Daily Encouragement (01/04/12) "What A Friend!"

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

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A daily, Bible-based message of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. Home · About Us · Archives · Podcast · Free email ·   ·     ·

<Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Wednesday, January 4, 2012 Our friend, Peter DeHart, took this photo of the Tioga Central Railroad Bridge near the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon in Tioga County. It's the coldest day of the season with temps down to nearly 10 degrees last night! Listen to this message on your audio player. "What A Friend!" "I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15). Through technology we have the opportunity to be connected with far more people than previous generations which is a positive thing. But in the last several years in my view technology has cheapened the meaning of friendship. These associations, however minimal, are referred to as "friends", whereas in the past they would have been at best "acquaintances", which the online dictionary defines as "Knowledge of a person acquired by a relationship less intimate than friendship." The term "friendship" is especially cheapened when the word is used for political purposes. I heard an interview with a politician speaking of how a political rival was such a good friend. The interviewer then played a tape of him calling this very rival a pig! Genuine friends don't call me a pig (Editor's note: not in front of others, at least)! This is a longtime problem illustrated by the expedient pseudo friendship between Herod and Pilate at the trial of Jesus; "And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other" (Luke 23:12). I am blessed with many friends, collected over 50 years of living. I am appreciative of technology that connects us more easily and doesn't break the piggy bank in doing so (as in the past when long distance calls cost a small fortune). Dave Simpson, a businessman in Springfield, Missouri, is my longest term friend whom I have been associated with since first grade. Yesterday I got a call from an Amish friend who called just to check up on me and see how I was doing. A peculiar religious restriction meant he had to go to an outbuilding to make the call so I'm glad he made the extra effort! I am pleased to call many of our readers friends and of course since Brooksyne and I have been married for nearly 36 years most of our friends are mutual. But today let us consider One whom we reckon as our best friend. Many see Proverbs 18:24 as an allusion to this Friend, "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Many years ago I recall a prayer gathering with a group of ministers. The service was themed with various segments of prayer for specific needs. In between the prayer times the worship leader led us in a selection of music which was also themed. I was especially touched when he led in a hymn and several choruses dealing with our endearing, enduring friendship with Jesus Christ. We sang, "What a Friend we have in Jesus", "What a Friend I've Found", and "He Knows My Name". As we gathered around the altar singing these songs I was filled with the peace and assurance that is my rightful inheritance and wept as God reminded me of His steadfast love and care. In the daily Scripture text Jesus is speaking to His disciples. "I have called you friends."  It's during his final hours and His final teaching. He does not use the designation "friends" often in the Gospels. It seems He wants to use this endearing term at this time to describe His relationship with the disciples as each of them faced such a dark time ahead. There are many songs that describe our friendship with Jesus. Some of you will recall songs like "Friendship with Jesus, fellowship divine…", "I've found a friend in Jesus, he's everything to me" or "I've found a Friend, Who is all to me". And still one more, "There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus…" What a joy today to have a friend in Jesus. This is a friendship we can all mutually share. Wherever you live, whatever conditions you are dealing with, this friendship is steady and enduring. Indeed, what a Friend I've found! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Father, we thank You that in Jesus we've found an enduring Friend for all eternity; One who laid down His life that we might be raised to newness of life. There's no friend on earth that can provide the constant companionship we experience with Christ through prayer, the Scriptures, and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit that resides in our hearts; in the good times and the bad, during the testings and temptations common to all. There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no not one, no not even one. Thank You for this wondrous gift we celebrate of Jesus coming to earth in the flesh to dwell among us and to show us the more excellent way. Amen. Today's pig story prompted a memory from several years ago when we served a church in Spring Grove, PA in an interim role. Bob was an older member of the church who had a very colorful personality and a weight issue common to older folks. He told us about going to a donut shop where he'd heard they give away day-old donuts. He inquired about the donuts and the lady at the counter informed him, "We give them to a pig farmer who feeds them to his pigs." Not to be outdone, Bob followed up, "Well, I'm a pig!" Mollie's Birthday: Yesterday, Ester excitedly celebrated Mollie's first birthday. In February 2011 she picked her out of a litter of four short haired border collie pups at the Humane League.  She was 2 months old when she came to live with us. Definitely a busy, lively dog but a very affectionate one as well and an excellent retriever. We hope that in Year Two she gets through the destructive chewing stage which has been an ongoing challenge. Mollie Yesterday Ester connected with another Border Collie owner through the Humane League who put two and two together and made the discovery that she adopted Mollie's brother. The owner, who lives in Leola (Lancaster County), sent us the photo to the right which looks identical to Mollie; same markings and height.  What fun to make the connection on their one year birthday.  From the sounds of things Sawyer loves to chew, just like Mollie. Hopefully they'll narrow their chewing desires to just bones and dogfood in their 2nd year! Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "What A Friend We Have In Jesus"  Video  Paul Baloche "Friendship With Jesus"  Video  The O'Neil Twins (1971) Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

Weber family Christmas 2011 "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/11) Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible. 2011 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 12/31/11: $21,391.00  Note: Due to a delay in posting for offerings made directly to my chaplaincy account a final accounting for 2011 will not be available till mid January. We want to express thanks to all who support our ministry! 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 2012 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 (01/03/12) "Standing Your Ground"

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

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A daily, Bible-based message of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. Home · About Us · Archives · Podcast · Free email ·   ·     ·

<Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Tuesday, January 3, 2012 The "Survivor" Our friend Nancy Martin shared this photo she took recently of a tree that was injured and lost a limb this last summer when Hurricane Irene came through our area. It has recovered and is a demonstration from nature of "standing its ground". Below our message is a photo of the tree right after the storm before the damaged limb was removed. Listen to this message on your audio player. "Standing Your Ground" "Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering" (Hebrews 10:32). "Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm" (Ephesians 6:13). "But he who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13). In America we can watch a lot of football at this time of year with college bowl games and the professional postseason.  I know this is a subject that will not "connect" to everyone, including many who live here in the USA, let alone other countries, so I'll keep the illustrative portion of the encouragement brief. Consider the goal line stand. You're on the defense and the opposing team has the ball on the one yard line with 1st and goal. You are a lineman and your job is to keep the opposing team from moving the ball that one yard, although they have four opportunities to do so. You must stand your ground! Today so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are standing up against tremendous opposition in this great contest. Using football as an illustration may have a sense of trivializing the very real contest in which they battle. The first daily text is a commendation to the first century Hebrew believers who had stood their ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. The Greek word translated "contest" is "athlasis", which is a root of the English word athlete. All we who follow Christ are involved in this great contest, what the Apostle Paul calls "The Race" (2 Timothy 4:7). Some approach this contest in a passive sense, as if we are just standing on the sidelines as spectators. Others rightly recognize that we are in the midst of this great spiritual battle and God's call is that we actively stand our ground. The apostle Paul alluded to this stand when he commissioned followers of Christ to, "Take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm" (Ephesians 6:13). The early believers to whom the Book of Hebrews addressed were enduring persecution because of their uncompromising stand. They stood their ground even in the face of tremendous suffering. In fact as I prepare this message from the comfort of my home office looking out across peaceful farm fields I feel so far, far removed from their plight. Last night we received an email from a daily encouragement reader in a country where many of our brethren are undergoing severe persecution. Today may God help us and all that read this to remember them in prayer as they stand up in the midst of the great conflict. And may the Lord empower each of us with grace to stand our ground in regard to the particular issues we will deal with today and this new year. I especially have on my heart a call to all earnest followers of Christ to stand our ground regarding faithfulness to apostolic doctrine (Acts 2:42, Jude 3) and Biblical standards of morality (Galatians 5:19-20, Colossians 3:4-6, 1 Thessalonians 4:2-4) The Bible speaks of a great falling away that will occur in the end times (2 Thessalonians 2:3) and I wonder if we are seeing that before our very eyes. Nevertheless, stand your ground; for if you don't stand you'll surely fall! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Jesus, You warned Your listeners as You sat on the Mount of Olivet that at the end of the age nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom, famines and earthquakes will be commonplace. Believers will be handed over to be persecuted and many will turn away from the faith as wickedness increases. In the midst of such dark desolation we cling to the bright promise, full of hope and motivation for those who walk steadfastly with You; he who stands firm to the end will be saved. We will conquer the enemy, for the battle is not ours, but Yours, Lord Jesus!  Amen. Personal Note: Last Friday we shared the story of five year old Marvin who lived with us on two occasions when he came to the U.S. for surgery. Now, almost 23 years later, we received a response from him about his experience of coming to a strange land to live among strangers. He receives our Daily Encouragement and somehow has it translated since he follows us closely.  Brooksyne posed the question and here's the response he sent: We think our readers will understand what a blessing it is for us to receive this note. "When I got Estados Unidos I felt sad because I was away from my parents, but you immediately made me feel the love you expressed in your hugs, loving correction to my disobedience, to fulfill the whims of a child and take pictures and prepare those tortillas meals so delicious, and of course toys. I remember the people and children who visited us and its special affection they gave me, all that fear was far away, I received love that left a mark on my life and had trust in you. Now in our family, when we sit at the dining table we pray holding hands, just as you did to me. I also take lots of pictures, just as you did with me. I may conclude that the love of God can do anything. When I returned home I told my parents how wonderful to be in a home where Christ lives. I wish a happy New Year 2012 to you and your family." We are posting Marvin's note for the benefit of a good number of readers who would have known him and been among those he referred to as "I remember the people and children who visited us and its special affection they gave me, all that fear was far away, I got love left a mark on my life..."  Unlike earthly treasures, when we share a spiritual treasure, such as the love of God, it never depletes, but spread out to others, and often comes right back to us in fuller measure. Here is a photo taken over twenty years ago when Marvin was up in the States with us. He is with two sisters, Shawna and Sharon, who were in the church we served at that time in northern Pennsylvania.  Marvin was proud to wear his tie to church that Brooksyne bought him. In fact he liked it so much he often wore it at home. He came from a devout Christian family. Here's a photo of Shawna and Sharon at the Shady Maple where we met them for lunch several years ago. Both are married with children and also faithfully serve the Lord.  3 John 1:4 Here's a current photo of Marvin (arrived this morning) with his Sunday School class in Guatemala. It appears he still likes to wear a tie! He is married with two children and works as a forester with the Guatemalan Forestry Department. Something else interesting regarding Marvin's career choice is that we had a lot of foresters in our church in northern PA! Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"  Video  Selah   "Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me on, let me stand" "Be Strong and Take Courage"  Video  Maranatha Singers "We Shall Stand"  Video  Maranatha Singers Here's a photo of the tree after the storm with the split limb fallen on the ground. Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

Weber family Christmas 2011 "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/11) Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible. 2011 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 12/31/11: $20,205.00  Note: Due to a delay in posting for offerings made directly to my chaplaincy account a final accounting for 2011 will not be available till mid January. We want to express thanks to all who support our ministry! 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 2012 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 (01/02/12) "From Everlasting To Everlasting"

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

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A daily, Bible-based message of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. Home · About Us · Archives · Podcast · Free email ·   ·     ·

<Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Monday, January 2, 2012 A front sunset view from our home. Click on photo to enlarge Listen to this message on your audio player. "From Everlasting To Everlasting" "And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years" (Genesis 1:14). "But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him" (Psalm 103:17). In our area many communities imitate the dropping of the ball in New York City and personalize it with an item that reflects their own town. In fact according to the list in Wikipedia our surrounding area in Pennsylvania tops the list where objects are dropped during events on New Year's Eve. A dill pickle (left photo) is dropped in Dillsburg, while a 100-pound stick of Lebanon bologna is dropped in Lebanon north of us. They make Mars candy in neighboring Elizabethtown where a crowd gathers around a large candy bar dropped from the extension ladder of a fire truck! My brother lives in Easton, Pennsylvania, 90 miles away, where Crayola drops a ten foot crayon at 8 P.M. to accommodate little children's bedtimes. I'm not sure how the dropping of the ball or other items on New Year's Eve originated (although I am sure I could look it up). For many it's a festive way to signal the passing of another year. However we are at an age where we are content simply to watch the ball drop in NYC if we manage to stay up till midnight! Certainly there are many customs all over the world to mark this important turn of the calendar year. It should be without exception that we, as believers, reflect upon the faithfulness of God personally and in the cosmic realm as we embark upon another year of seeking to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. We desire that this bring rich assurance that can be applied immediately and also placed in reserve for the inevitable challenges ahead. We want to encourage readers by examining an aspect of God's incredible steadfastness and faithfulness so fitting to ponder today. From the very beginning of creation God ordained the year as a time unit.  Along with days and seasons these are the three time units ordained at creation. All three are related to the creative work of God on the fourth day. The annual unit represents the precise time it takes for the earth to revolve around the sun a single time, along with its rotation marking days and movement on its axis, which marks seasons. It's been absolutely fixed since the fourth day of Creation. What an incredible statement to express God's faithfulness! Indeed the hymn writer summed it up, "Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above, join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love." As the new year of 2012 begins each of us deal with vacillating circumstances. This should remind us of our fundamental need to place our trust in God because He who has fixed the "sun, moon and stars in their courses above" loves us and cares deeply for us today. All may change, but Jesus never, glory to His Name! Rest in this promise: "But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him." One thing I know that I have found Through all the troubles that surround You are the rock that never fails You never fail One thing I know that I believe Through every blessing I receive You are the only one that stays, You always stay You’ll never change, You’re still the same You are the everlasting God You will remain, after the day is gone And things on earth have passed Everlasting God   (see video link below to listen to this song) Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Yesterday, today, and forever You are the faithful, changeless One, Father. Your works in the past are testimony to Your majesty, power, and provision for our lives today. Your presence today steadies our walk as You lead us in the paths of righteousness while we forge ahead in 2012. Your future blessings are waiting to be unfolded in our lives as we faithfully yield to You our heart, our soul, and our mind. We look to You for everything we need for life and godliness in this present age as we await Your soon return. Come, Lord Jesus, come!  Amen. Last week we shared some background information about the photo of the praying elderly man (known as Grace) and inquired from our readers regarding the history of the praying woman photo (known as Gratitude). A careful researcher found this interesting article. Jack Brown, a reader of this series from Michigan, sent us an interesting study he had done on God's promises that will bless our readers as they face 2012. God's Promises For The New Year He will be with us. (Genesis 3:12) He will never leave us nor ever forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) He will equip us with everything good for doing His will and work in us what is pleasing to Him through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 13:21) He will provide fresh mercy and grace every day for each day's need. (Lamentations 3:22) He will accept our worship as we treat those in need with benevolence and live lives dedicated to integrity and purity. (James 1:27) He will be reliable and trustworthy. (James 1:17) He will give us wisdom generously when we ask Him for it consistently. (James 1:5-6) He will grant us grace and lift us up when we choose to live humbly. (James 4:6, 10; 1 Peter 5:6) He will give us new beginnings in Christ. (1 Peter 1:3) He will restore, strengthen and steady us. (1 Peter 5:10) He will care for us if we will give our cares to Him.. (1 Peter 1:7) He will forgive all our sins if we will acknowledge them, turn from them and dedicate ourselves to stay away from them. (1 John 1:9) He will produce the character of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in us by His Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) He will love us with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3) He will bless us, forgive all our sins, heal all our diseases, redeem our lives from destruction, crown our lives with love and compassion and satisfy the needs of our lives. (Psalm 103:2-3) He will give us courage, strength and grace to redemptively deal with all we face. (Philippians 4:13; Psalm 31:2) He will grant us success as we take in and live out His Word. (Joshua 1:8) He will be our light, protection and salvation. (Psalm 27:1-2) He will hear and respond to our prayers. (Psalm 17:6) He will transform us by continually renewing our minds so we can think and live in His ways. (Romans 12:1 and following) He will bring further along to completion what He has begun in us. (Philippians 1:6) He will keep working into us His will and purpose so that we will do and want to do His will and purposes. (Philippians 2:13) Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Everlasting God"  Video  New Life Worship  (This is the song which we posted the lyrics at the bottom of today's message. It is written by Glenn Packiam. "From The East Unto The West"  Video  The Odes of Solomon  We heard this song on our local Christian radio station today and it has a contagiously catchy melody! "Eternity"  Video  Brian Doerksen List of items dropped on New Year's Eve. Some may notice a slightly revised format for our daily email messages beginning in 2012. Essentially we thought it might be easier to read the main message and daily supplemental materials on a white background and we also modified the header panel. I am not much for changing things but tinkered a bit for some variety and hopefully a bit easier readability. Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

Weber family Christmas 2011 "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/11) Are our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to consider making a donation to Daily Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all over the world. Daily Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support of its readers and podcast listeners. See here for more information on supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible. 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 12/31/11: $20,205.00 Note: Due to a delay in posting for offerings made directly to my chaplaincy account a final accounting will not be available till mid January. We want to express thanks to all who support our ministry! 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 2012 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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