Daily Encouragement (01/03/14) "The Greatest Family On Earth"

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

Having trouble reading this message?  Read mobile edition online

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 ·   ·     ·    Click here to support our ministry. <Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Friday, January 3, 2014 Lancaster County, PA Winter Farmview (Photo by Nick Nichols) We had a beautiful snow storm which began yesterday afternoon and it snowed through the night. Early this morning our neighbor kindly plowed us out with his tractor. When the snow began to fall yesterday it had an interesting characteristic: it smelled like chocolate! (* see below) Listen to this message on your audio player. "The Greatest Family On Earth" "I kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name" (Ephesians 3:14,15). I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God. I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod. For I'm part of the family, the family of God. Yesterday I attended the life celebration service for J. Clayton Sheridan. He was our district home missions director for several years when we planted a church in northern Pennsylvania beginning in the late seventies. We warmly recall his personal interest and spiritual encouragement as he visited our church in its infancy stage. When dealing with a difficult situation/person Clayton would refer to it as a "grace grower", delicately pointing out that such trials are our opportunity to learn and grow. The service, like so many for those who have lived long and served God faithfully, was very moving. We heard tributes from his children and grandchildren who also provided the music. Our former superintendent, Phil Bongiorno, a friend going back to their Bible college days, gave a moving testimony about Clayton. He was clearly a man well-loved and esteemed by his family and many others. The service was held in a mega type church with many in attendance. At the conclusion, the ministers lined up each side of the middle aisle, and raised their Bibles toward their fellow worker as the funeral workers rolled his casket up the aisle. His family followed behind and Doris, Clayton's widow, was clearly moved as she softly uttered, "Thank you, Thank you" to the ministers as she passed through. One of his children made a point I want to expound on today. Their biological family was tight knit yet Clayton instilled in his children the biblical concept that the church was part of their family. He referred to it as "the greatest family on earth". In our messages we often refer to our immediate family, the three of us who live together under one roof. Certainly our family includes our parents (now with the Lord), siblings and their families, and then extends to aunts and uncles (although many are now deceased) and we have cousins all over the world. In today's text Paul speaks of the "whole family".  For us this would include those whom we worship and fellowship with in our own church, in previous churches, and in all our ministry associations including our chaplaincy and you, our faithful readers. Year by year our family continues to grow. Paul uses the phrase "whole family" in our daily verse to describe the entire church. The Greek for family (patria) is derived from the Greek for father (pater). The word family in this context is a collective term for the descendants of the same father. God our Father has only one family. The "whole family" includes all people of every race, from every country and in every time period who have bowed in submission to Jesus Christ.  This family is composed of people in heaven and on earth. Thus it certainly includes all who have gone to be with the Lord, as well as believers from all around the world.  What a great joy to have family members all over the world. We enjoy hearing from many of you through email. We recently received this note from India: "Dear Bro. Stephen, Thanks for your daily encouraging messages. I've been reading them regularly. I am a Muslim background believer from India (not Indian from US) and right now ministering for our Lord in the Middle East. I've been walking with the Lord for 23 years now. Your site has been very encouraging to me especially in the past year. Ministering in this place gets lonelier sometimes and discouraging at others. Your site has been a regular source of His encouragement to me. Thanks." My family is not limited by any specific denominational affiliation. Too often these affiliations, which may be quite meaningful to us, can also be a hindrance to the richness of the "whole family". Over the last several years David, a professor in a large Baptist seminary has become a good friend and encourager. Yesterday he wrote and we share a portion of his message: "I have read and heard much lately about Joseph, his trials and faithfulness, and how God worked in and through him, but it was good to read again about Esther, Mordechai, and God used their trials as well. We do serve an amazing, loving, and faithful God." Sabra and I spent New Year's Eve with a couple who are friends from church. He is in the hospital being treated for blood clots that have developed from chemotherapy he is going through for a cancer he discovered he had in July. It was so amazing to see this couple so full of praise and joy because he had the opportunity to lead a nurse to Christ earlier in the day. Their attitude? They never would have had that opportunity if not for the blood clot. God is indeed good." If you are a follower of Christ you're a part of our family! Although we know a lot of people we only know a tiny, minuscule fraction of our whole family. An important perspective is that actually my kinship with fellow members of God's family is greater than all other associations such as my national identity and in some cases even blood relatives. And you, dear folks, whether or not we've ever seen you face to face are an important part of our family. We are connected not only through modern technology but we are joined together in spirit as through Jesus Christ we serve the same Father and follow Him according to the Scriptures. Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer:  Father, we kneel before You, in whom all heaven and earth derives its name and pray that out of Your glorious riches we, as the body of Christ, will be strengthened with power through Your Spirit in our inner being. Unite us in spirit and strengthen us in purpose as we walk together upholding, defending, and proclaiming the Gospel message of Jesus Christ who saves to the uttermost. We pray for our brothers and sisters who are undergoing persecution because of their uncompromising belief. Remind us often, since we can't see them, so that we support them in prayer and thought. When we all get to heaven what a time of rejoicing that will be when we see Jesus, when we unite with our brothers and sisters from every generation,  from every tribe and nation, from every color and race, and from every tongue and dialect. It will be an experience beyond description so fill us with anticipation for later and anchor us through Jesus Christ for now as we await that blessed day of eternal hope. We pray in the precious name of Jesus.  Amen. So many of our readers followup our messages with thoughtful insights. Tommy, a friend from Arkansas shared this prspective in regard to yesterday's message: "In my study on the Esther Fast, I suddenly realized that Mordecai was Hadassah’s kinsman redeemer. Which opens another stream of devotional thought. I’ve never found where Mordecai is called her kinsman redeemer, but him adopting her was the act of redemption. Where is adoption mentioned again in Scripture? Of course, the Apostle Paul uses the term in conjunction with the Gentile wild olive being grafted in to the tree! My favorite verse is Romans 8:15 where the Spirit of Adoption cries Abba Father!!" It was nice to visit for a few minutes with Phillip Bongiorno who was my district superintendent practically the entire time I pastored in Pennsylvania from the late seventies till we moved to New England in 1993. Now in his eighties he is still as sharp as a tack and inquired about my family. When he gave his tribute to Clayton it was clear that he can still preach! He is a wonderful preacher and almost always began his sermon with a brief testimony concerning his salvation, which he would share with tears. As I recall, prior to his conversion to Christ, he had an association with the Mafia! Yesterday I visited with a lot of long-time ministry associates including Jack and Millie Provard who remain very active in their "retirement" years. They're a continual source of encouragement to us and to many others as they're involved in Teen Challenge ministries and serve in interim roles in churches. I also visited with Harold Crosby whom I consider one of my ministry mentors. He is approaching the century mark and has been in the ministry for over 75 years. (This photo was taken several years ago.) Brooksyne's Note:  Mollie turned 3 today and loves the snow. Shortly after we rose this morning she sneaked into our bedroom, pulled my pillow off the bed, and dragged it down the hallway heading downstairs.  When I spotted her I yelled out her name in a scolding tone and she dropped the pillow instantly. I think she had in mind that my big soft pillow would serve as a double cushion on her doggie bed - after all dogs, like humans who have birthdays, should receive special treatment! Her special gift will be "Homemade Doggie Treats". Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "The Family Of God"  Video  Homecoming series "The Bond Of Love"  Video  Jerry Lester with Ebenezer Baptist Church "Friends (All in the Family of God)"  Video  Petra (We enjoyed Petra when we were young Christians) "I Love Thy Kingdom Lord"  Video  A great hymn I don't hear much. Consider the lyrics written by Timothy Dwight who was president of Yale in the 1700's. I love Thy kingdom, Lord, The place of Thine abode, The church our blest Redeemer saved With His own precious blood. I love Thy church, O God; Her walls before Thee stand, Dear as the apple of Thine eye, And graven on Thy hand. For her my tears shall fall; For her my prayers ascend; To her my cares and toils be giv’n, Till toils and cares shall end. Beyond my highest joy I prize her heav’nly ways, Her sweet communion, solemn vows, Her hymns of love and praise. Sure as Thy truth shall last, To Zion shall be giv’n The brightest glories earth can yield, And brighter bliss of Heav’n. Nick Nichols, who took our lead photo today of the Amish farm in the snow, is a longtime local friend and prolific photographer. Here are more of his Lancaster County photos. * Snow that smells like chocolate?  We were downwind from a chocolate factory in Mount Joy and the aroma was wonderful! Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne. Click here to record a brief message on your computer's audio.

Stephen and Brooksyne Weber (Click on photo to enlarge) Stephen and Brooksyne Weber (Click on photo to enlarge) About Us "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 10/21/13) 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 an offering 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. Click here to donate online. 2013 YTD financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 12/31/13: $27,422.00 (Note: Due a lag in reporting from my chaplain agency all 2013 gifts may not be reported for several days. When all gifts are accounted for we will share our final accounting of offerings) SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here. These messages are never sent by us unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR it was forwarded to you. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or as an email subscription through Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.) Cancel: These messages are only sent from us to people who request it; please accept our apologies if it reached you in error. You can unsubscribe from this list at any time. 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. 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. Other versions are also occasionally used. © Copyright 2014 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 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!

 

You are currently subscribed to dailyencouragement as: stephencweber.dailyencouragement@blogger.com Add scweber@dailyencouragement.net to your email address book to ensure delivery. Forward to a Friend  |  Manage Subscription  |   Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe

Daily Encouragement (01/02/14) "Quietly Sovereign"

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

Having trouble reading this message?  Read mobile edition online

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 ·   ·     ·    Click here to support our ministry. <Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Thursday, January 2, 2014 My cousin Georgia shared this photo taken in rural Wisconsin. Listen to this message on your audio player. "Quietly Sovereign" "Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, among those taken captive with Jehoiachin king of Judah. Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died." (Esther 2:5-7). "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). "Teach us to know You, always among us, quietly sovereign – Lord of our now." Last night we received a note from a longtime friend who now lives in North Carolina. She recalls when Ester was a baby and was responding to the less than ideal medical report we received following Ester's cath on Tuesday. Our friend has dealt with a lot of adversity over the years and, through it all, remains faithful to the Lord. In seeking to console us regarding Ester's health matters she wrote, "In my moments of despair at times over the years, I have often questioned why God doesn't just "fix" things - He certainly is capable. For me there are no clear cut answers. So what it has boiled down to for me is that God is God and that is all that really matters. That does not make it easier - at times it is just plain tough." Many of our readers will identify with this thoughtful assessment. It is providential here below to deal with adversity. We are especially mindful of this in our own personal dealings, but we're also reminded when we read the accounts of Bible characters who experienced hard bumps amidst the twists and turns of their life's story. The narrative of Queen Esther and the unique way God used her to save the lives of the Jewish people stands out among the Old Testament stories. But let us reflect upon the lesser considered portion of Holy Scripture where she and her cousin, Mordecai, are first introduced in Scripture. Most Bible students are aware of the fact that God is not specifically mentioned by name in the entire book (the only book of the Bible with this distinction). And yet evidence of His presence is seen all throughout this remarkable book. 1) "Mordecai .... who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon...". Mordecai was among the captives who had been carried away to Babylon at the time of Nebuchadnezzer. What a turbulent time that was, yet a remnant faithfully lived for God, including Daniel and the three Hebrews. I am preparing a series of messages dealing with that time period that we will be sharing with the theme, "Living at the time of Jehoiakim" based upon 2 Chronicles 36. As I assess the increasing hatred toward those who follow Christ I feel we must spiritually prepare ourselves for living in such a time as this. (Of course many of our brethren already live under similar conditions.) 2) "Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah... also known as Esther". She was brought up during this captivity by Mordecai. No information is given concerning what happened to her mother and father. I wonder if she was born in the land of exile which seems likely. I wonder if Mordecai's uncle was Esther's father. Mordecai must have been older but that is not unusual. Over twenty-five years separate cousins from the oldest to the youngest on my Mom's side. "The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at." This description is important as the story unfolds! Due to her natural beauty she was unexpectedly placed in a position she never thought possible. She was selected to be the Queen among the other contestants after a year of beauty treatments! Just as Ruth reminds us that God is at work in the lives of "ordinary people", Esther reveals God at work among the "higher classes."  Both remind us that His work is often "behind the scenes."  He is, as the hymn "God Of The Ages" states, "quietly sovereign." "Esther moments" have been described as those special times when God's purpose for our life is especially apparent. This concept is based on the second daily text when Mordecai encouraged Esther to take a stand. The Jews faced annihilation (as they so often have throughout history) and Esther was in a position to act for their preservation by appealing to the king. Mordecai was confident, in one way or another, that deliverance of the Jews would come. He told Esther, "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Amazingly in the bigger picture God's grand purposes are always fulfilled with or without our cooperation. However Mordecai challenged Esther to be the agent of God's deliverance. Scripture records that Esther did listen to Mordecai and heeded his challenge to present herself to the king, even if it meant death. Notice the resolute attitude she expressed when she made up her mind to be the mediator for her people: "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). When we're weighing various options in making a decision there's a point that we've got to make up our mind and act upon that decision. May our hearts be as resolute as Esther's and other Biblical characters such as her contemporaries Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who refused to bow down to the golden image. Their unyielding response was, "The God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (Daniel 3:17,18). Through these outstanding examples of people with devout faith who took a consecrated stand for God, He sends a message to all true worshipers: we are not to fear the trials that are inevitable when we take a righteous stand in an unrighteous world. Instead we must persevere even if it means death. Today all over the world God is working through His people, accomplishing His purpose. At times we can especially sense His working through us in a specific way. What a great joy these experiences bring to our spiritual walk. May the Lord grant all of us these "Esther moments". We may not immediately sense the significance of our obedience but obedience always brings blessing. As we begin another year let us all stay faithful to God! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer:  Father, in certain situations I am fearful when I am called upon to take a stand for righteousness. When You compel me like you did Esther to do or say something that's not within my comfort zone I become fearful of the outcome which prevents me from stepping out in faith and following through with an obedient heart. Would You remind me that there is great blessing when I follow Your leading. In my heart take me back to Biblical models of those who stood without compromise and remained faithful no matter the consequence. Help me not to fear the outcome, for that is in Your hands. Thank You for entrusting me to be a part of your grand purpose. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. Note regarding Ester's name: Our daughter, Ester, was born in a Guatemalan orphanage along the Rio Dulce (Sweet River).  Her birth mother arrived at the orphanage three months before Ester's birth. A volunteer from Germany took special interest in Ester's mom because she appeared malnourished and she feared for her and the baby's health. She prepared nutritious meals and became personally involved in her care. Because of this the director of the orphanage named the baby Ester after this caring German volunteer whose name was also Ester! Her name is spelled the common way Guatemalans spell it, rather than the Biblical character with an "h" included. Her name is pronounced "Es-tair" (like the dancer, Fred Astaire). About 18 months after Ester's birth Brooksyne and I visited the orphanage and stayed in the "Guest House" which was built out over the Rio Dulce river (here on Google map. What a glimpse of third world living conditions we experienced!) *Esther's also had the name, Hadassah, a female Jewish name. Perhaps it was a middle name like we have today.  Today's text is the only reference using this name in Scripture and yet this Jewish name is making a comeback in commonly used names today. On Christmas Eve I chatted with Eric and Regina Martin who were visiting with Eric's parents at their family gathering following the service. Their youngest daughter, about 1 year old, is named Hadassah. I believe she's the first person I've met who has that name. While Ester was in the hospital on Tuesday she mentioned that she'd like to have a piece of coconut cake. In answer to her wishes Brooksyne prepared a coconut pecan cake for our New Year's dinner and Ester took this photo for her Facebook page. I'm sure glad she requested it since I also enjoyed it! She is recovering nicely from her heart catheterization on Monday. She rested all day yesterday and will do so again today before she resumes a more active schedule this weekend. As mentioned in yesterday's personal note we are seeking to have fuller understanding of her present health challenges and will learn more in a few weeks as she will see her cardiologist. Thanks so much for notes and prayers. We are encouraged by them. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "God Of Every Story"  Video  Laura Story We shared this song after I (Brooksyne) attended Laura's concert and heard her "story". Her husband, after two years of marriage, developed a brain tumor and eight years later, it continues to require major overcoming for both of them. "Life Is Hard (But God is Good)"  Video  Pam Thum "Don't Miss Your Esther Moments"  Video  John Piper (4.5 minutes) Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne. Click here to record a brief message on your computer's audio.

Stephen and Brooksyne Weber (Click on photo to enlarge) Stephen and Brooksyne Weber (Click on photo to enlarge) About Us "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 10/21/13) 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 an offering 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. Click here to donate online. 2013 YTD financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 12/31/13: $27,222.00 (Note: Due a lag in reporting from my chaplain agency all 2013 gifts may not be reported for several days. When all gifts are accounted for we will share our final accounting of offerings) SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here. These messages are never sent by us unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR it was forwarded to you. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or as an email subscription through Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.) Cancel: These messages are only sent from us to people who request it; please accept our apologies if it reached you in error. You can unsubscribe from this list at any time. 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. 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. Other versions are also occasionally used. © Copyright 2014 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 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!

 

You are currently subscribed to dailyencouragement as: stephencweber.dailyencouragement@blogger.com Add scweber@dailyencouragement.net to your email address book to ensure delivery. Forward to a Friend  |  Manage Subscription  |   Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe

Daily Encouragement (01/01/14) "God Of The Ages"

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

Having trouble reading this message?  Read mobile edition online

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 ·   ·     ·    Click here to support our ministry. <Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Wednesday, January 1, 2014 New Year's Day Message Lure Lake in North Carolina with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background. Here's a larger version of the same photo with a different Scripture verse. Listen to this message on your audio player. (Please note: The podcast will not be ready till later this afternoon for this message.) "God Of The Ages" "From everlasting to everlasting You are God" (Psalm 90:2). "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:15-17). God of the ages, history’s Maker, planning our pathway, holding us fast, shaping in mercy all that concerns us: Father, we praise you, Lord of the past. Early this morning we discussed whether to prepare a daily encouragement message since it is a holiday. But we feel the Lord may have someone that needs the perspective we will share concerning "God of the Ages" and as typically the case we also are blessed by God's Word as we study and prepare! Our first daily text makes a glorious proclamation especially fitting as we begin a new year, "From everlasting to everlasting You are God". From eternity past to eternity future God is God! Hebrews 13:8 states, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." As we sing in old hymn, "All may change, but Jesus never." Our second daily text asserts the supremacy of Christ in all things. Note the four times in these three verses we read the words "all things". But today let us focus on the final one. "In Him all things hold together." Hebrews 1:3 declares that He is "sustaining all things by His powerful Word." From the sub-atomic level to the farthest reaches of the universe Christ is upholding and sustaining all things, from the micro to macro. The word "sustaining" is translated "upholding" in the KJV. The Amplified Bible seeks to bring out the richness of the Greek by stating "upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power." The Greek word (pheron) is in the present active indicating a concept that is dynamic, not static. The Son's work of sustaining involves not only support, but also movement. He is the One who carries all things through on their appointed course. Warren Wiersbe tells a story about a guide who took a group of people through an atomic laboratory. During the tour he explained how all matter was composed of rapidly moving electric particles. The tourists studied models of molecules and were amazed to learn that matter is made up primarily of space. During the question period, one visitor asked, “If this is the way matter works, what holds it all together?” For that, the guide had no answer. But the Christian does have the answer: Jesus Christ! Because “He is before all things,” He can hold all things together. Again, this is another affirmation that Jesus Christ is God. Only God exists before all of Creation, and only God can make Creation cohere. To make Jesus Christ less than God is to dethrone Him. There are many things in our lives that cause anxiety and distress. For some of you it might be a health issue you or a loved one is dealing with. Brooksyne will share brief report below concerning Ester's heart catheritization yesterday. AlthougGiant Hershey kiss raised New Year's Eveh the procedure went fine the cardiologist informed us that Ester is beginning to demonstrate some of the longterm effects of someone who has had a heart correction like she had (The Fontan procedure), specifically damage to her liver due to the rerouting of blood flow which causes increased pressure on her liver. For others the anxiety and distress may be a related to our marriage, children, finances, and many other matters. For all of us it may be condition of the world with all the turmoil and uncertainty. At the present we don't know how these and many other issues will all work out. But we can experience great comfort in this eternal truth: God is sustaining all things by His powerful word! God is sustaining every single microchip and every single cell in my body and everyone else's. "Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:15). The God who is sustaining all things is also sustaining each one of us. He speaks through the prophet Isaiah to the ancient people of God and thus through the Scriptures to all of us: "Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth" (Isaiah 46:3). Let us begin 2014 resting in the wonderful assurance of this powerful truth and raise our eyes heavenward to declare: "You are sustaining all things by Your powerful Word and You will accomplish what concerns me for You are my Sustainer; Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting" (Hebrews 1:3, Psalm 138:8). So here's the word of encouragement today, fellow believer. He who sustains all things will surely sustain you. He is ever dependable. Troubles that weigh you down today are under His absolute authority and as they run their course Jesus calls us to trust Him – yes, even in the midst of them. Let's do that! "Teach us to know You, always among us, quietly sovereign – Lord of our now." Be encouraged today and have a blessed New Year! Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, we thank You for sending Jesus who came as God in the flesh, revealing to us Your character and personhood. You created all things and sustain them by Your powerful hand. That includes us, Your human creation. All that You created You also test. The plant life has tests of stress and endurance in the harsh elements and we, Your human creation, must endure the tests of endurance common to the flesh; whether it is relational, physical, spiritual, emotional or financial. We will endure these tests and turn them into a testimony as we rely on You, for "You will accomplish what concerns me; for You are my sustainer". You existed before anything else and You hold all creation together. We are immensely grateful and trusting You for another year of blessing, challenge and growth.  Amen. Ester with Dr. Weber prior to her heart cath procedure. Brooksyne's medical update on Ester: Ester underwent a heart catheterization yesterday afternoon Hershey Medical Center. Dr. Howard Weber (we enjoyed the "name" though we are not related) tested a number of potential troublesome areas after finding that Ester did not need further coil embolization. All the coils he inserted ten years ago are still intact. So why the low oxygen saturation? It's complicated to understand and explain and we are still studying out the information he shared with us so we can understand and explain more clearly. But essentially, due to Ester's complex heart disease, the fontan repair she had as a three year old child has some potential side effects that may not appear for many years such as the atrial flutter she's dealt with for the last fourteen years. And now she is experiencing some problems with her lungs as related to her liver function. Again, it's a side effect of the fontan surgery that essentially preserved her life. As mentioned, I can't explain this medical diagnosis well until I further understand it. But, essentially, her liver has been affected and further studies are in order. For those with a medical background Stephen found this medical seminar teaching video which is so very similar to what Ester has and is experiencing. Web page opens with video. (We sure appreciate the brilliance of doctors) Due to the information's technical nature I only watched a few minutes. She is resting this morning (we came home late last night) and will take it easy for the next few days. Her oxygen sats remain in the low to mid eighties and this will continue which has been one of the hardest things to take away from her procedure yesterday. I expected them to find the problem and fix it as they have in the past. But we have the opportunity to put into practice, that which we preach: Troubles that weigh us down today are under His absolute authority and as they run their course Jesus calls us to trust Him – yes, even in the midst of them. In this time of testing we trust God that He will grow all three of us. Thank you for your concerns and prayers. Now for a moment of humor: Our pastor joined us yesterday and prayed with Ester prior to the surgery and we visited throughout the afternoon. He has become a good friend. He was with us and listened along when we received the surgeon's report. The doctor explained that among the possible drug treatments for Ester's condition, pulmonary arterial hypertension, will be Sildenafil citrate also using its much more familiar marketing name (which the curious can look up). He looked up at John and Stephen and with a twinkle in his eye said to the affect, "Now this would be for Ester, not for you!" I know we all blushed a bit! Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources There are at least three songs written titled "God of the Ages" One is an older hymn with these lyrics. Our selected portion in our message is from a hymn with that title written by Margaret Clarkson which we enjoyed singing in our churches although I don't recall singing it for many years. I was unable to find a video version on line. It is set to the Gaelic tune BUNESSAN, which most people sing as "Morning Has Broken." The writer of this hymn lived a long life and died in 2008. Like so many hymn writers she had considerable adversity in life. See here. Here are three more stanzas: These lyrics are theologically thoughtful and encouraging! God of this morning, gladly your children worship before you, trustingly bow; teach us to know you always among us, quietly sovereign ”Lord of our now. God of tomorrow, strong overcomer, princes of darkness own your command: what then can harm us? We are your people, now and forever kept by your hand. Lord of past ages, Lord of this morning, Lord of the future, help us, we pray: teach us to trust you, love and obey you, crown you each moment Lord of today! We have also enjoyed a more recently song with the same title which is easily found on YouTube "God Of The Ages"  Video  Charles Billingsley "Another Year Is Dawning"  Video  (Instrumental) Yesterday I passed the giant 300 pound Hershey kiss that was raised last night in Hershey. Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne. Click here to record a brief message on your computer's audio.

Stephen and Brooksyne Weber (Click on photo to enlarge) Stephen and Brooksyne Weber (Click on photo to enlarge) About Us "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 10/21/13) 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 an offering 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. Click here to donate online. 2013 YTD financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 12/30/13: $27,222.00 (Note: Due a lag in reporting from my chaplain agency all 2013 gifts may not be reported for several days. When all gifts are accounted for we will share our final accounting of offerings) SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here. These messages are never sent by us unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR it was forwarded to you. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or as an email subscription through Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.) Cancel: These messages are only sent from us to people who request it; please accept our apologies if it reached you in error. You can unsubscribe from this list at any time. 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. 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. Other versions are also occasionally used. © Copyright 2014 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 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!

 

You are currently subscribed to dailyencouragement as: stephencweber.dailyencouragement@blogger.com Add scweber@dailyencouragement.net to your email address book to ensure delivery. Forward to a Friend  |  Manage Subscription  |   Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe