Daily Encouragement (07/03/13) "When Death Shall Be No More"

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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 ·   ·     ·    Click here to support our ministry. <Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Wednesday, July 3, 2013 "When Death Shall Be No More" Listen to this message on your audio player. "The last enemy that will be destroyed is death" (1 Corinthians 15:26). "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). This week we have been considering the Battle of Gettysburg which was fought 150 years ago on July 1-3, 1863. On July 3 the battle culminated with Pickett's Charge. We have visited that part of the battlefield and envisioned the scenes of horrific wounded and dead soldiers that took place there. From Civil War history I read this glaring abbreviated account: For three days, more than 150,000 soldiers clashed in a series of Confederate assaults and Union defenses.  On the third day of the battle, Lee ordered an assault on the Union’s center, a move now known as Pickett’s Charge. More than 12,500 Confederate soldiers marched on the Union position, coming under intense artillery fire. Union guns decimated the attacking Confederates, injuring or killing nearly 50 percent of the approaching brigades. The charge’s strategic failure and loss of men forced Lee into retreat. Three days of fighting at Gettysburg took a horrible toll on both sides; 10,000 soldiers killed, 30,000 injured (many died afterward of their wounds), and 10,000 captured or missing (again many of these missing were killed, but their bodies never recovered). It is estimated that over 569 tons of ammunition were fired during the battle. Over ten years ago I recall being in a Pastor's meeting in the Gettysburg area when I was a manager for a chaplain company and trying to recruit chaplains to serve in a poultry processing plant in that area. The pastors shared with me that there is (in their view) a specific demonic stronghold in that area due to the immensity of violent death that took place in such a concentrated area. We read in obituaries what is I suppose the ideal way to transition out of this life in a phrase such as "died peacefully surrounded by loving family" or in our area where many express faith in God we often see "went home to be with Jesus..." However in our observation many times death is not peaceful but violent, a body wracked with cancer, young firefighters killed in a raging forest fire, vehicle accidents, violence, terrorism and of course war. Death is often ugly and painful, not peaceful. Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote the now classic song "Because He Lives" when he was in his thirties and she in her late twenties.  The third verse has an interesting insight, especially considering how young they were when the song was written. And then one day I'll cross the river I'll fight life's final war with pain And then as death gives way to victory I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives The early church, having a firm belief in the glorious resurrection of Christ, nevertheless, experienced death; many through martyrdoms. In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul is defending the resurrection of Christ and future resurrection of those who believed in Him. Especially in the section verses 20-28 he deals with the matter of human death and future resurrection.  "For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death." Paul calls death, "the last enemy". On this side of eternity we all deal with the mortality of death. The closer it hits home the greater the personal and lasting pain. Sometimes death is after a long well-lived life, which of course can still bring loss and mourning to loved ones. But so often death comes early and tragically through disease, accidents, violence and war. It does not discriminate; godly missionaries are slain while doing the Lord's work. In parts of the world being a Christian is very life-threatening. So many of our Christian brethren are being slain in the Muslim-dominated countries yet it is so under reported. I wonder how many readers heard of the recent beheadings in Syria and tremendous persecution in Egypt. A young mother is smitten with cancer; a young child is killed by a drunk driver; a baby is violently murdered inside what should be the safest place of their existence. Such is the nature of the fallen world we live in. But a future glimpse of heaven brings us fresh hope and eager anticipation for that appointed day when "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, we thank You that the grave is not the end for the believer, but simply the passage way into an eternal dwelling with You. The last enemy to be destroyed is death, but the lights of glory will welcome us into our eternal home where we will reunite with our dear loved ones who've gone before us.  For those who've lost loved ones in the midst of their serving our country in some capacity we pray for their peace and comfort knowing that they too paid a price for our freedoms, comfort and safety. We pray for our persecuted brethren that Your Holy Spirit would be like a soothing salve, an anesthetic in the midst of their ongoing deprivation and abuse; that it would apply equally for their grieving family members. We pray for deliverance from their captivity and for their opportunity to share the gospel with cellmates, guards and others whom they interface with. We pray this through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Ester volunteers on Tuesdays to sort clothing at our local Mount Joy Gift & Thrift Store which is run by 150 volunteers and a handful of staff members, raising funds to benefit missions. She met up with DeAnna who was our neighbor 11 years ago and they have a fun time working together. This photo does not capture the beautiful full rainbow that appeared in the sky about 8:00 this evening. It was a three colored rainbow that was often hidden by moving clouds. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Because He Lives"  Video  Gaither Vocal Band "No More Night"  Video  David Phelps An interesting site concerning the Battle Of Gettysburg with many statistics. Or this historical summary Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

Stephen and Brooksyne Weber (Click on photo to enlarge) "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/31/12) 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 7/2/13: $10,883.00 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION If a friend forwarded this 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 2013 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 Contact us Endorsed chaplain "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation" www.dailyencouragement.net

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Daily Encouragement (07/02/13) "But We See!"

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 ·   ·     ·    Click here to support our ministry. <Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Tuesday, July 2, 2013 We enjoy the up-close views of the houses built in the 1700's in Marietta when biking through the small, quaint river town.  "But We See!" Listen to this message on your audio player. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known" (1 Corinthians 13:12). I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. We mentioned yesterday that this is the 150th anniversary of the Battle at Gettysburg, which took place July 1-3, 1863. Gettysburg is only about 40 miles west of us and we periodically visit the famous battlefield from the Civil War. Several years ago we walked through the Gettysburg National Cemetery where Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg address and saw this simple expression of faith on the tombstone of a chaplain who served in the war: "We see through a glass darkly… but we see!" The first part of the phrase is based upon the daily text of Scripture: "For now we see through a glass, darkly".  The apostle Paul is candidly writing of the partial understanding we have on this side.  As we walk in faith we may indeed describe our human experience as that of seeing darkly and knowing only in part. Other versions translate the first phrase, "For now we see in a mirror dimly" (ESV); "For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma]" (Amplified). Many of us heard the news report of the nineteen young firefighters killed in the forest fire in Arizona. Prescott Fire Chief Dan Fraijo said 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshot Crew perished in the blaze and said his Fire Department was in shock. “Emotionally, we’re devastated,” Fraijo said at a Sunday night news conference. "We just lost 19 of some of the finest people you’ll ever meet. I mean, right now, we’re in crisis."  "Whatever the situation was that took place we haven't been able to explain yet, but there is an investigation that's going to be taking place." Some things are just unexplainable. These men were doing their duty and though aware of the dangers certainly did not expect to perish as they did. Going back to our story of the chaplain from Gettysburg; he himself did not die in the war but saw the battle horrors first hand. As I recall from the dates on the tombstone he died about twenty years after the war and surely carried those vivid battle scenes to his deathbed; thus his outlook is expressed in the epitath" "We see through a glass darkly...but we see!" We all have matters in life that could be described as "seeing through a glass darkly".  In these gloomy experiences we can choose to despair or place our faith in God, readily admitting that we see through a glass darkly. That's why we walk by faith and not by sight. Our faith is founded solidly upon the unchanging, ever dependable Word of God that is our roadmap when the road ahead is foggy. C.H. Spurgeon makes an interesting assertion that we couldn't handle this greater knowledge on this side of eternity. "If we knew more of our own sinfulness, we might be driven to despair; if we knew more of God's glory, we might die of terror; if we had more understanding, unless we had equivalent capacity to employ it, we might be filled with conceit and tormented with ambition. But up there we shall have our minds and our systems strengthened to receive more, without the damage that would come to us here from overleaping the boundaries of order, supremely appointed and divinely regulated." What especially caught my attention was the last phrase on the chaplain's tombstone; "But we see!" What a powerful perspective! There's so much we don't understand; some things make no sense to us at all. Indeed the tunnel may be narrow, dark, long, and filled with debris as we navigate our way through.  With the help of the Holy Spirit the fog is lifted and we too can declare "But I see!" When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Father, Your Word admonishes us to "Contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints."  There are many obstacles that will lead us astray as we contend for the faith if our eyes become fixed on the obstacles.  Instead we want to fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who set His eyes on the throne of God, enabling Him to endure the cross, its shame and agony.  Fix our eyes on the goal of heaven where all will finally be made perfectly clear when we see Jesus face to face.  In the meantime sustain us through Your mercy, grow our faith, and help us to take as many as possible with us to our eternal home in heaven. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Yesterday I shared about a pastor who was forbidden to hold a service in a public space due to "separation of church and state" objections by the local government officials. (As if anyone in their right mind would construe a religious service along a beach an official endorsement or establishment of religion by the government!) In the category of "Can it get any crazier" I wonder how long it will be before some godless group such as the Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Freedom from Religion Foundation or ACLU seek to prohibit any expression of faith on tombstones in public cemeteries such as that mentioned in today's post? Interesting article: "Doctrinal Confusion" by Paul Hyles I read this article and sent it to my pastor this morning to encourage him. He is a contender for the faith and is addressing what too many are not touching these days. Turns out he had already read it and had made this comment: ""I am a pastor that 100 percent agrees with this article. I try by the help of the Holy Spirit to preach the full truth of the Gospel. We have been preaching on a series of ‘critical issues' facing our society today which includes all of the church. I had to face some hard issues such as abortion, homosexuality, alcohol use and abuse, pornography, creation vs. evolution, is hell real, suicide, next one is gambling. These were not easy to preach on but God certainly did help us and our people respond in a positive way appreciating the straight truth from God's Word..." - J. K.  My note: Indeed John (and all pastors preaching the whole counsel of God), the remnant of the faithful appreciate the straight truth from God's Word. I like this quote from the article: "Be sure your pastor is preaching for you the entire Gospel. If he's not, and you're a mature Christian, don't feel reluctant to discuss specifics with him. Ignore his scholarly degrees – rely on the Bible. Don't be intimidated." Stephen's note: Indeed, although scholarly degrees may have some validity the best contenders I have seen in my ministry are people, regardless of education, who, like the Bereans, study and know the Scriptures. (Acts 17:11) Our top photo today was taken the other night when we took a bike ride along the Susquehanna River path and down the Main Street of the old river town of Marietta. Hanging Impatiens Brooksyne and I are both "repurposers" and find fulfillment in unusual bargains along the way. In our affluent*, disposable age it's amazing what can be found. It is my contention that even with the financial problems in the last several years and notwithstanding that there are those who really do struggle to get by, here in America for the most part we are very affluent compared to previous generations and certainly much of the world's populace who live in conditions of poverty unseen in our country. The problem is that our expectations of what we "must" have and sense of entitlement has vastly grown. Recently in the course of her morning walks Brooksyne found two used "treasures" we are enjoying.   She saw this bike in a yard sale for a second day yard sale price. It has the larger tires and an automatic transmission. It is in almost new condition. I suppose the high handlebars don't look too cool, but at my age I enjoy cycling in an upright posture and really am not concerned how cool I look! On a 6 AM walk this week she passed this bbq grill with a sign on it that read, "Free, It works." Our last bbq grill was also picked up free along the road about ten years ago and has served us well although the burners need replaced. We brought this one home, cleaned it up and indeed it works fine! It has a side burner, which is new to us and ignitor starters. We've grilled the last two evenings and were very pleased with the results. If any local readers are in need of a grill that still works (although it will work better with new burners) we are disposing of our old grill, a well-built Broilmaster "Warm Morning" model with lots of cast. Of course it is free for the hauling! Send us an email to this address. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "Trust His Heart"  Video  "God Is In Control"  Video  Kristian and Shannon Walker "The Greatest Thing"  Video  Shannon Wexelberg "All Your Promises Are True"  Video  Shannon Wexelberg & Bethesda Community Church Choir Gettysburg National Cemetery, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Marietta PA Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

Stephen and Brooksyne Weber (Click on photo to enlarge) "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/31/12) 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 7/1/13: $10,883.00 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION If a friend forwarded this 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 2013 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 Contact us Endorsed chaplain "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation" www.dailyencouragement.net

Daily Encouragement is issued Monday-Friday.  To make sure you continue to receive these e-mails in your Inbox (so they're not sent to a junk folder), please add scweber@dailyencouragement.net to your address book or safe sender list. You are receiving these recurring messages as a subscriber to Daily Encouragement Net because you signed up on our website or otherwise requested it unless someone forwarded the message to you. If you desire to unsubscribe use the link below.  However, please do not use this link unless your address is the subscribed address below as you will otherwise unsubscribe the person who forwarded it to you!

 

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Daily Encouragement (07/01/13) "Standing Firm To The End"

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 ·   ·     ·    Click here to support our ministry. <Previous Message       ·       Archive edition Monday, July 1, 2013 A view of the Veterans Memorial Bridge over the Susquehanna River from Columbia, PA. The stone piers that supported the covered bridge mentioned in today's message can be seen through the arches. Listen to this message on your audio player. "Standing Firm To The End" “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.  All men will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:21,22). On Saturday evening our dogs were distressed, especially our two year old Mollie. Marietta, a neighboring town along the Susquehanna River about 3 miles away, was having a large fireworks celebration and at the same time a storm was coming through the area with flash lightning and repetitive thunder rolls. I stepped outside and since it wasn't yet raining I heard and watched the marvelous display, a combination of natural and man-made. It was a spectacular show that I didn't pay a cent to attend nor did I travel even a block to observe! As I dug a little deeper in my mind I began to imagine that the thunderous noise and distant flashes might be similar to those in close proximity to a major battle. This week marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg which was fought July 1-3 in 1863. Gettysburg is only about 40 miles west of us and we'll be going out that way later this month for a visit. Over the next several days we expect to develop messages based on this historic national event. Today I want to consider a lesser known event that took place at the same time (actually a few days earlier) only about ten miles from us.  At the time of the Civil War the world's longest covered bridge (over one mile) crossed the Susquehanna River between Columbia and Wrightsville PA. The Confederate troops were preparing to cross it and head east to the cities of Lancaster and then Philadelphia in a massive offensive. Yesterday we crossed the Susquehanna River near where the bridge once stood. Union troops were ordered to blow up a section of the bridge to stop the Confederate advance. When that failed they burned the bridge down and the fire spread to the town of Wrightsville on the west side of the river. In a great humanitarian gesture the Confederate troops joined the townspeople in putting out the fire using a bucket brigade. "Brother against brother" is a slogan used in histories of the American Civil War, describing the predicament faced in families (primarily, but not exclusively, residents of border states) in which loyalties and military service were divided between the Union and the Confederacy. There are a number of stories of brothers fighting in the same battles on opposite sides, or even of brothers killing brothers over the issues presented during the war. Conflict of one kind or another, its intensity from light to severe will always exist on this side of eternity. Depending on the importance of the cause and how strongly we support it, it will divide us from those with opposing views. In our Scripture text Jesus had just called his twelves disciples together and given them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness (Matthew 10:1). He gave them further instructions and then warned them of the persecution that would follow as they took up the cause of Christ to nonbelievers including those within their own family. Bible commentator John Gil's exposition of the Bible describes it this way: "The father laying aside his natural affection for his child, whom he has begotten, and brought up, and has took so much care of, and delight in, and perhaps his only one, his son and heir; and yet, professing a faith different from his, such is his blind zeal and bigotry, that, breaking through all the ties of parental relation and affection, he delivers him up into the hands of wicked magistrates, to put him to death: and, on the other hand, children, forgetting the bonds they are in, and the obligations they lie under to their aged parents, rise up against them, and either with their own hands murder them, or appear as witnesses against them, and give their hearty consent to the taking away of their lives; even of them who have been the means and instruments of bringing them into the world, and of bringing them up in it." Following the extremely harsh warning to the disciples of the possibility of family turning against them Jesus then reassures them with this promise, "but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." Temporal suffering, rejection, and hatred will last only for a season. For those who endure such hardship the reward of eternal peace awaits them. As our country continues to experience division, unrest, and the stripping of our religious freedoms let us resolve to "stand firm to the end." Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily prayer: Father, there are many of Your followers who stand for righteousness that also deal with rejection, mockery, and ridicule from within their own family. As we take up Your cross we must be willing to lose our life, for Jesus tells us that it is at that level of commitment that we will actually find our lives. He also warned us that He did not come to bring peace to the earth, for families will divide choosing one loyalty over another. Help us to patiently endure, remain steadfast in prayer for our loved ones, and regularly extend our love that comes from You to those who need it most. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. (Matthew 10) A view of the Veterans Memorial Bridge from Wrightsville, PA. (I would like to have removed the wires but that might have caused some inconvenience and expense to the locals.) A peaceful view of the Susquehanna River I was listening to a national radio program this morning and heard Pastor Dekker from the Delaware Shore share for a few minutes regarding a stand he took for the Lord. He recently tried to have a public service on the beach as an outreach and was rebuffed by authorities who used the "separation of church and state" mantra. (Churches have been having public services all my life and we had meetings on the diamond (town square) when we served a church in Saint Marys. I know pastors in New England that had baptismal services along the beach. Of course a beach is big and if passersby do not care to be exposed to religion they can easily avoid the service. Now the authorities have created a right to not even be exposed, using a concept that Thomas Jefferson and the framers of the Constitution would not have imagined (like a lot of the nonsense going on now). In fact they used to have church services in the Capitol Rotunda! (see here) Pastor Dekker is challenging this new restriction and thus it is in the news. We attended the New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Lewes DE this last May when we went to the shore. At the time we were edified in the service and by the message Pastor Dekker preached who addressed issues of our time boldly. We recommend this church for any who may be visiting the Delaware Shore. (Website) Call to Fall:  Yesterday Ester told us that our church had a congregational prayer time with all who were able to kneel in prayer as our Pastor led in a prayer for national revival. I am thankful for Pastor Keefer and all pastors who stand as watchman in our day. Yesterday Brooksyne and I attended a friend's church in York PA. I worked with Pastor Jim Herbert about ten years ago in chaplaincy and it was nice to reconnect. They had an outdoor outreach service in an effort to reach the lost. The special speaker was Steve Carrier, who uses  a creative method to draw interest to the Lord. See here. He has assemblies in public schools and to us the most edifying part of the message was when he shared a letter a young student had written to him which included a razer blade she had taped to the letter. She had a tough homelife and had been cutting herself for years. Steve shared how over the course of the week her mom then her dad came to Christ. She wrote Steve the brief note thanking him for coming to her community and testifying to the change in her life and their home. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources A song that arose out of the Civil War but is considered by many to also portray the broader conflict between good and evil is: "Battle Hymn Of The Republic"  Video  Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir A final verse not frequently used states: He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave, He is Wisdom to the mighty, He is Succour to the brave, So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of time His slave, Our God is marching on.   The Celebration hymnal has this added verse by Gary Rhodes: We can almost hear the trumpet sound, The Lord's return is near. There are still so many people lost, His message they must hear. Father give us one more moment. One more day, one more year- With God we're marching on. Here's an interesting commentary on the hymn. Columbia Wrightsville Bridge history (article) See also here. Battle Of Gettysburg (from PAhistory.com) Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.

Stephen and Brooksyne Weber (Click on photo to enlarge) "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update  (Revised 12/31/12) 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 6/30/13: $10,883.00 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION If a friend forwarded this 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 2013 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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