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Heavenly Dwellings
2008-08-28 09:56:00
"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2). "For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10). "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).
We enjoyed our brief visit to Newport Rhode Island where we often enjoyed taking day trips and our out of town guests when we lived in New England. It is a very popular vacation area and for many years was the summer getaway for the wealthy who built huge mansions as "summer cottages." Now many of the mansions are open as tourist sites and Brooksyne enjoys touring them (not Stephen).
An old song says, "A tent or a cottage, why should I care? They're building a palace for me over there." God is the Master Builder. "By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible" (Hebrews 11:3). He's still at work building His church and transforming the individual lives of the millions who are daily turning to Him in faith and obedience.
He's also at work in preparing a place that people of faith through the generations have been anticipating. In the first daily text I rejoice in the line that states, "if it were not so, I would have told you." Jesus always tells us the truth and just what we need to know.
Today, we, like the great man of faith Abraham, "look forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." We only have glimpses of what this "city" will be like, but we can be assured it will be indescribably wonderful. "For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come" (Hebrews 13:14).
Today on the personal level some of you are dealing with what appears to be a lapse in the building program. At times it may even seem that God has abandoned His building project in your life. Your prayers seem to be unanswered. Issues in your life aren't getting resolved as you would like. There may be strife in your marriage and home. Some are dealing with a long-standing stronghold of pornography or other destructive addictions they're seeking to overcome. Others are dealing with lengthy career transitions that have thus far not worked out as they had anticipated.
What issue are you dealing with today? Don't give up. Hold to your faith! Here's a promise that we can all count on; "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion!" Fellow believer, wherever you live, whatever you're going through; stay faithful to the Mansion Builder, for the Mansion Builder is ever faithful to us. "Do not throw away your confidence, for it will be richly rewarded."
"Why should I worry, why should I fret,
Cause I've got a Mansion Builder who ain't through with me yet." *
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Lord Jesus thank you for the absolute truthfulness of your Word. We can rely upon your promises even when the temporal evidence we are experiencing suggests otherwise. Thank you for the promises in Scripture concerning our eternal home. Help us as we deal with what Your Word says are "our light and momentary troubles" and to recognize that they are "achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." Today "we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
(See 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 for further inspiration)
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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Encore, Encore
2008-08-27 12:17:00
“They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy” (Psalm 65:8).
During my lifetime there have been nearly 20,000 sunsets but only a few I specifically recall. In the mid-nineties we visited with Hope (whose funeral I preached at yesterday), her late husband John and late sister Rachel on Martha’s Vineyard. At that time Rachel had a modest summer home on the island that had been in her family for several generations.
Hope told us that the sunset view from Menemsha Harbor was acclaimed as one of the most outstanding in the world. She also said that a good sunset view has not just water but a land element and the sunset view from the beach at Menemsha Harbor on the northwest side of the island had both. On a lovely late afternoon in July we joined many others at the beach for the display.
As the sun disappeared over the distant horizon everyone on the beach stood up, broke out in applause and some shouted, “Encore! Encore!” (We didn’t get one.) It was an astounding sight and memorable experience. Most were clapping for the sheer beauty they witnessed, but for my family and friends, it was another opportunity to praise the Lord for the awesome power of His mighty works.
For many years I have enjoyed watching sunrises and sunsets. In fact I have shared that often and the current ministry logo for our Daily Encouragement internet ministry is a sunrise photo over the Atlantic off Cape Cod.
As the sun rises I contemplate the activities that will occupy my day. As the sun sets I consider what was accomplished throughout the day. Wherever you live on this planet you have a sunrise and sunset but it’s not a distinct visible moment for all to view at the same time.
Today’s Scripture verse declares, “You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.” That sure is an interesting way to view a sunset; shouting for joy. Sunrise and sunset are signs reminding us of God’s greatness and faithfulness that all who dwell in the ends of the earth can see. This evening wherever you live, even to the ends of the earth, remember this verse when the sun sets and join with the sunset in praise to the indescribable God of the universe!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne’s prayer: From the rising of the sun until the time that it sets I praise You, Almighty God! Your name is to be praised when the day is yet before me and as the day comes to an end. Your faithfulness reaches to the heavens, spreads throughout the earth, and is personally experienced in my life daily. Amen.
Tags: blog,archive,daily encouragement
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Blessed Assurance
2008-08-26 10:33:00
"Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:22).
Fanny Crosby is surely one of the most prolific hymn writers in the history of the church. I am sure most of our readers regardless of language, nationality or even musical taste have sung her hymns. In fact this past Sunday morning we sang I am Thine O Lord, one of her many well-known hymns. Other hymns you may recognize are All the Way My Savior Leads Me, Close to Thee, To God be The Glory, Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior, and so many others still sung in many churches.
Yesterday we stopped along I-95 in Bridgeport, Connecticut at the Mountain Grove Cemetery where Fanny Crosby is buried. The cemetery was designed by the famous circus founder PT Barnum. His monument is very near that of Fanny Crosby's.
On a small, very weathered stone at the foot of the grave that we assume to be the original tombstone we read these words, "Aunt Fanny...She hath done what she could." Although blinded shortly after her birth she faithfully served the Lord. She overcame her disability to leave a lasting impact for Christ. She once shared this remarkable outlook, "It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me."
Her main tombstone, which Brooksyne is standing beside in the photo above, has the words to one of her best known hymns,
"Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of the Spirit, washed in His blood."
The message from this hymn text is one that is such a blessing to hide deep in our hearts; a musical expression of praise and glory to God for His work of salvation in our lives. Crosby writes about the assurance Christ gives us of His redemptive work in our lives here on earth and a foretaste of the glorious rejoicing that will take place through all eternity.
What a great blessing this assurance is. Assurance, not a commonly used word apart from theology, comes from the word assure which in turn comes from the word, sure. It speaks of the certainty of our salvation.
In today's text from the book of Hebrews we read a wonderful phrase, the "full assurance of faith." This is surely a sound Biblical basis for Fanny Crosby's song. It's one of the greatest blessings of life to have a full assurance of faith. May the Lord fill your heart with blessed assurance today.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, as heirs of Your salvation, we have been purchased with the sacrificial blood of Your precious Son, Jesus. He gave His all that we might be saved from the eternal consequences of sin and have our names written in the Lamb's Book of Life. We have the blessed assurance that we are redeemed from sin and saved for eternity in heaven. Thank You for such wondrous love and abundant provision on our behalf. Amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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A Tribute To Hope
2008-08-25 10:16:00
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints" (Psalm 116:15). "Therefore comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
Today's texts are great verses to memorize and hide deep in our hearts when we face the death of a loved one or our own eventual death. Today I want to share a tribute to a dear friend who passed away last week. Although few of you will know Hope I pray that this tribute might remind you of someone like her in your own life. If you would rather skip this portion, the exposition is at the bottom of today's message.
Hope Winchoba had been a part of the church we served in Taunton Massachusetts since she was a small child when the church was started in 1928. In fact she was in the very first service conducted. She and her late husband John (with whom she had been married nearly 65 years) lived on a small island in the Atlantic Ocean.
We visited with Hope several times since we moved from that area and once she came to Lancaster County to visit us. We spoke to her periodically on the phone through the years.
But most of our memories are from when we pastored in Taunton and regularly saw her and John. We had such a great time visiting with them as they were both very colorful people. John once insisted that I eat a live quahog clam we had dug up together in the bay. I did it, but decided right there and then that I prefer to eat my clams in chowder! We returned to their home and Hope made up a delicious clam chowder we enjoyed together.
I recall my last visit in their home before John died and the tender moment of kneeling with them and thanking God for their lives. We knew at this time that the time of his departure was near and spoke frankly with one another. A great peace enveloped that home and I left grateful for the privilege of pastoring such fine people. They had been unable to attend church for some time, due to John's weakness, but before I left he asked me to take his monthly financial contribution to the church. I was humbled by his faithful stewardship but he quickly reminded me, "It's the Lord's money." Pastors are to be examples of faithfulness to their congregation, but it's often members of the congregation who teach us by their faithful commitment to God's teachings. Hope went on to live another 9 years but she has now joined John and all the others who have gone before her.
The first daily verse shares the view of death from God's perspective. "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints." What a joy and assurance that all who know Jesus will be in His very presence at the time of death and that He reckons our death as precious.
Perhaps man's perspective is best expressed by the Apostle Paul who wrote, "to live is Christ and to die is gain." We'll miss Hope but we know she's in a far better place and that one day we will see her again. And so will all who have loved Jesus Christ and received His salvation.
In our second daily verse the Apostle Paul instructed the Thessalonian believers regarding the death of their loved ones. He gives Spirit-inspired teaching concerning the coming of the Lord and its relation to those who died prior to the Lord's return. He assures them (and us) that when we meet the Lord the dead in fact will rise first.
He ends this section with this phrase, "Therefore comfort one another with these words." What comfort and encouragement this teaching surely gave these early followers of Christ and all of us through the church age. And likewise today we can comfort and encourage one another with these same words of Holy Scripture.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, the comfort You provide us through the Scriptures is sort of like a safety net catching us as we tumble through life's ups and downs. You have not immunized us from the same experiences of those who have not placed their trust in You, but Your strength is perfected in our weakness. You not only provide grace and overcoming for our present needs, but You have prepared a place for us where the best is yet to come; where we no longer face separation, pain, or sin. Keep us faithful in our walk until that appointed day when You call us to our heavenly dwelling place. Amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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August 18, 2008 thru August 22, 2008
2008-08-18 09:17:00
For this week only, the Driver Wellness Inspiration blog will not be updated on this page. However, you can still read the content each day by clicking here.
We will return to our usual daily posting on this page Monday, August 25, 2008. Thank you.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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Generations
2008-08-15 11:20:00
"Generations come and generations go" (Ecclesiastes 1:4).
We are in Nebraska for our 33rd annual Steincross family reunion. Throughout my childhood we gathered at my grandparents' house in Harwood Missouri, but I don't remember calling it a reunion. Following their deaths in the early seventies their children established the annual family reunion. Brooksyne attended the very first one the summer before we were married. Now only my Aunt Frances, the youngest Steincross child, remains from that generation. We will celebrate her upcoming 85th birthday Saturday evening.
Fourteen of the sixteen cousins (my grandparents' grandchildren) are here. We are now all over 50 and of course there are many from the succeeding generations as they are expecting around 70 to be in attendance.
I found this picture when going through my mom's belongings after she passed away three years ago. My mom is at the lower left in the photo, the second youngest child. Aunt Frances is on the other side in the front row.
Mom was 12 years old at the time this photo was taken in 1933. My grandpa was 51, about the same same age as I am now. A farmer and the president of the only bank in tiny Harwood Missouri; he was a vibrant, colorful man. As a young man he traveled across the west on rails and climbed Pike's Peak one night. On each birthday well into his eighties he rode a bike to assert his youth. I assume I get some of my personality traits from him. I sure hope so! My grandmother was a quiet woman but my spiritual heritage can be traced back to her and a little white framed church. They had 65 years of marriage as I recall.
"Generations come and generations go." A multi-generational family reunion especially underscores this. This last winter my Uncle Jim (Aunt Frances' husband) passed away after 63 years of marriage. Of course he is especially on our hearts this year - he never missed one reunion over the years. Just three years ago my mom went to her last reunion here on earth.
I sat across from Aunt Frances last night at dinner and tried to glean information about my heritage, especially my grandmother's side since she grew up in an area in Iowa west of Des Moines where we had passed through on the way here. She was the daughter of a pioneer. I understand she was Pennsylvania Dutch which means her parents may have come from the area I now live in.
There's a popular ad series that has the line, "Life comes at you fast." Actually looking at the photo sure underscores that life not only comes at you fast but goes by very fast as well. We all need to regularly examine ourselves and do a thorough check to see how we are living our lives. Most certainly "Generations come and generations go." A question that we should all consider is "How am I living today in light of eternity?"
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Lord, in the looking glass of Your Word, may the choices I make this day honor You and also honor my family name. I choose a good name above riches, prestige or fame. I pray that I would reflect the good character that comes from following Christ to my present generation and that it would be passed on to the generations that follow, for the glory and honor of Your Holy Name. Amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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daily encouragement,archive,blog
2008-08-14 10:08:00
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Last night we visited with Dave Hertle, a chaplain to the truck drivers as well as the employees at a large truck stop here in Omaha. Dave is a former truck driver and can easily connect as he shares his faith in Christ. I watched him in action as visitors came into the chapel and as he walked through the truck stop greeting many by name. He joined us for dinner and shared his burden for the lost souls of those he encounters in his work for the Lord.
The chapel is a converted truck trailer tastefully appointed to be a small sanctuary. Dave has various items of conversational interest and showed us the chain link cross a friend had given to him. The man who made it used heavy chain because the heavy chains of bondage to sin were broken at the cross. He purposefully left it rusty and rugged because Christ died on an "old rugged cross."
The apostle Paul bluntly says, "the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing." Indeed to so many the message of the cross is foolishness. It's mocked and ridiculed. Our Savior is cursed and blasphemed.
"But to us who are being saved it is the power of God." We rejoice in the cross, which is a demonstration of the love, wisdom and power of God! Its power continues to break the heavy chains of sin and bondage.
I thank God that Christ's sacrifice on the cross is final and absolutely adequate to provide forgiveness for sins. Christ died once for all on Calvary's Cross to redeem fallen mankind. No better plan is needed and the mission of the faithful church and faithful Christian is to steadfastly proclaim the message of the cross.
The apostle Paul said, "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (Galatians 6:14). Today join me in proclaiming, "I love that old cross."
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross,
Where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Where my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it someday for a crown.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Jesus, we consider everything that You went through was for our benefit. Your tender response to betrayal and cruelty serves as an example to us when we are treated unjustly. Your obedience in life and especially Your death on the cross shows us how to remain steadfast in the face of tremendous suffering. You embodied the very teaching You spoke to Your followers as You carried out the will of the Father no matter the cost. Each wound that tore Your flesh brought us spiritual and physical healing. You were numbered with the transgressors so that we could be numbered with the saints. Because Your death was redemptive in power, the dark cross of Calvary has a wondrous attraction where we witness Your divine sacrifice on our own personal behalf. What wondrous, amazing love; it demands my soul, my life, my all. Amen.
Tags: The Old Rugged Cross
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Not A Cleverly Invented Story!
2008-08-12 12:35:00
"We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16).
We had a great visit last night with the Miller family whom we became connected with through Daily Encouragement many years ago. They have visited our home twice and last night we had dinner with them here in the Peoria, Illinois area. Larry is an engineer with Caterpillar Equipment Company. Debbie is a home school mom with five daughters who are extremely talented and fully dedicated to the Lord. Their oldest daughter Katie is a professional photographer and travels internationally. She and her friend Minday took the photo above and manipulated it using Photoshop [To see photo, click here for more daily encouragement.].
Cleverly invented stories and creatively doctored photos like the one we featured today abound in every venue. I am increasingly skeptical as there is a proliferation of internet and email hoaxes. It doesn't take much to concoct a hoax and put up a web site or email it to scores of people. Then it's spread through forwarded email, which often directs the reader to "send this to everyone in your address book." Some have a certain believability about them; a "cleverly invented story." Others are so absolutely ludicrous that it strains any credibility of the one sending it. Many of you are smiling as you read this as you consider the junk that has come your way if you've been in email very long. Free tickets to Disney World, promised blessings and veiled curses if you don't forward on that spooky but spiritual sounding chain letter, inheritances passed onto you from strangers, bizarre stories, etc. etc.
But Peter declares, "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16). What a tremendous assurance of the firm foundation our faith is grounded upon. Peter had some amazing eyewitness experiences with our Lord and he was determined that, after he departed this life, his hearers and readers would not forget the stories and essential teachings he shared (2 Peter 1:15). He admits to being repetitious about messages that his hearers were already familiar with, but he knew his time was near, and wanted to reinforce important truths that would keep them true to their faith in Christ.
When you sit in the pew Sunday after Sunday and hear your pastor repeat Biblical truths that you've heard him speak about many times maybe you can recall Peter's perspective. Perhaps the old hymn line should come to mind, "I love to tell the story to those who know it best, seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest." It's so important that we never grow weary of hearing the fundamental teachings of our faith even as we grow in spiritual wisdom and maturity. That's a powerful deterrent to the many cleverly invented stories we are subjected to year after year.
I enjoy the books written by Lee Strobel which emphasize the apologetics of the Christian faith. In his book, "The Case for Faith" he reminds us of the solid foundation our faith in God and His revelation rests upon. Our faith is not based on a cleverly invented story. Over the years I have had an ongoing interest in apologetics which is "a conscious, articulated defense of the claims of the Christian faith." Perhaps the first apologist I heard speak was Josh McDowell, while I was a high school student, who gave an excellent defense of the gospel. As I read the Apostle Peter's matter of fact reminder in the daily text I am so thankful for the firm basis of our faith.
The daily sub theme for this daily encouragement ministry declares; "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation." Today let us receive rich assurance as we consider these things and remain the true defenders of the "faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints."
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, because there have always been false prophets and teachers among us we want to stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around our waist. We seek spiritual discernment as we process that which we see, hear, and pass on to others. May we determine truth and error, not by the popularity of the message or messenger, but by the standards set forth in Your Holy Word by Your holy messengers. Help us to spread the good news of the true Gospel to all who seek truth, life, and desire to have purpose for their lives. Amen.
Tags: blog,archive,daily encouragement
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Finding Strength
2008-08-11 09:08:00
"But David found strength in the LORD his God" (1 Samuel 30:6).
Yesterday we visited some friends in Indianapolis and I had the opportunity to share the Word of God with the congregation at Victory Christian Center. Prior to the service I met with Pastor Floyd for prayer and noticed his large sword and shield. He explained that he keeps these in his office to remind him of the strength and encouragement we have in the Lord as we apply the armor of God listed in Ephesians 6. When Floyd faces discouragement (as do all pastors), these are visual reminders of God's armor that gives him renewed strength as he does battle with the enemy.
In 1 Samuel 30 King David and his men were away at battle. While they were gone their foes came in and laid the city of Ziklag in ashes, carrying away their wives and children. When the men returned they were overwhelmed with grief. The Scripture says they "wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep." It isn't hard to visualize the deep despair these warriors must have felt.
They also blamed David and were ready to stone him. In addition to the sorrow he felt from his own personal loss, now he faced his own men who wanted to strike him down, and this distressed him greatly. The circumstances couldn't get any worse! "But David found strength in the Lord his God" (v. 6) and sought direction from Him. I've always enjoyed this brief verse and find it applicable for all believers when facing distressing circumstances. It's a short verse to memorize and I believe, when we're weak in spirit, we do well to quote this verse prayerfully using our name in place of David's such as, "But Stephen found strength in the Lord his God."
The small conjunction word, "but" turns our focus from the very troubling circumstances David faced and redirects our attention to the Lord our God. I wonder what prompted this renewed strength to act decisively as the Lord led David in the remainder of the chapter. Was it a Scripture verse hidden deep in his heart? Was he reviewing in his mind previous experiences where God brought about miraculous deliverances from the enemy?
Like David we will inevitably encounter hard periods in life and will need renewed strength in the Lord our God. Let me suggest several means of finding this strength and encouragement:
1) Meditate on Bible passages and memorize key Scriptures that the Holy Spirit can bring to our recollection in time of need.
2) Make a lifelong goal of developing a network of prayer warriors and encouragers whom you may call upon during your time of need.
3) Like Floyd you may find certain visual reminders helpful. (When I go to my workshop I receive strength when I use my dad's tools.)
4) Inspirational music can be a very helpful source of strength.
5) Build a library of useful resources that reinforce Biblical answers for life's dilemmas.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. In ourselves we are weak and often distressed by the daunting trials of life. When they become our primary focus we are easily overtaken by doubt and helplessness. But when our primary focus is on worshiping the Lord Jesus who is our Provider, our Strength, our Sustainer, our Hope and our Soon Coming King our mourning turns into joy, our weakness into strength, and our hope is once again renewed. Thank You for who You are and the way You work in our lives this day. Amen.
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Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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Why, Why, Why?
2008-08-08 10:13:00
"Why do you always forget us? Why do you forsake us so long?" (Lamentations 5:20).
This morning I was listening to our local news on the radio and heard a report concerning a highway fatality in our area near Gettysburg. It was a young family from Oklahoma traveling through Pennsylvania, presumably on vacation. The 37 year old mother was killed and two of her daughters were injured. The news report said it appears she was trying to avoid a deer, something I've done many times. I suppose this accident especially caught my attention since Brooksyne, along with several of my relatives, is from Oklahoma. I considered the very hard time this family is going through and surely the heavenward question of "why?" many are asking.
We watched an interview last night with Steven Curtis Chapman's family concerning the death of their daughter this last May. They very openly shared about their struggles regarding Maria's sudden tragic death and gave a powerful testimony of their enduring faith. Their son, Will, was driving when Maria was accidentally struck by the car. His older brother Caleb, looking on from inside the house, was at the scene practically immediately. He shared how he looked up to heaven in those unimaginable moments and cried out, "Why, why, why?"
We receive a lot of feedback in this ministry which at times reflects earnest questions and the sharing of deep hurts and probing questions, much like Caleb expressed. I often share the concept of our faith in Christ being like an anchor of hope, which is especially a blessing during times of profound trial.
The "why" questions are especially pertinent when it is our very own experience in trial. The most gifted minds of Bible students have grappled with it for centuries. One of the hardest parts of pastoral work is dealing with the "why" questions in the lives of those we serve. Actually it's one of the hardest parts of life isn't it? I've had several big ones, myself, and so have many of you. Now, in our chaplain work, Brooksyne and I regularly lend support to those in the workplace who are in the midst of a heavy trial essentially asking, "Why is God allowing this to happen to me???"
One, very, very incomplete "seeing through a glass dimly" answer is this: I am convinced that we will have such a radically transformed perspective on the other side that issues which deeply trouble us on this side will be viewed entirely differently.
The verse I have chosen as our daily text was written by one of the leading figures of the Bible. Jeremiah was a man of great faith, commissioned by God from his very conception to be a "prophet to the nations" (see Jeremiah 1:5). When he questions God, "Why do You always forget us? Why do You forsake us so long?" he merely speaks from his heart as he seems to waver between trusting and questioning. Interestingly, in the previous verse he makes a great statement of faith, acknowledging, "You, O LORD, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation" (Lamentations 5:19). In certain circumstances I've found myself wavering, particularly in the very heat of a trial, but I, like Jeremiah, also acknowledge the sovereignty of God at the same time.
Philip Keller has said, "It takes some of us a lifetime to learn that Christ, our Good Shepherd, knows exactly what He is doing with us." Well, I for one am still in the school of learning. I'm trusting, but frankly I still explore the "why" questions, both pastorally and personally, from time to time. After I have wrestled with the questions surrounding the ordeal God brings me back around to the extremely important conclusion that He is sovereign. Layton Talbert says it so succinctly in his book, "Not by Chance" that "all things are sustained, directed and controlled by God."
When we embrace God's sovereignty we ask for more of His sustaining grace which leads to inner peace in the midst of difficult circumstances. Our heart's question of "why?" turns into a surrendered seeking of the question "what?" What is it, Lord, that You are trying to teach me in my journey of pain? How can I use it for Your glory and for my spiritual growth!
"Jesus, Jesus, How I trust Him.
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er.
Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus,
O, for grace to trust Him more!"
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, Your grace and tender mercies are present in the midst of perplexing situations that develop in our lives and the lives of those whom we love. Your sovereign power working within us takes the bad things that Satan hurls at us and turns them into testimonies of praise and thanksgiving when we seek to glorify You in the midst of suffering. Only a God like You can help us not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good. As we share in Your sufferings, we also share in Your glory. Be glorified in our lives; in the good, in the bad, and in the mysterious circumstances of our lives. Amen.
Please note: Today we are heading out to the Midwest for a family reunion near Lincoln Nebraska and visiting friends all along the way. We hope to keep these daily encouragements up but realistically expect we will miss several days over the next couple of weeks. Here is our trip route for those of you who enjoy maps like me. We will update this as needed and share if we come across something interesting!
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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Looking Unto Jesus
2008-08-07 13:01:00
"No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).
Yesterday I went with my friend Jay Kopp on a field trip. Jay is taking a course in photography and asked me if I could arrange a visit with my Amish friends to do a photographic project of the farming implements and methods used in the past. The Amish provide great examples of living history.
We visited Eli, an older Amish dairy farmer, who lives on a large farm near the Strasburg Railroad. Being a train buff it's great to hear the steam whistle and see the plume of smoke as the train passes above the ridge over his farm. Jay and I walked back to the farm, which is set back on a long dirt lane.
I explained to Eli the photo project and he took us to his barn where he had a collection of interesting old farm equipment. He dug out the mouldboard plow that Jay is standing behind. I told Jay I had an idea for a message I wanted to share based on this plow as the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance today's first Scripture verse.
It takes a great deal of strength, concentration and perseverance to plow a field. Initially in order to get a straight row you must focus your eyes on a fixed distant object. After you have a straight row you then focus on the furrow or previous row as you continue plowing. Most importantly, you don't look back!
Many of you who know me personally have often heard me say farewell with one of two phrases; "Stay faithful" or "Keep your hand to the plow." I've done this for many, many years.
"Staying faithful!" What a quality. It's not dramatic. It's not sensational. But think with me for a few moments. Consider those who, over the long haul, have been a genuine and enduring blessing to you. Right at the top of the list of their good qualities is that of faithfulness, isn't it? I'll take faithfulness over flashiness any time. God said regarding Moses, "He is faithful in all my house." What a gratifying affirmation to receive from God Himself!
In Matthew's gospel Jesus gives us a glimpse of what we'll hear when we finish the race. It sure won't be "Great job, O thou flashy one." No, it will be "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:23). And in the book of Revelation we have a recognition of His "called, chosen and faithful followers" (17:14).
Indeed let us "stay faithful" and keep our hand to the plow today, not looking back but instead, "looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith."
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Jesus, it is the desire of our heart to remain faithful to You. The world often uses the expression, "Be true to yourself" intending that people stand up for what they believe in, but those of the world, by and large, stand for causes and beliefs that often conflict with the holy Word of God. We are also subject to error and our emotions cannot be trusted, so with absolute resolve we choose to be true to You, rather than self. We join with others of the Christian faith who hold unswervingly to the hope we profess even as we spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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Behaving Decently
2008-08-05 15:11:00
"Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature" (Romans 13:13,14).
Late yesterday afternoon I went on a long walk with a man who had come over to have an earnest conversation about some tough issues in his life. (He has given me permission to anonymously share this.) Early in his marriage he had gotten into gambling and then pornography. Thankfully he has found freedom concerning both of these issues but the trust factor in his marriage has been seriously wounded. He wants to see it healed and had asked for my advice. He and his wife are both experiencing the consequences of his sin; both immediate and residual.
I shared in yesterday's daily encouragement how I had preached a message on gambling this last Sunday in our church. In my prep work for the sermon I considered how, in my observation, preaching has changed in my lifetime. I believe many who presently stand behind the pulpit have much greater reservation about addressing sinful behavior than in the past.
I found myself struggling to address a specific activity like gambling that is popular, legal, and increasingly culturally acceptable. Would I be seen as "legalistic" and charged with, "not understanding grace"? Perhaps I might offend someone or create disharmony. After all, many have found ways to justify this behavior. Would I be seen as narrow-minded or intolerant? Both attitudes are considered grave violations in our time, since open-mindedness and tolerance are seen as two of the great virtues of modern man!
How the pendulum has swung even in my lifetime on this issue of preaching on sin. Many my age and older will recall when sin was regularly addressed from the pulpit boldly and forthrightly, much like the prophets of old. However now there's (in my observation) far less preaching on sin and a great reluctance among many preachers to address sin specifically, particularly sins that have become popular and socially acceptable, even in church circles. I have written a separate article about this (see below).
Once again, I come back to the conversation my friend and I had yesterday as we sat on a bench on the beautiful grounds of an historic church at Donegal Springs. His marriage has survived, but the need to reestablish trust in his marital relationship is an ongoing struggle. It is situations like this, that I regularly encounter, that reminds me of my high calling to preach the whole inspired counsel of God's Word; "teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."
The preaching of God's Word should not be diluted nor should "uncomfortable" passages be overlooked, based upon the culture of our day or because others may perceive the message as unloving. The loving message from ministers of the gospel is to do everything possible to prevent those "who have ears to hear" from indulging in sinful behavior that leads to loss and destruction.
This remains the Biblical call for all believers who want to follow hard after God. We must be sober minded and behave decently. Let us "not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature" but rather let us "clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ."
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we desire to clothe ourselves in Christ Jesus, whose Spirit resides within our hearts. We pray that our behavior would honor You in every way as we seek to behave decently as we live according to the pattern of Holy Scripture.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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Pleasing The Lord
2008-08-04 12:00:00
"Find out what pleases the Lord" (Ephesians 5:10).
I spoke in our church yesterday on the topic of gambling. My pastor asked me several months ago to deal with this topic while he was on vacation. Members of the church were asked to share topics they would be interested in hearing and this was one of their requests. In fact, the specific question was, "Is the lottery sinful?"
After the service Brooksyne, Ester, and I greeted the folks as they left the sanctuary and Bill approached me. With a twinkle in his eye he said, "After that sermon I sure won't be gambling; you can bet on it."
Gambling in its many forms is growing in acceptance today and, as is typical with all sin, lesser forms that were once prohibited tend to become more acceptable in all circles. The state lottery was started in Pennsylvania in 1971, thus many have grown up with this as an acceptable practice (according to state law). Now we are seeing the growth of casino gambling which is heavily promoted by our current governor. Commercials, radio jingles, junk mail, coffee cup holders, you name it...these various forms of gambling are now encouraged by our own government as a solution for the funding of "good causes."
I preached hard yesterday since all through my ministry I have seen firsthand the destructive elements of gambling and do so to this day. In the past week Brooksyne and I have dealt with those experiencing the terrible consequences of gambling.
Yesterday Brooksyne shared with our congregation a brief story about her grandfather, who was a compulsive gambler [To see her story, click here for more daily encouragement.]. I also weaved into my sermon several illustrations about my experiences in dealing with gamblers as a pastor and chaplain. My short answer is, "Yes, I certainly believe that the lottery and all forms of gambling are sinful, destructive, and our participation does not honor God."
The challenge in preparing the message is that, like many sins, there is not a specific Biblical prohibition about the lottery. But there are several Biblical texts that demonstrate God's attitude toward gambling.
I approached the message from the perspective of the daily verse, "find out what pleases the Lord." Several principles from Ephesians 5 Biblically inform us as to how we may please the Lord regarding this issue and it would certainly apply to many other topics as well:
1. We are called to be imitators of God. (V. 1)
2. There should not be a hint of evil in our behavior. (V. 2)
3. We are not to be deceived by empty words. (V. 6)
4. The Bible cautions against ungodly partnerships. (V. 7)
5. We are called to live as children of light. (V. 8)
6. We are to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness. (V. 11)
7. We are to be very careful, then, how we live—not as unwise but as wise. (V. 15)
The Apostle Paul writes of an ongoing need for the child of God to "find out what pleases the Lord." Today may we all deeply understand just how much our heavenly Father loves and cares for us. Let us freely submit to Him as obedient children earnestly seeking to find out what pleases Him.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, help us to consider the way we live our lives; not as children of the dark, but as children of the light. May the light of Your Holy Spirit guide us in all that we do, so that You are glorified and our spirit is edified. As we read and meditate upon Your Word we are able to see what pleases You, Amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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Rooted in Christ
2008-08-01 09:36:00
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness" (Colossians 2:6,7).
Last night I visited with Marvin, my neighbor, who lives next to the field across the street from us. He now works in construction but for many years he farmed. We walked through the fields and talked about the corn. Yesterday a crop-dusting helicopter treated the corn fields which made for an interesting sight.
Today's photo is not usual for this site and most likely will not be considered attractive by most [To see photo, click here for more daily encouragement.]! It's a close-up of the root system in a corn stalk. The Creator designed corn with two root systems; an inner, primary root (seminal) and as the corn develops a network of brace roots (nodal) for stabilization. With downpours, heavy winds, and other adverse conditions it is vital that the slender stalk has this strong dual root system to survive till harvest.
Although we eat a few roots such as carrots, potatoes and radish, generally we give little thought to the root system. I certainly can't recall ever seeing them as a thing of beauty, but roots are absolutely vital to a plant's health.
Let's consider the word "rooted" from our daily text this morning. Paul draws on a familiar agricultural analogy. Perhaps he had in mind the teaching of our Lord, who warned of the deadly spiritual condition of rootlessness in the Parable of the Sower. Jesus said of the seed that fell on rocky places, (Matthew 13:21).
Roots are also a vital part of the believer's life. Our daily verse tells us we are to be "rooted and built up in Him." The Greek word for root is "rhizoo" and suggests stability, nourishment and life derived from contact with Christ ("in Him"). As a plant's roots sink deep into the rich soil for long term stability and nourishment, so too we should root our faith deep into sound Biblical doctrine and solid spiritual food that comes from knowing Christ. These well-nourished roots will keep us strong forever and forever.
In Christ we find life-giving soil and a sustaining foundation. However, we have the responsibility to implement the means of grace that God has ordained for our "rooting." We all need a good, solid, ever-growing root system that reaches deep into the spiritual soil for the nourishment and stability that God has graciously provided. This will render us both faithful and fruitful. Developing and maintaining a solid spiritual root system is an active, lifelong pursuit.
Are you rooted in Christ? Are your spiritual roots expanding deeper and broader? I thank God for the inexhaustible supply of spiritual nutrition and stability available to the believer who is "rooted" in Christ!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Brooksyne's prayer: Lord, we are so very grateful that our family roots are not the sole source of who we are nor does it dictate what we can accomplish. Our spiritual roots, because of our well-grounded faith in You, goes much deeper and spreads much broader. We are able to accomplish the impossible and overcome life's difficulties because our roots are connected to the Miracle Worker. May the water of Your Holy Spirit quench our thirst and the spiritual food from Your inspired Holy Word satisfy our hunger causing us to grow in spiritual maturity. We remain safe and securely rooted in You, Lord, though the winds and storms may shake us from time to time. It is in You that we live and move and have our being! Amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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