Anonymous". "Manna from Heaven"  Video  The Worship Network "He Leadeth Me"  Video  Candi Pearson  The fiddle on this is worth the listen! Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

Our photo taken at the Bridge of Flowers in Sherburne Falls, MA Fall 2011 "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 10/21/11) 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 teaching 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 11/30/11: $13,016.00 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!) (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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