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Are You On The Right Road?
2008-07-31 12:57:00
"Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road that you take" (Jeremiah 31:21).
Yesterday we made chaplain visits throughout Lancaster County and finished with a visit to United Zion Nursing Home in Lititz to see our friends, Dave and Millie, who celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in April. For many years we fondly referred to them as our "pew neighbors" since they sat directly behind us in church. Dave has had a rough time the last several weeks but maintains his strong faith in God and a great sense of humor!
On the way home we passed a country church that sits on an interesting lot. As you approach the church from the west, you come to a fork in the road. We assume the original road went straight, directly past the front of the church. But at this point the "new" highway veers right. Someone in the church considered a thoughtful witness sign to place at this very small point which is both practical and spiritual. It merely asks, "Are You Sure You're on the Right Road?"
In smaller letters under the question there's a Scripture reference. I wonder how many have looked this up through the years! "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13,14).
We want to especially consider a phrase from Jeremiah today. It was originally pronounced to the Southern Kingdom some 2,600 years ago and remains a relevant reminder to all generations, "Take note of the highway, the road that you take" (Jeremiah 31:32).
It is a fact that we are all presently on the road to our eternal destination. God has placed us in the driver's seat to steer our lives in the direction of our choosing (free-will). Since there are many roads we may travel He equips us with the Bible roadmap that tells us what to expect when we choose a particular route.
One road is broad, well-travelled and seems very enticing. But since the futile end of this road extends beyond our initial view, Solomon warns travelers, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12).
Jesus gives unambiguous directions to those who travel the narrow road when He declares, "I am the Way, the Truth, the Life. No one comes to the Father but through me" (John 14:6). It will not be through our good works, religious affiliation or other man-centered efforts, but those traveling on the Highway to Heaven will get there only through the saving blood of Jesus Christ!
Jeremiah instructs, "Set up road signs; put up guideposts." When we travel on an unfamiliar highway we appreciate periodic signs informing us that we're on the right road. Even on familiar routes we still value guideposts that assure us we're going the right way.
In my preaching I often quote from Hebrews 12:1 where the writer of Hebrews urges believers to confidently persevere in "the race marked out for us." We don't have to flip a coin or make a blind guess as to which direction we take but we can move forward in confidence.
On the spiritual highway road signs and guideposts are surely the directions given us in the Holy Scriptures, God's owner's manual. The Scriptures are an absolutely reliable map to direct our paths in the course of this life and to direct our hearts toward the life hereafter.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, this journey of faith began at Mile Marker One which was, for those who believe, the moment we personalized the tremendous sacrifice of Jesus' death on the cross. After we repented of our sins we began this faith journey and the milestones along the way have assured us that the route we're on leads to eternal life. We reject the philosophies that originate from this world and follow Your roadmap that keeps us on the highway of holiness. All the while we are ever watchful for the prowling enemy who attempts to steer us off course. Though sorrow and mourning have accompanied us on this journey, we will enter Zion rejoicing and singing as You crown us with everlasting joy! And the marvelous blessing is that the end of this earthly journey is really only the beginning of eternal bliss! Thank You, Jesus, for making it possible! Amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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A Heart Of Wisdom
2008-07-30 08:20:00
"So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). "Make your ear attentive to wisdom; incline your heart to understanding" (Proverbs 2:2). Acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding" (Proverbs 4:7).
We often speak or write about the outstanding sunset view we enjoy from our front yard. We have photos from various seasons although I find taking a sunset photo a real challenge.
Our present view at sunset is a dense field of 10 foot high corn with a couple of stone barns and tall silos in the background. The sun sets as a huge ball of orange fire glows above the corn field. The sun's rays light the tassels that top the corn stalks making them look like glistening icicles in the distance.
Brooksyne is still unable to take long walks along the trail so last night I walked with a friend as the sun was setting. It was a 90 degree day in Lancaster County and the sun was especially brilliant as it gradually disappeared from our view.
Each sunset is a reminder that God is drawing yet another day to a close. We often get up in the morning as the sun is rising in the east. Sunrise and Sunset are like a pair of daily "bookends" reminding us that the passing of our lives happens one day at a time.
We associate most of the Psalms with David but Moses wrote Psalm 90 and makes the petition found in our daily text: "So teach us to number our days." Indeed our days are numbered. As of today (July 30, 2008) my numbered days since my birth are 19,648.
All of us have an allotted number of days. These days are in God's hands. Certainly we have a responsibility in practicing safety and maintaining our health and can be very thankful for the role of modern medicine in prolonging life. But one day these allotted days will end for all of us.
Last week our daughter Ester had an impacted wisdom tooth extracted which brought back memories for Brooksyne and me as we went through that dreaded experience many years earlier. Wisdom teeth generally appear between the ages of 17 and 25 at a time of life that has been called the "Age of Wisdom." Thus they are referred to as wisdom teeth. Our "extra" teeth don't pop out as proof that we have become people of wisdom just because we have grown to adulthood. But as adults we should all have the desire to be growing in genuine wisdom.
According to the daily Scripture we are to number our days that we may present to God a heart of wisdom. We usually consider wisdom a faculty of the mind but today's text uses the term "heart of wisdom." We have been studying what this wisdom is as opposed to one's innate intellect or degree of education, and have determined that the "heart of wisdom" is an altogether different thing.
A dictionary definition of wisdom is "the knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action." As we ponder this subject we personally describe wisdom as the ability to see the sequential consequences of actions and this is largely a benefit of the life experience that comes as we age. Another helpful understanding of the word is "seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference." That's why we should seek the counsel of those who are older or more spiritually mature than ourselves in areas where we might need wisdom and guidance.
The "heart of wisdom" is living each day with the implementation of God's eternal principles as we accumulate and process information. Let us also incline our prayerful heart toward God and the Holy Scriptures so that He will guide us in the experiences of life with needed understanding that only He can provide. Let us do this today and everyday and truly present to God a heart of wisdom!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we earnestly seek You for wisdom regarding the daily circumstances of our lives. Help us to incline our hearts toward You for understanding all that You have to teach us in the lessons of life. During the quiet sessions when Your voice seems silent help us to trust You knowing that You work all things out for our good, for Your glory, and in Your time reference. Amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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The Promised Harvest
2008-07-29 08:13:00
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9).
Last night we had a missionary couple over for dinner and fellowship. Bruce and Merly Bundy have served in Spain for over twenty years as church planters in Madrid. Spain is a notoriously challenging country for missions and we shared together about the inevitable discouragements of ministry as well as the tremendous blessing of impacting others for Christ and eternity.
Bruce reminded me of an incredible message I heard several months ago about the story of Mr. Genor, a man who faithfully witnessed in a simple way in Sydney, Australia for forty years. He saw no visible fruit from his spiritual labors, but learned only weeks before his death that scores of people's lives were changed through his faithful testimony (The *link to the story is below and will bless you tremendously.)
Those of us living for Christ are called to impact the world around us for His cause. Husbands and wives are to demonstrate unity in their love for one another. Parents are to raise their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ministers are to "preach the word". Yet we at times may wonder if we really are making any difference. Some do not have a marriage characterized by love and unity. Some have children that reject the Lord. There are ministers who faithfully "preach the Word", yet see little receptivity.
The perspective we must have is the future harvest promised in Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." But we do at times become weary in doing good, don't we? The apostle Paul knew the Galatian believers were growing weary and encouraged them to keep on keeping on for the future harvest. In our "instant gratitude" society we especially have difficulty waiting for "the proper time" for God's blessings to be revealed. Our mindset is more like a lot of commercials selling high priced items on credit, interest free, for the first year. They appeal to customers who have the attitude, "I want it and I want it now", rather than save up money for a future purchase.
At times our lives just don't seem to be making much difference from our visual perspective. But Paul reminds us that, "at the proper time we will reap a harvest." That "proper time" ("due season" in the KJV) will most assuredly come. Don't give up! Your life, lived for Christ, is making a difference. Our primary motivation for all that we do in the name of Christ must be based on our desire to obey Him. A competitive spirit, statistics, people's expectations or a desire to impress others can too easily become the driving power that misguides our actions.
But, as always, God works from the inside out. We can't impress Him but we can respond to His love for us. And our love for God must always be the motivation for all that we do. "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all."
He will bless us with an abundant harvest at His appointed hour as we stay faithful to Him.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, help us to be faithful in the big and small things You have called us to do, that You may be honored. Amen.
*The amazing story of Mr. Genor's (Jenner's) faithful witness for Christ. Audio Text of story Being from Missouri (the Show-Me state) I tend to take incredible stories like this, however inspiring they may be, with a grain of salt, and apparently others have as well. However this man dug into the story and documented it. See here.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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Prone To Wander
2008-07-28 12:00:00
"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ" (Philippians 3:7).
Brooksyne and I love the old hymns. We're spiritually indebted to hymn writers who have written heartfelt expressions of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God. We find ourselves often limited in our human language and unable to verbally express what we feel emotionally. Then we find the very expression of our hearts described in the text of a hymn, and by singing those words, we make it our own message to God.
We identify with Robert Robinson who in 1758 with blunt candor writes about the faulty human condition. Buried in the third verse of his famous hymn, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" Robinson describes the agonizing pulling of his heart strings, "Prone to wander how I feel it, prone to leave the God I love."
I certainly identify with Robinson's proneness to wander and live for self rather than the God I love. Each time I sing this line I'm reminded of the two natures that are always waging war within: the sin nature vs. the spiritual nature. How can I defeat the sin that is crouching at the door of my heart? (Genesis 4:7). Who will rescue me from this intruding enemy?
Jesus, through His unending supply of grace, will give us strength to defeat the temptation to wander into enemy territory. Though there are times when Satan's luring temptations turn into tortuous warfare we will remain firm in our faith when we choose to bind our wandering hearts to the God we love.
The Law of Moses prescribed the wearing of phylacteries to serve as a constant reminder of God's Holy Word. These were small boxes containing slips of parchment on which were written portions of the Law. They were worn ostentatiously by the Jews on the head or left arm. In fact among the orthodox Jews they are still used to this day.
The closest I relate to the wearing of phylacteries was when I was a Bible College student. I, along with other Greek and Hebrew students, often walked around with a ring of index cards that had the Greek or Hebrew words we were learning. We would thumb through these cards repetitively while standing in the long cafeteria line. It was a good way to memorize the Greek language and an efficient way to use free time.
By the time of Jesus the usage of phylacteries had become a source of pride and a legalism to the Jews. In fact Jesus spoke negatively regarding them. There is no specific mention of the practice continuing in the New Testament Christian Church. However we would do well to remember the principle behind their usage: Don't forget the meaning behind the practice!
In the daily text Paul had been recounting his worldly credentials that were very impressive for his time (although they may seem foreign to us today). "If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless." These were impressive credentials in his day but he goes on with the daily verse, "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ."
What do you consider to be "gain" in your life today? The world presses us into its mold and gives the following answers: important position, academic credentials, big salary, abundance of things, big retirement account, sensual pleasures, exotic travel, etc.
But I want to hear from God's perspective and listen to His Word today concerning what real gain is. I want to hear the voice of our Lord who says, "Seek first the Kingdom of God", as well as "A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Paul describes the absolute change in his life's perspective in the daily text: "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ." Peter, the old fisherman says, "Live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear." James weighs in with, "Don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?" John's cautions the believer, "Do not love the world or anything in the world." *
A double minded person is unstable and untrustworthy. Let us be resolute in our commitment to serve our God wholeheartedly, living for Him and not ourselves. His streams of mercy, never-ending, will supply us with the strength we need to keep this resolve.
Oh, to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy grace, Lord, like a fetter, bind my wan-d'ring heart to Thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love.
Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it; seal it for Thy courts above.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we choose not to live according to our sinful nature that will lead to a hopeless death, but we choose to live by Your Spirit that leads to a hope-filled life here on earth and for all eternity. Help us in our daily struggles that tempt us to wander from the heart of God. Keep our hearts in oneness with Yours. In the name of Your precious Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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A Peculiar People
2008-07-25 13:31:00
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).
I was raised in Belton Missouri, a small town about 20 miles south of Kansas City. The very next town south of Belton is Peculiar which, to this day, remains a quaint little town on the outer edges of KC's sprawling suburbs.
Peculiar got its name in an interesting way. This is from the town's website: "The pioneer settlers decided their drowsy, maple-shaded hamlet ought to have a name. After several sessions in the general store they narrowed the choice to three names, but couldn't settle on any one. All three names were sent to the post office for consideration. All three were in use elsewhere. They decided to appeal directly to the postmaster general, agreeing to let him make the final decision. 'We don't care what name you give us,' they said, 'so long as it is sort of peculiar.' Probably with tongue in cheek the postmaster general wrote a long and courteous reply. He said he had given their predicament grave consideration. 'My conclusion' he wrote, 'is that in all the land it would be difficult to imagine a more distinctive, a more peculiar name than Peculiar.' And Peculiar it has remained ever since."
Brooksyne and I have memorized many Scripture verses because of dedicated songwriters who added melodies to the Scripture texts. Scripture songs establish a great foundation for the faith. Today's Scripture was one of those songs and we sung it to the exact wording of the KJV. Today we want to consider just a phrase from the text, "a peculiar people."
"Peculiar" is an interesting word not used as much now and perhaps the connotation has even changed. Today if we were to describe someone as "peculiar" it would probably be taken as an insult.
However it's a vitally important description of the Christian as used in the KJV. Other versions use this phrasing, "a people belonging to God" (NIV), "a people for God's own possession" (NASV), "His own special people" (NKJV).
Christians are a special people because God has purchased and preserved us for Himself. We are His possession now. We are distinct from the world and we are called to live our lives as people in the world but not of it. Jesus said concerning His disciples, "They are not of the world, even as I am not of it" (John 17:16).
We, as God's people, have been called into "His marvelous light" which is a stark contrast to this world full of darkness. We seek to keep a spiritual, eternal outlook in the midst of daily temporal demands. But when all is said and done we must confess that the scales often tip in favor of the physical, temporal priorities vs. the spiritual and eternal priorities. It's a continual caution to the believer.
So much of the physical and temporal obscures the marvelous light of Christ and results in the darkness of the world. Injustice, despair, and destruction abound in this present darkness.
God's dealings with humankind require an internal searchlight since we must first eradicate the darkness from within. The interesting thing about God's creation is that the answers mankind seeks for inner peace are not found in the physical realm. We must deal with the internal spiritual nature and by doing so our lives will "show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness." Yes, indeed, God's people are "peculiar" in contrast to the world!
Today let us rejoice that we are God's peculiar people and victoriously walk in His wonderful light. May our words as well as our actions truly declare His praises!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, as we deal with the temporal demands of this day, may the principles that guide us be of eternal origin. We seek not to blend in with the world but to be the salt of the earth. You have made us a peculiar people who are called to be the light of the world. May our light shine for all the world to see so that our good deeds bring praise to Your holy name. Amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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Ordinary Mary
2008-07-24 14:24:00
"Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you" (Romans 16:6).
I saw "Mary" in action at a church gathering. A disabled person had fallen and in the process had also become very frightened. The scene was becoming somewhat chaotic as people were looking on while the uncomfortable drama unfolded. Due to a life-altering injury the man encountered many years ago he was unable to cope with the situation and needed assistance, both physically and emotionally. A "Mary" lovingly helped this individual to exercise self-restraint while maintaining his dignity.
Most who are familiar with the Bible will readily identify Hebrews 11 as the "Hall of Fame of Faith". This chapter mentions many of the famous characters of the Old Testament such as Noah, Abraham and Moses.
But Romans 16 is another Hall of Fame representing the scores of little known believers who have contributed to the advancement of God's Kingdom throughout the church age. Most of the names mentioned in this chapter (35 altogether) are not referred to anywhere else in Scripture. Yet each made an impact on Paul's life and upon many others as well.
Mention the name, Mary, in the Bible and one probably assumes a reference to the mother of our Lord or to Mary Magdalene. But today's brief Scripture verse is the only Mary mentioned in any of the epistles, a dedicated local believer in the Roman church. Her impact was such that Paul made a special greeting to her in his epistle, "Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you."
Her simple distinction? "She worked very hard for you." We are not told what she did, but the Roman believers knew very well. Perhaps she was on the fellowship committee or she rocked the crying babies to sleep. Those are sure two hard jobs in a healthy, active church! Maybe she stayed around after a church meal to scrub the dishes (way before the days of plastic ware or paper plates.) That chore had to be done back then as well.
Whatever she did, she worked very hard. The emphasis on "very" is purposeful. The KJV reads "bestowed much labor." Finally let us note the simple words "for you." What a blessing she must have been to the church in Rome as she diligently served others!
We've met a lot of people through the years like Mary. In fact some have actually been named Mary! What a tremendous blessing they are; ordinary people using ordinary gifts to build up Christ's extraordinary church. All over the world, unheralded and often underappreciated, they're still a major part of God's plan in getting the job done.
Take note of the "Marys" among you in your congregation. Speak a word of appreciation to them as you intentionally notice that which others might unintentionally miss. And if you happen to be a hard worker for Christ like Mary you will someday hear the words of greatest commendation from the Master Himself, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, as we diligently labor for You it is not to bring attention to ourselves, but it is to bring glory to Your name and further the kingdom of God. Help us to find our place of Christian service where we can develop our gifts and expend our labors for building up the body of Christ. Amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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Spiritual Apheresis
2008-07-23 11:37:00
"And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins" (Romans 11:27). "Because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins" (Hebrews 10:4).
Brooksyne and I have given blood all through our marriage beginning our freshman year in Bible College in Springfield, Missouri (even before we got married). We usually give whole blood through the Red Cross which takes about a pint. However several years ago we donated a few times using a procedure known as "apheresis". In some way they separate the blood and in our case, as I recall, they took only the plasma and returned the rest back into our blood stream.
Since so many English words come from the Greek I was curious as to whether this word had any usage in the New Testament and sure enough the word comes from a Greek word "Aphaireo" which means "to take away" or "separate".
This word is used a number of times in the New Testament and two similar but contrasting truths are shown in the daily texts.
In Romans Paul is speaking of the covenant that God has with the Jewish people to "take away their sins." This is a foundational aspect of redemption since sin is mankind's biggest problem, separating us from a holy God. The Scriptures teach that Jesus Christ came to take away sin. "You know that He appeared in order to take away sins" (1 John 3:5). The age old hymn writer asks and then adamantly answers the essential question, "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!"
The writer of Hebrews expresses the impossibility of the blood of bulls and goats "to take away sin." When we make the effort to donate our blood we want it to be used to extend a person's physical life on this earth, one component in a person's restoration to good health. Several years ago I had surgery that required a blood transfusion and Ester has had several due to her heart surgeries. We are grateful for the people who made the effort and endured the temporal pain to donate blood that made a lasting difference in our health.
One thing's for sure though. This donated blood will not take away sin! It provides no spiritual healing, only physical. Only the blood of Jesus Christ is a once for all complete atonement that takes away the sins for all who believe. John the Baptist summed up the fundamental mission of Jesus Christ so well; "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29).
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today.
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within.
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Jesus, we're so thankful for Your redeeming grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt. For where our sin increased, Your grace increased all the more. Your refuge for our sin-filled souls took place at the cross of Calvary where You shed Your precious blood so that we might find forgiveness for our sins. This salvation is marvelous; it is matchless, and it is infinitely greater than the animal blood sacrifice that took away sins for only a season. Your redeeming blood sacrifice frees us from the penalty of sin in this life and for all eternity. Thank You for freely shedding Your blood on our behalf. Amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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Golden Rule Living
2008-07-22 11:45:00
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12).
I want to share today about one of the great blessings of rural living. In many parts of our area throughout the growing season there are produce stands boasting an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce. Often it's just an old farm wagon loaded with corn, tomatoes, cucumbers and a variety of all that's locally grown.
A farmer up the road brought a wagon load of sweet corn to sell at the end of his lane. As I passed by his grandchildren were enthusiastically waving at cars as people drove by, seeking to draw in customers. They didn't have to do much convincing to draw me in!
We are so blessed by these roadside stands where we can conveniently select nutritious foods for our health and enjoyment. Not only are we getting fresh, delicious locally grown produce, but it reminds us of how the world would work if everyone practiced the golden rule. I realize the farmer put a great deal of time, expense, and hard labor into planting and harvesting the corn. The Bible says "the laborer is worthy of his hire" and the farmer deserves payment. The self service stand depends upon the honor system; people will pay for what they take and they won't take the money others have left!
Consideration is the practice of the golden rule in the small details of life, beginning in the home and extending to all relationships. What if the billions of personal interactions that take place all over the globe today were truly characterized by this rule? Well that would certainly bring about world peace but in reality that just isn't going to happen until the return of the Prince of Peace.
But by God's transforming grace we can do something in our little corner of the world. Today in our speech and actions let us keep this attitude foremost in our hearts as we, "In humility consider others better than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3).
We live in a very fallen world where fewer and fewer practice the Golden Rule. The daily text has commonly been called The Golden Rule but due to Biblical illiteracy many would not even know what we mean when we speak of the Golden Rule; "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." We, as followers of Christ, light up the world when we individually and corporately practice the golden rule. Today let us all carry out "Golden Rule Living".
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, You have placed Your children in a world where people push and shove to be first. Because of their self-importance they clamor for recognition and will stop at nothing until they get what they want in life, even if it means hurting others in the process. But You’ve called us to view life from a perspective that considers others as important as ourselves. We are to have a humble attitude that puts You first, others second, and ourselves last in everything we do. In our humanity this is impossible, but as we are being transformed into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus, we become more like Him. Our love and consideration for others grows and we apply the golden rule to our lives where we do to others as we would have them do to us. May this relationship rule guide us as we make decisions that affect others and ourselves. Help us to have the mind of Christ in all that we do. Amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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You Can Use Me
2008-07-21 12:05:00
"But the Lord said to me, Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord" (Jeremiah 1:7).
In the summer months our pastor invites members of the congregation to submit topics they would like him to preach about. In response to one submission he prepared a gripping message he titled, "When God Calls" and shared it with the congregation yesterday morning. Pastor Bob's text was from Jeremiah 1 where Jeremiah tells of God's call upon his life; "Before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (1:5).
Pastor described this calling from God as a "divine tap on the shoulder." Following the sermon Jerel Book (a retired pastor), Stephen, and I each shared our experience of being called of God to minister in a full time vocational role. God used a number of people and circumstances to influence my calling that were more like a "divine tapping on my heart" over a number of years. I share them today with our Daily Encouragement readers somewhat like an inspirational itemized list:
I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma where our family of seven went to church three times a week, revival services, camp meetings or anytime the church door was open. I had a godly grandfather, Elbert Sherrell, from the mountains of northwest Arkansas who had a vibrant walk with Jesus. He prayed an impassioned prayer for each of his children and grandchildren by name every day.
I attended Youth Camp at the young age of 14 and my life was never the same after that. I had a divine encounter with Jesus that changed my life and from that point on I absorbed myself in anything that would draw me closer to Him.
I had the blessing of dedicated Sunday School teachers and an encouraging Youth leader couple, Edith and Cordell Cochran. They were full blood Indians who had a singing ministry and formed a youth choir. They would pick my sister and me up from our home and we'd travel with them to sing in revival services all over the state of Oklahoma, especially the Indian churches.
As I mentioned early on my parents were committed church goers but problems at home were not dealt with and only worsened. By the time I was in high school Mom and Dad backslid so I went to church on my own. My folks did not get their hearts right with God until 24 years later, only a few years before God took them home (they both had cancer in their 60's).
It was at this time, as a teenager, that I went to church on my own and realized that only God could help me through the difficulties of my home life. God used the many hours I spent at the altar praying. Godly leaders and Christian friends prayed with me as I sought healing for my family and direction for my life.
His Scripture became alive to me. The Bible became the most important book in my life. A very influential Scripture that I had memorized in Sunday School spoke to me often regarding my call: "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify Your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Christian music was a major influence on my life; both hymns and contemporary music. Bill Gaither's style of music was quite contemporary at the time. (When I mentioned this point yesterday at church I heard a soft chuckle among the youth.) During the early convalescence from my broken ankle, Ken Pierce, a good friend, brought over seven Bill Gaither homecoming DVDs for me to watch. As I listened to many of the songs popular at the time of my calling I was spiritually refreshed. I was reminded of how much God used Christian music to grow my faith and lead me in ministry.
Being involved in Christian service was a major factor in my calling. On Sunday afternoons I went to Sherwood Manor Nursing Home along with our youth leaders to hold church services for them. It was at one of these services where I preached my first sermon. It was the 23rd Psalm (one of the few passages I was familiar with, having memorized it in Sunday School.) Following the service I would wheel the residents back to their rooms and sit and visit with them. Though I was only a teen at the time I've continued to minister in nursing homes most of my adult life.
I became very active in my Christian witness at school and work. I saw people's lives change as a result and this especially affected my call. I could see no higher calling than to reach people for Jesus. There was a burning in my heart similar to Cleopas and the other disciple of Christ on the road to Emmaus when they said: "Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32).
That burning did not go away and I trust it never will. It has been the fire of the Holy Spirit that has kept me in active ministry for Jesus since the time of my divine calling. I had so much to learn in preparing for a lifetime of ministry so I chose to attend Bible College where I would grow in my faith and mature in my minsterial calling. God has been so good and faithful to me over the years. He has filled me with a deep abiding joy that comes from an obedient response to His calling in my life.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber (mostly Brooksyne today)
Daily Prayer: Father, as You formed us in the womb, You set us apart to honor and glorify You. It is a choice each of us must make to listen to Your voice and respond to Your leading. Align our hearts with Your will for our lives so that we will live productive godly lives that make a difference in the world around us and in our own hearts. Amen.
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In All These Things
2008-07-08 12:18:00
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).
Yesterday we attended a funeral for our friend Grady Carter, whom we came to know when we served in an interim pastoral role in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania two years ago. Grady was a very colorful fellow and an avid sportsman. Following one of his successful hunting trips he gave us a huge venison pot roast that barely fit in our Dutch oven. We still recall how tender the venison was and the flavorful juice that made tasty gravy for our mashed potatoes.
In recent years Grady had studied eternal truths with much more seriousness, particularly as he fought cancer the last few months and the end was growing near. He was a gun collector with an extensive knowledge of firearms. One particular day he was taking inventory of his collection and he quickly rattled off the model #'s and data unique to that particular gun. His pastor was present and commented, "I'm really impressed with your knowledge about guns." His response was, "I only wish I knew as much about the Scriptures as I do about guns." I'm sure many of us can identify with Grady's honesty in admitting that our interest in temporal things often overrides our interest in spiritual truths.
Pastor Higgins solemnly conducted the service and read with great meaning from several pertinent verses of Scripture from Romans 8. I was refreshed once again as I heard these Scriptures read aloud. They gripped my heart and seemed especially appropriate for the occasion.
Let's examine a timeless truth from God's Word today. Paul is writing to the Roman believers about life through the Spirit in the earlier part of chapter eight. Then he begins to consider the difficulties and weaknesses that believers experience in this life, but reminds us that God is working out everything for our good. Paul begins to detail the adverse circumstances that a believer will likely endure and then he suddenly comes to a crescendo in his thought. Capsulizing the adverse circumstances in the phrase, "in all these things" he is indicating anything that can go wrong in life.
Wondrously, however, in all these things "we are more than conquerors." This translates the single Greek word "hupernikomen", which can only be found here in the entire NT. It literally means we are "hyper-overcomers" or "preeminently victorious". I found this description so edifying as I studied this text. "Hupernikomen" indicates that we are winning a most glorious victory; the kind of victory that turns a negative into a positive. That which we may have resented now gives us reason to rejoice!
This is accomplished "through Him who loved us." God's amazing love is the very foundation of this victory and Paul reveals the depth of His sacrificial love in 8:32, "He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" Paul repeats the phrase "all things" three times in vv. 28-37 for added emphasis. It's a reminder that there is no hardship we face, presently or in the future, that we can't conquer, through our loving God who gives us "all things."
Hide this truth deep in your heart. You may have struggles in this life, but God's eternal Word declares that the ability to work through them has already been taken care of. If there is a crisis you face this hour, begin to personalize today's Scripture by declaring aloud, "I am more than a conqueror through Jesus who loves me." Repeat it often so the troubling circumstances are no longer captivating our minds, but God's Word is captiving our hearts and minds. The circumstances of your crisis will ultimately surrender to the victory Jesus has for you "in all these things."
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, spiritual blessings come from You in the midst of Satan's attacks and because of this essential truth we know that if You are for us, who can be against us! There is no formidable foe that cannot be conquered as the power of Your Holy Spirit enables us to remain faithful and ever growing in our devotion to You. Remind us that as we share in Your sufferings we also share in Your glory. In all areas of trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, and danger we are more than conquerors through You who loves us abundantly. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, nor anything else in all of Your creation will be able to separate us from Your love that has been revealed to us through Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. We rejoice with our family of believers and we thank You for the paths of abundance You lay out before us as we walk hand in hand with You who helps us in all things. Amen.
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One Hundred Years From Now
2008-07-07 11:58:00
“Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him” (Genesis 35:29).
A small church in Marietta, PA displays A small church in Marietta, PA displays a sign that asks, “Where will you be 100 years from now?” A more familiar expression of this type is, “Where will you spend eternity?” But to me the 100 year question packs a very powerful punch which led me to do some serious thinking. Eternity is an incomprehensible time measurement, but 100 years is a measurement of time that I can comprehend. I find it helpful to look back 100 years and perhaps you can do the same in your own family timeline.
I consider my mother’s father, (my PawPaw), whom I knew and loved dearly. He breathed his last when I was sixteen. 100 years ago in 1908 he was a young man with many years of life ahead. He was adventuresome, riding the rails across the west. He talked about his exciting adventure of climbing Pike’s Peak at night along the cog railway while he was still young and strong.
By 1908 he had settled down, married, and began raising his family. He had a farm in southwest Missouri and was also president of the small town bank in Harwood, Missouri. He was a great joy to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren before his eventual death at nearly 90 years of age. In his lifetime he read of the first manned flight by the Wright brothers and nearly seventy years later saw the footage of a man on the moon.
But there came that time when my PawPaw, being old and full of years, was gathered to his people. He was then buried on a windswept hill west of tiny Schell City, Missouri where my parents are also buried.
So, where I will be 100 years from now is not some esoteric question, since I personally knew someone who lived one hundred years ago. And many of you do as well.
There are basically four different responses to this vital question, “Where will I be 100 years from now”:
1) Perhaps with medical advances I will be living at 153 years of age!
2) The secular response is that I am merely a physical entity and when I die that’s it. As a mere physical being I will rot in the ground. In this view there’s no spirit or soul to live on and certainly no future resurrection of the body.
3) The common dominant view is that everyone (except the notoriously evil) goes to a very pleasant place at death. This view is based on sentiment, not Scripture and is often expressed by even the most ardent secularist at the death of a loved one. It seems to me that humans have an innate sense that there is something more after death and this view basically asserts “the good in life probably outweighs the bad and things work out all right in the end.” However this view has no basis in Scripture.
4) That the Holy Scriptures truthfully informs of a coming judgment with two very distinct options at death depending on our response to Christ during our present lifetime.
I clearly and unashamedly hold to the fourth option, although it’s not absolutely impossible that I may be alive 100 years from now. But it’s very unlikely!
The daily text is just a simple expression of the passing of a man (Isaac) who lived nearly 4000 years ago. He was 180 years old and full of years. The powerful phrase “gathered to his people” is first used at the death of Abraham (Gen. 25: and is repeated throughout the Scriptures to the death of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:50). One day you and I will most certainly be “gathered to our people.”
I want to be prepared to join the people of God throughout the ages, including those in my own generation. I encourage each of you today to commit your life to Christ. Express your faith in His redemption plan, confess, and repent of your sins, and choose this day to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Be encouraged and prepared today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, there are so many questions that we must personally answer in our short life on earth. The majority is easily answered and requires only the common sense with which we were born. But there are other life-long questions that require deep thought and intense searching from one’s heart. Help us to plan for our eternal future in a place we have never seen. Help us to live each day by faith, not just for the immediate future but most especially for the eternal future, where there is no more night. Amen.
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Filled and Thriving
2008-07-04 09:47:00
"When I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, the land I promised on oath to their forefathers, and when they eat their fill and thrive, they will turn to other gods and worship them, rejecting me and breaking my covenant" (Deuteronomy 31:20).
I am so grateful that as this internet and email ministry has grown there are now many regular readers from all over the world. We hear from readers spanning the globe and just the other day I heard from a Ugandan reader; the first I recall from that country.
I am thus sensitive when I write these encouragements regarding any emphasis upon my particular country. I want to convey a Biblical outlook of having a heavenly citizenship, which all true believers share regardless of where they live (Philippians 3:20). However I also have American citizenship and this is a very special holiday here in America that we call Independence Day. I do believe today's message will apply virtually everywhere it may be read.
There are a number of interesting parallels between God's dealings with ancient Israel and the current state of affairs in America and in many other nations around the world for that matter. In Moses' final sermon to the generation who were poised to move into the Promised Land he speaks for God and actually predicts their eventual apostasy (falling away).
I am intrigued by the phrase in the daily text, "eat their fill and thrive." We have been mightily blessed, we have been filled, and we have thrived. In seeking to keep a perspective as a world Christian (not to be confused with worldly), I seek to identify with my brothers and sisters all around the world along with their various challenges. A missionary to Zimbabwe recently wrote and, in reading his perspective regarding my fellow brethren in that country, I realize just how much we really are thriving.
Earlier in the message Moses warned them, "When you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery" (Deuteronomy 8:12-14).
Desperate attempts by the historical revisionists notwithstanding, those with any sense of discernment will recognize that many godly and Biblical influences are at the heart of America's founding and through much of her history. Volumes of original works substantiate this. One of my favorite examples is the McGuffy readers that were used extensively in public education through the 1800's. They are loaded with Scriptures and Christian truths. You certainly wouldn't find these types of books in public education today!
But recent events clearly reveal the increasing degree of apostasy. One Bible believing pastor in our area said, "I fear we've lost the culture war." But by God's grace I will continue to live as a child of the Light and continue to influence for Christ and eternity. However I sense a real need to underscore in my life that which should always be the case, "This world is not my home."
We have indeed been filled and we do thrive, but as a nation we have also turned to and are worshipping many other gods. Immorality of every type floods our land. Those of us holding to faith in God cry out as the Psalmist did, "When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3).
The answer to that question is in the verses that follow in Psalm 11 (inserted below). Today, wherever we live and whatever conditions we live under, let us stay faithful to the one true God and remember, "Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father of all nations, we thank You that our citizenship is primarily in heaven and we share this glorious citizenship with our brother and sisters all over the world. We pray for a massive worldwide revival where people will humble themselves, seek your face, pray and turn from their wicked ways.
Psalm 11
In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: "Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.
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The First Excuse
2008-07-03 12:59:00
"The woman you put here with me--she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it" (Genesis 3:12).
During our first fifteen years of marriage we were foster parents to many children from our own country and several from overseas. On our trip to Northern Pennsylvania this last weekend we saw Chrissy, along with her husband and three sons.
Chrissy was our foster child who lived with us during her young years, from ages 5-7. Here she is trying to comfort our troubled dog Enoch, who had just gotten in a tussle with a porcupine and doesn't look too happy [To see photo, Click here for more daily encouragement.]. It was a nasty and painful job to pull the quills out of his mouth! He had several porcupine encounters over the years.
We recall a humorous way Chrissy would confuse words or explanations when she was first learning their meanings. When she did something by accident, she would take on a defensive posture and quickly blurt out, "I did it on purpose" rather than correctly stating "I didn't do it on purpose."
Eventually she learned the correct expression which helped to clarify the matter for all concerned. We all look for ways or expressions that will quickly excuse us from negative consequences. Years ago Ester was pretending to be our waitress and wrote down our food order. As she brought out our meal she dropped a main food item on the floor and, before we could even say a word, she immediately cried out, "It's not my fault!"
Brooksyne and I looked at each other and burst out laughing as we asked each other, "Then whose fault is it?" Making excuses or blaming others for our own mistakes has a long history doesn't it?
Adam offered the very first excuse shortly after his first transgression. God's straightforward question to Adam following his transgression was, "Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" Adam replied, "The woman you put here with me - she gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate it."
I'm particularly intrigued by the first phrase in Adam's reply, "The woman you put here with me." Now certainly he's blaming his wife Eve whom he rather bluntly calls "the woman". And of course she was the first to partake of the forbidden fruit, but he was with her and, without hesitation, he also took of the fruit and ate it.
In an attempt to shift the blame Adam words his defense carefully. He shifts the blame not only toward Eve but also toward God. He uses careful wording when he refers to his wife as, "the woman You put here with me." Indeed God's first special gift to Adam at Creation was his companion-helpmeet. Now Adam manages to blame both her and God for his willing act of disobedience! He makes the very first excuse in human history.
The world we live in today mirrors Adam's attitude of making excuses for just about everything under the sun, whether it's outright rebellion or an inappropriate response to the injustices from which one might suffer.
Taking responsibility is at the very heart of our relationship with God. A fundamental component of restoration is not denial of the sin, but taking responsibility for it and then confessing it to God. David, when finally coming to repentance concerning his sin with Bathsheba, cried out, "I have sinned against the Lord." That's essentially how we get restored when we make our initial "sinner's prayer". And as we grow in our walk with the Lord confession is a wonderful antidote to excuse making. Let us be quicker to make confession than we are to make excuses. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
Today let us live our lives responsibly and stop making excuses. That only prolongs or exasperates the growing problem. Whether we fail or fall God has graciously made a provision for our restoration and it begins with confession not excuses. That's good news!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, as we confess our sins we thank You that You are faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Help us to be honest enough to admit our sin, welcome Your cleansing, and invite the Holy Spirit to help us courageously deal with personal consequences from our sinful defiance. You are a gracious Father who does not cast us down in our failures, but You uphold us with Your gracious and loving hand. Amen.
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Big Givers
2008-07-02 10:44:00
"As He looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 'I tell you the truth,' He said, 'this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on'" (Luke 21:1-4).
Our daily text records the only specific giver that Jesus commended in Scripture. The big givers had come through the line. I imagine they crinkled their bills or clattered their coins for maximum effect. I can see them looking toward Jesus as they dropped in their offering expecting a thumbs up or approving nod.
Man's way is to commend the big givers. But Jesus said nothing until the poor widow came through. He went right to the heart of the matter in stating that, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others." What does He mean? Had He failed grade school math? Of course not. He explains Himself, but it simply runs counter to our type of reasoning. Most would beg to differ with Erich Fromm who wrote, "Not he who has much is rich, but he who gives much."
In man's reasoning "more" means the size of the check, not the degree of the sacrifice. God doesn't primarily look at the size of the offering but at the heart of the giver. Man tends to commend the famous athlete, the celebrity who builds a playground, or the wealthy businessman who gives a large gift to the project.
But I believe the Kingdom of God is primarily being advanced by scores of people who are much like the widow. They probably won't get a building named after them or make the cover of a magazine. But I believe they're the ones Jesus still commends. The main commendation we should all long for is to hear the words of our Master, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, help us to obey Your principles in the distribution of our income. May we give quietly and sacrificially with a generous spirit. Help us to use our resources soberly and distribute cheerfully from that which You have entrusted to us. We seek Your commendation and not the recognition of others in advancing the kingdom of God. Amen.
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Uncompromising Allegiance
2008-07-01 12:38:00
"Then Nebuchadnezzar said, 'Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent His angel and rescued His servants! They trusted in Him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God'" (Daniel 3:28).
This weekend our family made a trip to northern Pennsylvania and saw many friends in that area where we pastored for nearly sixteen years. I had the opportunity to preach in the church we established in St. Marys in the morning service and in Mt. Jewett later that evening.
On the way up we stopped at a restaurant called the "Bread of Life" in McAlisterville, PA. This restaurant is unashamedly Christian themed with a reference to John 6:35 on the front of the menu. Christian furnishings tastefully decorate the walls and a friendly owner greeted the customers while they came and went. As we opened our menus we chuckled as we read the many food items based on Biblical names or themes. This included three types of sandwiches: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego!
That was neat because of the message I was sharing the next day about these courageous young men whose story is recorded in the book of Daniel. Their testimony is an extraordinary example of uncompromising allegiance to Almighty God in the face of the relentless enemy.
While in exile they were given the Babylonian names, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I once shared a message about these three young men while several Bible College students and graduates were in attendance so I asked, "Does anyone know their Hebrew names?" Without hesitation nine year old Garrison raised his hand and with a knowing smile confidently responded, "Rack, Shak and Bennie." Now if you have children or grandchildren you're probably laughing as you might recognize these are their nicknames based on a popular Veggie Tales video. I can understand why a child (or others) might guess these were the Hebrews names! But in actuality their names were Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Daniel 1:11).
The account of these men of faith is surely one of the greatest stories of deliverance in the Bible. These three young men demonstrate to believers of all ages the incredible power of faith and obedience. They got into serious trouble because they refused to compromise a core commandment of God in bowing down to King Nebuchadnezzer's golden image that stood over 9 stories high.
Interestingly God chooses to miraculously deliver these men, but their deliverance was not without a great deal of suspense. They were subjected to the fury of the king as his attitude changed toward them. It wasn't enough that they were going to be thrown into the hot fire, but now the fire was heated seven times hotter than usual. There could be no quick escape as the strongest of soldiers was ordered to bind them. Then, before their very eyes, they watched these strong soldiers die from the blazing flames that they were about to be thrown into. Most importantly they were not delivered from the hot fiery furnace but they were preserved through it. Not a hair on their head was singed, their robes were unscorched, their bodies unharmed and there was no smell of fire on them. Wow, that's a dramatic and miraculous deliverance!
The daily verse is actually a statement made by the secular King Nebuchadnezzar, after he personally witnessed their miraculous deliverance. They had earned his respect.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego demonstrate four qualities so needed by genuine followers of Christ today. (These were the main points to my message.)
• Uncompromising Convictions (Daniel 1).
• Unwavering Commitment (Daniel 3:12).
• Unswerving Courage (Daniel 3:16, 17).
• Unshakable Confidence (Daniel 3:18).
They trusted the living God, defying the wicked command of the secular king, fully knowing the stated consequences. They were willing to give up their lives for this conviction. I believe true followers of Christ will increasingly need these particular characteristics as the world's system grows increasingly hostile to Christ, His followers, and the standards of the Bible. Can this growing disdain and hostility be denied?
I urge you this day to live by core convictions that you will not violate, so that when the time of testing comes, you, like these three young men will stand firm in your faith. Elton Trueblood has written, "Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation." If you're in the suspenseful stage of the Lord's deliverance, don't be alarmed but stand firm. For He has promised, "Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you."
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, the dynamic story of the three Hebrew men has been a favorite story of Your miraculous deliverance for all ages and throughout all generations. Their unyielding devotion to You is a tremendous example to those of us who call You our Father. You are not only our Father who watches over us but also our Deliverer in times of trouble. Faith that cannot be tested is faith that cannot be trusted, so it is in times of fiery testing that we prove Your power and You prove our allegiance to You. Help us to be willing to give up our lives rather than serve or worship any god except the one true God. Amen.
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