"I beg you, Father, send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment" (Luke 16:27, 28).
Brooksyne and I both enjoy lighthouses. Since we now live away from the ocean we don't see them as often as when we lived in New England nearer the coast. Our views of lighthouses are generally from land looking out to sea. We see them for their architectural and historical value as well as their sheer beauty. It's also an inspiring sight to see a structure whose foundation is laid in or near the deep sea that has weathered many a storm and yet stands erect year after year.
But first and foremost lighthouses were built for a specific function, to warn.
Jesus told a powerful story in Luke 16:19-31. Since only Luke tells this story it may not be as familiar to many as other stories that are repeated in all four gospels. Jesus tells the story as an event that actually took place, not as a parable, although it is often interpreted as a parable.
Essentially two men live out their lives: the first, an unnamed rich man had a wonderful life, "dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day." He is traditionally named "Dives", which is actually the Latin word for "rich" used in the Vulgate translation. The notion that this was the name of the man emerged in medieval times. The other was a poor beggar named Lazarus who lived in physical affliction and abject poverty, "covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores."
In time they both died. Lazarus ascended to "Abraham's side" but the rich man descended to hell where he was in great torment. After seeking some relief from his torment he pleads in the daily verse for Lazarus to go back to earth to warn his five brothers of their impending doom.
The rich man's perspective had drastically changed. What once seemed so important now meant nothing and what once held little importance now was vital. "Warn them" was the urgent plea from the suffering rich man as he pondered the fate of his brothers who were presumably living in the same earthly manner as he.
This story provides us with a perspective of what really matters in life. Although I am aware that most receiving this encouragement message are followers of Christ, having accepted His forgiveness through the plan of salvation, I feel compelled to warn all. A powerful verse in the book of Hebrews states, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation" (2:3)?
I urge you all to examine the state of your soul today. Are you saved from your sin and living to please the Lord? If so, are You shining your light for Jesus as He has commanded, "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).
Today's text is abundantly clear: we must live upright godly lives here on earth, warn others and seek to win them to Christ in this life. It will be too late in the life hereafter since the kingdom of earth and the kingdom of heaven are eternally separate. Let's spread the life-saving message of salvation to all who will hear, here and now.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, the story that Jesus shares about the rich man who took no thought for his life after death is a picture of so many who live for the here and now. They store up treasures that don't transfer to eternity and dismiss the truths that do prepare us for eternity. May this illustration bring comfort and peace of heart to those who suffer in this present life, as Lazarus did. May they be reminded of the joyous life yet to come where there is no pain, sorrow, or alienation? And help us to be faithful to warn others to prepare not just for this temporal life, but for eternal life. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
"I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:1,2).
I really like mountains. We see a small mountain ridge across the Susquehanna River from our front lawn. But as we move farther west or north we hit the real mountains in the Appalachian ridge. Tomorrow I'll share a photo I took several years ago off the Appalachian Trail.
I've travelled to the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, the Rockies in Colorado, Mount Rainier in Washington and the Andes in both Central and South America.
But the most astounding mountain I've ever visited is Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Although it is not nearly as high in elevation as many other mountains, its steep incline is very prominent since the difference in elevation at its base and peak is well over a mile. Anyone who has ever driven the auto road to the top is likely to remember it. It's quite harrowing! And for those who've climbed it, well, my hat is off to you.
Any given day as we prepare these messages there are issues that concern or distress us. Some are at the personal level while others are international and affect all of us. For instance today we wonder what in the world is going on in regard to the economy. How we will be affected? Generally, in our decision as to what to share in this encouragement series, we do not let these issues guide us since most every day there is some current tragedy or crisis headlining the news. Additionally, we have many faithful readers from other countries.
The power of Scripture is that the message is timeless and speaks to people all over the globe. Today's text is an example. The human author of Psalm 121 is unidentified. Some Bible versions include this interesting designation in the heading of Psalm 121: "A Song of Ascents" or "Pilgrim Psalms" as do all the Psalms from 120-134. Most believe that these Psalms were sung by those who journeyed to the temple in Jerusalem for the annual feasts.
The Psalmist begins by giving us a word picture in verse one, "I lift up my eyes to the hills." You may be surrounded by flat lands, but I hope you're able to occasionally enjoy the splendid view of distant hills.
The Psalmist then asks a question that I believe he is prepared to immediately answer. "Where does my help come from?" .This is one of life's most important questions.
As the Psalmist lifted his eyes to the hills he may have been thinking about enemy invaders or those who were bringing slander against him (Psalm 120). Allegorically speaking we might also consider the steep hills we face and see the many potential and real forms of invasion. We might also cry out: "Where does my help come from?" The answers vary greatly. For some it's the bottle, for others it's a pill. Some believe it'll be that big hit at the casino, still for others it's the miracle diet. And the list goes on and on.
The only right answer has not changed. Dear believer, whatever your trying circumstance, join with the Psalmist who is inspired by the majesty and splendor of God's creation. He looks beyond the visible creation to the invisible Creator who gives the needed help when facing distressing times. Let us declare together, "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth!" He alone is the "The Eternal Source Of Help."
Be encouraged today,
Stephen and Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, our assurance and hope is in Your protection day and night. You made the mountains and the hills, the valleys and the streams. You do not leave us to fend for ourselves, but Your help is constant and ever-sufficient for all our needs. Our help comes from You, the Maker of heaven and earth, who watches over us both now and forevermore. Amen.
"I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward" (Mark 9:41).
Andrew Samuel is a bank president here in central Pennsylvania who takes a bold stand for the Lord. I met him when he spoke at a Lancaster CBMC function about a year ago. During his message he referred to the Hess family from Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, who was a great blessing to him as a young man thousands of miles from his home in India. As we talked afterward I came to realize that he was referring to Lois Hess, a lady who attends our church here in Mount Joy. I told Lois about seeing him and she said, "Oh, I would just love to see Andrew" so I worked on setting up a meeting.
About thirty years ago Lois, and her late husband Wilbur, hosted Andrew when he first came to the states to attend Messiah College here in Pennsylvania. Andrew came to the rural Hess home when he arrived and then during holiday breaks since he didn't have family close by.
Yesterday morning Andrew was in the Lancaster area speaking to a group of students at Lancaster Bible College and stopped by to visit Lois on the way back to his office in Harrisburg. Brooksyne and I were present during their warm reunion. Lois has been very ill and only recently was able to return to her home after a long period of convalescence.
Andrew greeted Lois with a big hug and addressed her as "Mom" before we sat down and visited for a few minutes before departing and resuming our busy schedules. I think it's safe to say he made her day and refreshed her with a "cup of cold water".
The Lord Jesus is speaking in today's text. He begins with a solemn introduction very common in His discourses "I tell you the truth" (In fact in the NIV He uses this exact phrase 78 times). This phrase stands out to me since we are flooded with lies from every direction. It seems especially so during this political season and in regard to so many current events. But we can absolutely rely on the truthfulness of God.
Many years ago Lois and her husband dispensed cups of cold water to Andrew (perhaps literally but most certainly figuratively.) Far from his family in India he found in the Hess home a place of refuge and as close to a family-like atmosphere as he was to experience. An enduring relationship was established, so much so, that to this day Lois is "Mom" to Andrew.
Jesus said in a similar passage, "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward" (Matthew 10:42).
Today we are all called by the Lord to dispense cups of cold water. Very likely we are both dispensers and receivers and, in some situations like Andrew and Lois, it can become a reciprocating relationship. Nearly thirty years ago Andrew as a young college student was a receiver and Lois was the dispenser. Yesterday Andrew, now a middle-aged businessman, was the dispenser and Lois was the receiver.
Let's all look for opportunities to dispense some cups of cold water in His Name today!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, since we belong to You we want to bless others in Your name. Help us to love without reserve and give generously of our resources. We will reap not only a reward in heaven, but we will also enjoy the spiritual fulfillment of being Your hand extended to those in need.
"And if I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" (John 14:3).
A while back I was doing some yard work in the front yard and spotted Brooksyne who had left earlier for a walk. As she was getting closer to our house I looked in her direction and waved. She quickly returned my wave and for some reason it made me feel a little giddy and young at heart. I decided to let her see my enthusiasm about the fact that she was getting closer to home so I waved to her again, this time with a jumping jack type motion.
Since I stand over 6'2" when I'm not jumping, you can imagine that I was quite a visible moving target as I excitedly waved both arms back and forth high in the air. She didn't wave back which was a little odd. Growing suspicious at this point I squinted my eyes to sharpen my focus and then, to my great surprise and embarrassment, I realized that it was not Brooksyne at all, but some strange woman who was wearing the same color jacket. I left the yard work right where it was and quickly headed into the house before the strange woman could see my beet red face. I had mistaken my wife's identity at a distance since the stranger was about the same size, walking from the same direction, and wearing the same color clothing.
The mistaken identity experience reminds me of the many times people mistake current events in regard to Christ's coming. Prophecy is one of the great distinctions of our faith and a tremendous faith builder. The Scriptures are replete with fulfilled prophecies and contain many that are yet to be fulfilled. Not only do believers have an interest in prophecy, but much of the world is curious as well.
Of course the greatest interest in unfulfilled prophecy among believers is in regard to the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and the consummation of this present age. Since shortly after our Lord ascended back to heaven, after his first advent (coming) there has been much speculation regarding these events. This speculation even began in the NT period. All through church history there have been very specific interpretations as to how these prophecies will work out and predictions that later turned out to be wrong. Since I have been a Christian I can recall many very assertive prophecy plans offered by well-meaning believers that were just plain incorrect. The most notable that comes to mind was a widely distributed booklet titled, "88 reasons Christ will come in 1988".
Christ gave His disciples and all of us an assured promise in the daily text. Even before He went to the cross He assured them (and us) that one day He will come back. I realize we may have a yearning to know just when this will occur and some are tempted to make specific predictions. (Such specific assertions by "prophets" also tend to sell books and get speaking engagements!)
But I am aware of the many mistaken predictions in this regard through the history of the church and today I encourage you to find deep assurance in our Lord's simple words, "I will come back." Indeed, in His perfect timing, these events will surely occur. This is an absolute promise, yet to be fulfilled! Until then, get ready and stay ready! Maranatha, the Lord is coming!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer:
Father, the forest and flowers exclaim,
the mountains and meadows the same,
All earth and heaven proclaim that Jesus is coming again!
Standing before Him at last, our trials and troubles will all be past,
Our crowns at His feet we will cast when our Lord Jesus comes again.
O what a wonderful, glorious day it will be when Jesus comes again.
“And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: He made the stars also” (Genesis 1:16). “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:4). “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit” (Psalm 147:4,5). “Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing” (Isaiah 40:26).
After going to sleep last night I awakened around midnight and since I couldn’t go back to sleep I took our dog Roxie outside and spent a few minutes walking around our yard. (Yes, Roxie was sound asleep, but she would never say “no” to a walk, even in her sleep.) Temperatures dropped through the night and the chilly, fall-like air gave evidence to the official autumn season now in progress. The insect sounds are fading but off in the distance toward the creek I heard the shrieking cry of a wild animal. Then I heard a bawling cow, apparently delivering a calf, coming from the direction of the large dairy farm due east of us.
I then looked up and scanned the skies. It was a clear night and, with the exception of the security lights at a Christian school about a half mile away, we don’t have much “light pollution” out here where we live. The view is outstanding; no admission fee or limited seating! This sight, available to all who are blessed with eyesight, always gives me a perspective jolt. I am faced with feelings of my own human insignificance (or as I like to call it “puniness”) when I consider the vast, vast immensity of the universe.
It has been said that counting the stars in the universe is like trying to count the number of sand grains on a beach, but God made the stars and has each one of them accounted for. Consider the wording from the creation account, “He made the stars also” (Genesis 1:16). He has determined their number and calls them each by name.
I picture the Psalmist scanning the skies as far as the eye can see on a cloudless night, overcome by a sense of awe toward Almighty God. He extols God’s most massive works at creation as “the work of His fingers.” He recognizes that God has set these objects in place. They are not “set in place” as the result of some “big bang” or whatever current scientific theory is presently in vogue.
The prophet Isaiah in proclaiming the vastness of God declares, “Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name.” What a spectacular description of an omnipotent God who not only created the universe but makes it subject to His divine authority.
Though it is awesome to contemplate the mighty universe and the magnificent power of God revealed through His creative works, I humbly consider that He values humankind so much that He clothed Himself in flesh and came to this imperfect world to save us from our sins. Though I might view myself as insignificant God certainly does not. He loves me and the entire human race so much that He sent His one and only Son, so that all who believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer:Father, our hearts rejoice with resounding thanksgiving, as we consider that You chose us before the world was made so that we could be Your holy people; people without blame before You. Because of Your love, You chose to make us Your own children through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We are set free by the blood of His death as You forgive us of our sins. Your awesome power is seen not only in the vast universe but in the hearts of men and women, boys and girls whose lives are submitted to Your divine authority. What a magnificent God we serve!
“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3,4).
I took today’s photo [To see photo, click here] about a mile from our house on an afternoon walk. It’s a peaceful pasture with beautiful white fencing and adequate green grass for the horses to graze. They appear quite content and well cared for.
Early this morning I emailed brief words of encouragement to a few friends who had written about some prayer needs. A pastor friend facing a housing situation since he and his family resigned the church they’d served for many years. Another pastor friend is seeking opportunities to extend his ministry outreach. A truck driver from Canada then called for prayer who has critical decisions to make regarding expensive repairs on his truck. As I shared I was able to use today’s verse as a basis of Biblical encouragement and thus I will do so today for all our readers.
I particularly focus on the words “safe pasture.” Likely our most familiar Biblical use of the word pasture is from the 23rd Psalm where David proclaims, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”
Pasture is land with vegetation cover used for grazing of livestock as part of a farm or ranch. We don’t have as much land used for pasture around here as I was accustomed to in southern Missouri or Brooksyne from Oklahoma, since most of the ground in this area is tilled and planted in crops. This brings a recollection of my very colorful Uncle Gentry, a farmer and banker in tiny Harwood Missouri, who referred to golf as “cow pasture pool” (which by the way, fellow Missourian Mark Twain called golf “a good walk spoiled”).
As we walk or drive through the country we enjoy seeing livestock grazing in pasture land and today’s photo is the quintessential view. In today’s verse the Psalmist David, as in Psalm 23, also uses an agricultural illustration to connect to his readers.
“Trust in the Lord and do good.” He begins with this familiar exhortation which is a common theme through the Scriptures and is reflected in the lyrics of the classic hymn, “Trust and obey”. This is at the very heart of what God calls each of us to do in our earthly journey.
“Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” Surely David is foundationally speaking from a spiritual perspective. Safe pasture connotes security, abundance, and faithfulness. A footnote in the NASV indicates that David is giving counsel to his readers to, “feed securely or feed on His faithfulness.” The Amplified Bible directs the reader to, “feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.”
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” We can admire a person from a distance for his or her beauty, talent, skills or accomplishments. But to delight in a person holds deeper meaning since it suggests strong emotional involvement, not a distant admiration.
To delight ourselves in the Lord is to desire and enjoy His nearness and the truth and righteousness of His Word. As we develop and nurture this kind of relationship with God we surrender our desires to Him so that they are in accordance to His will. The desires that flow from our heart will be greatly influenced or originate from His abiding presence in our hearts.
The same deep satisfaction that David referred to 3,000 years ago may also be ours today as we regularly delight ourselves in the Lord. It is in this place of safe pasture that the desires of our heart will be shaped by our loving Lord as we feed on His abundance and live by His principles.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we place our complete trust in You, for You are a faithful, trustworthy, and loving God. As we feed on Your faithfulness and live by Your righteousness revealed to us through the Scriptures we find ourselves delighting in Your presence. We also delight in You when we sing praises, when we give ourselves in service to others, and most especially when we commune with You in prayer. May the desires of our heart bring delight to Yours as we conform ourselves to Your will and rid ourselves of that which lures us from the safe pasture You have abundantly supplied for those who believe. Amen.
An alert reader pointed out that the Corner Acre Mums we mentioned in yesterday’s message is really open “dawn to dusk” rather than “dusk to dawn” as we had mistakenly posted! (Brooksyne’s Note: I’m the guilty party since I often get the words backwards for the properly designated time. Our neighbors’ business, if it were open from “dusk to dawn” would thrive if they sold moon flowers instead of mums, since moon flowers are most beautiful in the dark.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge" (Psalm 19:1, 2).
It's a bright and cloudless morning here in southern Pennsylvania, a stunningly beautiful day to begin the fall season! Today at precisely 11:44:18 in our time zone (Eastern) the autumnal equinox will take place when autumn officially begins. At this point the earth will be precisely in line with the sun at the equator. The movement of objects in space is so predictable and precise that astronomers can pinpoint the exact time of this and other astronomical events years ahead.
How marvelous is God's creation along with the perfect orderliness of His glorious works! As I ponder the daily verse I consider the great God we serve and the work of His hands abundantly proclaimed by the sky that speaks to us in so many different ways. Yesterday afternoon Brooksyne and I took a three mile walk, the longest since Brooksyne broke her ankle in May. We walked to our Amish neighbor's home where Christian and Annie grow a beautiful assortment of colorful mums. Their business is called Corner Acres Mums, "open from dusk to dawn".
Autumn is a time when the sun’s angle changes and the air is noticeably cooler. Along with the cool nights we soon observe the beautiful green leaves turning a fiery glow before falling to the ground. Brooksyne and I both enjoy the fall season where golden and auburn colors accent the landscapes seen especially in the brilliant colors of the burning bush, autumn ash, and red maples.
Ravi Zacharias shares a quote from John Polkinghorn, a physicist who turned to faith in God. He expressed the reasonableness of faith in God in a lecture titled, "The First Three Minutes of the Universe". In his lecture he makes this remarkable observation based on his understanding: "Do you know that the balance needed in the early seconds of the universe between its expansion and contraction rate had to be so specific, so on target, with a margin of error so small it would be the equivalent of taking aim at a target at the other end of the universe 20 billion light years away aiming at a 1 square inch target and hitting it straight on."
Now I don't profess to know what this means and concur with my wife who said, "Now how in the world do they know that?" But it sure seems to me to be a pretty clear reason for having faith in God!
Some 3,000 years ago David looked up into the sky and made the proclamation found in the daily text. Although I am more familiar with the first verse I also find great blessing from the second as well: "Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge." Wow, isn't that true! Some are observant and listening, but most pay no attention at all.
Let us look up to the skies that expand far beyond the human eye or the lens of the most advanced telescope. Listen to the pouring forth of speech as the heavens give dramatic evidence of God's existence; His power, love and care. Let us observe the displaying of knowledge, which day after day and night after night, faithfully declares the glory of God.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we are surrounded by the endless display of Your awesome handiwork. The entire universe is in perfect order testifying to Your greatness and watchful eye over all of creation. The silent heavens speak out as they declare Your majesty and glory. They reveal Your righteousness and faithfulness as the Lord who created them and gave them a purpose for existence. May we, as Your human creation, also proclaim Your righteousness and faithfulness day after day. May our lives display the work of the Holy Spirit as we continue to grow in faith until the day of Christ's return. Amen.
"You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed" (Luke 10:42).
Here in the United States we are in the midst of a very heated and contentious political race, something we endure every four years when a president is elected. The race underscores the deep ideological divisions in our country. There is much to be distressed about; the troubled economy, the increasing abandonment of Biblical values, the irreverent scorn toward people of Biblical faith and many other issues.
I will admit that I have a really hard time appropriating the truth in today's daily encouragement. Last night I slept poorly and was "worried and upset by many things" because I failed to really focus on the one thing needed. (Instead I was reading up on the news and current events and got myself worked up.) I am sure there are a number of readers who identify with me.
All through life we continue to overcome life's struggles and in my case an ongoing issue is keeping my focus on the Lord. One of the very first Scriptures I committed to memory while still in High School was Isaiah 26:3; "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."
It's interesting to me the times we find the phrase "one thing" in the Bible. The Psalmist testified, "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after!" (Psalm 27:4). "One thing you lack," said Jesus to the self-righteous, rich, young ruler (Mark 10:21). "One thing I know!" exclaimed the man who had received his sight (John 9:25). "But one thing I do…" Paul stated to the Philippians (3:13). And Peter wrote: "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2 Peter 3:8).
Today I find perspective from the words of our Lord recorded in Luke 10:42; "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." Many of our readers recognize this familiar portion of Scripture where Jesus uttered these words to one person, Martha, in a specific circumstance. But I feel they have a timeless value when applied to any situation that worries or upsets us. I feel it's a message that expresses the heart of God to all His children.
Consider the "many things" that worry and upset us. I already mentioned some above that we all may share. Probably you too can identify some specifics in your own life today. It might be a child, your marriage, the state of our nation, world conditions and terrorism, something at your workplace, a medical problem. And the list goes on and on.
"But only one thing is needed."I think we all know what that is. As we seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness He will take care of [you fill in the blank] which otherwise robs us of the wonderful peace He has to give. God loves us and wants our complete devotion. Let's give it to Him!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, the perfect peace that You grant to the believer comes when our hearts and minds are one with Yours. Though we cannot avoid the strife around us we can experience wonderful peace in our hearts as we meditate upon Your Holy Word which is the one thing You ask of us. Full devotion to You makes our spirit steady, trusting, and secure. You are the unchangeable God in a changeable society, so we hold onto Your steady all powerful Hand in the ups and downs of life. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Here's the context that includes the verse I used today for the daily text. "As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:38-42).
"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him" (Nahum 1:7)
Last night we gathered in the sanctuary and had special prayer for a young man in our church who is having surgery today for a brain tumor. Prior to the anointing service our friend Mike led out in the hymn, To God Be the Glory and then implored us to "lean hard on God." I like that expression and tucked it into my heart. I trust that Jared's family is leaning hard on God today.
Following Pastor's anointing of oil and the many prayers offered up by his supporters Jared sat with his parents on the front row. A line formed as Jared's friends and family gave him a personal word of encouragement and reassurance of their ongoing prayers. Many tears were shed and hugs exchanged. He and his family surely gained inner strength from knowing others are also bearing their burden. Just over a week ago Jared's life was routine with one day simply blending into another before the tumor was discovered.
Today we share a word of hope and encouragement from one of the most obscure Old Testament prophets. Nahum served and spoke for God during very troubling times as Assyria was tormenting the people of God. This oppression caused a troubling yet frequently asked question. How could God allow such inhumanity to go unanswered?
In different ways we may ask the same question today, particularly during "times of trouble". We again consider our Christian brothers and sisters throughout many parts of the world who are being persecuted or are otherwise suffering. On a personal level you may be in the heat of a difficult trial and you may wonder, "Where is God when I hurt?"
The prophet Nahum speaks through the Holy Scriptures, the inspired and inerrant Word of God, with a great message for us and our brethren around the world.
1) "The Lord is good!" This attribute is insufficiently pondered today. It is so well assumed that it's taken for granted by most. But what if the Supreme Being of the universe was not good? That's a thought that I find hard to even comprehend and have no desire to ponder in depth of just how dreadful life would be if it were true. But Psalm 100:5 reminds us, "For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."
2) He's "a refuge in times of trouble." The Hebrew word for refuge conveys a fortified place; a defense: force, fortress, rock, strength. What a great assurance during the inevitable times of trouble! Jesus is the rock in a weary land. He is an anchor in the times of storm. "The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil" (Proverbs 10:29).
3) "He cares for those who trust in Him." Here's our part; we must trust. When we are in the middle of a tunnel, with darkness behind and darkness before us, God still calls us to trust, to lean hard on Him. When we're in the valley of deepest despair we must trust. When we're on the spiritual mountain we still must trust! A very familiar New Testament verse many have memorized instructs the believer not to carry the heavy burdens of life in their own strength but to "cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you" (I Peter 5:7). Our Lord Jesus is the great Burden Bearer.
Finally today, hear the word of the Psalmist, "Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge" (Psalm 62:8). Today let us lean hard on our steadfast refuge!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we want to trust You at all times – in the good times and in troubled times. Thank You for Your promise that You will not let us drown when we pass through the deep waters. We will not be burned nor will the flames hurt us when we walk through the raging fires that seek to engulf us. We don't have to be afraid because You have saved us and called us by name. You are truly our Refuge and we pour out our hearts out to You for all that we have need of. May our faith increase and our devotion deepen as we lean hard on You. Amen.
"So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him" (Matthew 24:44).
There have been several significant hurricanes over the last month along America's gulf coast, most recently Hurricane Ike this past weekend. Hurricanes are interesting in that for days leading up to them, sometimes even a week, reasonable predictions can be made detailing the time, location, and even their severity. People can prepare unlike other natural disasters such as earthquakes and tornadoes.
We might get the remnants of tropical storms, but our area here in south central Pennsylvania is rarely seriously affected by hurricanes, but I do recall our years in New England. For days leading up to the predicted landfall of the hurricane warning, residents would stock up on bread and milk and hunker down to survive. Locals told me this mentality goes back to a devastating hurricane in 1938 and the Blizzard of '78. Most schools, many businesses, and other activities are cancelled.
Well, I must admit when we lived in New England I was kind of excited about being in a real hurricane since growing up in the Kansas City Missouri area we didn't have them. (But we did have tornadoes!) However, in our 7½ years of living in Massachusetts we never had one severe enough to adversely affect those inland (aside from some wind damage).
Jesus stressed getting ready as well. Unambiguously He declared to His disciples in His long teaching on the Mount of Olives, "You also must be ready." He's speaking of His promised return to earth; a future event which devout believers hold dear.
But today many mock and unbelievers scoff at the mention of the return of Christ. Sadly in my observation even in much of the visible church it is too often un-proclaimed or under proclaimed.
Most ignore it. In fact Jesus Himself likened it to the days of Noah. People went about their business unaware of their impending doom. Perhaps the economy was strong and people were living well. They reasoned, "Who needs to listen to that crazy preacher building a boat? Similar to the days of Solomon, "A man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry" (Ecclesiastes 8:15).
Jesus said, "You also must be ready." But He went on to state, "because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him." So we have a very forthright warning from Jesus Himself. However, regarding the specific date or time of His return we do not know, even though all throughout the age of the church countless attempts have been made by foolish and even well-meaning people (I just glanced at the headline of an article that contends Jesus will come in 2013!).
So the focus is not so much on the unknown date, as it is on living in a state of preparedness for the Lord's return. We won't have time to get ready at the trumpet sound, so we must be ready before that great and glorious moment when Jesus appears in the Eastern clouds.
Through Scripture we have been adequately warned. Have you heeded that warning? Are you prepared? Are you warning others?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, depending on the state of our hearts we view the Scripture about the return of Your Son as a warning or as a welcoming. We prepare our hearts by seeking You for the forgiveness of sins and inviting You to reign in our lives. We pray for those we love that they too will make spiritual preparations to be ready for the trumpet sound when the dead in Christ rise first and then we who remain will be caught up to meet Jesus in the skies. We have been warned, we are prepared, and we welcome with great anticipation the second coming of our Lord. We lift up our heads as our redemption draws near. Amen.
"Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care." (I Timothy 6:20). "Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us" (2 Timothy 1:14). "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others" (2 Timothy 2:2). "Contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints" (Jude 3).
When I was in High School I participated in track and ran on a relay team. Our coach stressed the importance of passing the baton (the metal cylinder used in the relay). A critical part of an effective relay race was the passing of the baton and we would actually practice this maneuver over and over. In a relay race there is a small designated relay zone where the pass can take place, not before and not after. It was critically important that we didn't drop the baton during the pass. And I certainly recall an emphasis on the obvious – during my leg of the relay I was to carefully hold on to the baton and not let it slip from my grip!
In the two Biblical epistles to Timothy the apostle Paul was passing the torch (or baton if you will) of the faith to the succeeding generation. Although the direct recipient of these letters was Timothy, each believer in every generation does well to heed the charge in the daily Scripture portions. Today I place my name into this charge that Paul so solemnly gave to Timothy. Perhaps you will do so as well. It's interesting that in the Greek Paul adds further solemnity to this charge by placing the exclamation "O" before it (seen in the King James Version). Thus in my case the passage would read "O Stephen, guard what has been entrusted to your care."
Each generation has a responsibility in guarding the deposit of faith passed on by the preceding generation and in turn passing it unchanged to the succeeding one. That's at the very heart of what Biblical Christian faith and ministry is all about. In fact Paul set forth the pattern to Timothy, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others" (2 Timothy 2:2). In a sense I am both receiving the baton and passing it on simultaneously.
As I study the Bible I'm still reaching back and receiving. I also benefit from many believers in past generations who have guarded the good deposit. And I'm passing it on as well. Brooksyne and I view this online writing ministry as a part of our passing on truth.
However I am considering the baton pass of truth during the pass zone which is my present generation and specifically my life. I consider this both individually and for the church at large. In my heart I sense that there are significant ways the modern, visible church is slipping in this regard and it brings grief to my spirit.
However I am convinced that there will always be a remnant church, faithfully holding to the truths of Holy Scripture till our Lord returns. Christ has stated that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18). This true church may very well be hated by the world, for as it contends for the truth and the faith once for all entrusted to the saints, it will be labeled intolerant, mean-spirited, hateful and even dangerous. In fact it already is.
May the Lord help us to be faithful in holding onto the Living Word and not compromising its message through our speech and life. As we pass it on to the next generation in our present passing zone, may we do so without watering down the commands God sets forth in His Word. Let us not customize or interpret God's timeless truths to comfortably adjust our viewpoints to the trends of our society.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, the commandments that You give are to be impressed upon our hearts. When our acts of obedience come from the heart Your love motivates us to obey Your commands and Your holiness teaches us to align our desires with Your own. Help us to be extremely cautious about new teachings that are pleasing to the ear and popular with our present generation, but do not bear witness with our spirit. As we study Your Holy Word, from cover to cover, and meditate upon Your principles we will hold on to that which is of most importance and pass on to those who come behind the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints of all generations. Amen.
Selected portions of verses implemented into our daily prayer: Deuteronomy 6:6, Colossians 1:13,14
"Can papyrus grow tall where there is no marsh? Can reeds thrive without water? While still growing and uncut, they wither more quickly than grass. Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless. What he trusts in is fragile; what he relies on is a spider's web. He leans on his web, but it gives way; he clings to it, but it does not hold" (Job 8:11-15).
The other day I was doing some yard work along the side of our house and walked right into a big spider web. I even felt the bump of the spider as I quickly drew back and flailed about attempting to shake off the nearly invisible tangles of silk that clung to me. I really wasn't worried about getting tangled in the web or being eaten by the spider, but spider webs are yucky and creepy and I didn't want a spider bite, poisonous or not!
We have a row of sedum planted along the walkway leading up to our front door. Sedum is a perennial flowering plant that attracts bees like a magnet especially in late summer; also wasps, butterflies and other flying insects. On a hot sunny afternoon the entire row of these plants is swarming with flying critters.
Interestingly the spider also builds its home on the sedum. It makes its web and becomes another type of "magnet" that other flying creatures sure don't want to get tangled in!
Job is a remarkable book. Probably when most of us consider Job we recall the tremendous trial he endured, but there are so many gems of wisdom throughout the book. Today's portion is from a discourse by Bildad the Shuhite, one of Job's friends.
The Scripture begins with a timeless observation from nature: "Can papyrus grow tall where there is no marsh? Can reeds thrive without water? While still growing and uncut, they wither more quickly than grass."
This is immediately followed by the statement in the daily text, "Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless."
A truth is then developed based on the observation of a spider's web: "What he trusts in is fragile; what he relies on is a spider's web."
God's intended purpose for the web is very efficient for its inhabitant. Spend some time observing nature and you will see the tiny creatures resting comfortably for hours on end in their customized webs patiently awaiting their hapless prey. But it would be absolutely foolish for me, as a human, to count on a spider web to provide hope for my eternal destiny! Such absurd thinking is described by Bildad in V. 15: "He leans on his web, but it gives way; he clings to it, but it does not hold."
Job's friend illustrates what the majority of people do rather than put their hope, trust and reliance in the Lord. Today let us hide this important truth deep within our hearts: "Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord" (Psalm 31:23,24).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: God, You are the only source of eternal life to whom I can cling. I am confident that You will be with me to the end of my life here on this earth. I am grateful for the many people who bring me support, encouragement and companionship from day to day. They are a source of joy as they enrich my life daily. But as I grow older I'm recognizing that nothing stays the same and much of what I came to rely on is no longer accessible. Losses of people very dear to me and things once considered important no longer hold importance. I find great comfort as I cling to the words of the 73rd Psalm, "Whom have I in heaven but Thee, and there is none that I desire on earth beside Thee. My flesh and my heart faileth but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).
Earlier this week we shared of a long term work friendship of Lloyd and Elvin. Today we would like to share of another special friendship. I met Don shortly after moving to Lancaster County in 2001 at one of the companies I served as a chaplain at that time. Don is an outgoing, friendly type and although we have both left the companies we worked for when we met and Don and his wife Carole moved to Colorado Springs we have stayed in contact. Don now works with the Navigators, a Christian discipling ministry.
Shortly after meeting Don I met a friend of Don's named Jimmy. Jimmy, who is similar in age to me lives by himself in a small apartment in right off Main Street in Mount Joy and has a disability known as Tourette Syndrome, as well as diabetes and several other health related issues. He was so sad when Don and Carole moved to Colorado.
Whenever we drive past his apartment and see Jimmy sitting on the porch as he often does we stop and greet him. In my personal ministry and encouragement to him I have stressed that he is an overcomer and Ester will holler out "Jimmy, what are you?" and he will tell us "An overcomer." Ester then jumps out and gives him a big hug.
The other day when we stopped he excitedly told us that Don and Carole were in town for a visit and he was flying back out to Colorado with them for a visit. What a kind gesture on their part and example of AGAPE love in action.
I've met people who aspire to someday do something great for God, but in the meantime just sit and wait. The daily verse and context give us a glimpse of the specific forms of service that matter to Christ. They're usually not really big things, but the accumulative impact of serious followers of Christ obeying His commands and this is making a tremendous impact on our world. What are you doing today for Christ?
How we as individuals respond to the least of these in the trenches of life is a great demonstration of our Christ-like character. I am heartened by examples of grace demonstrated to "the least of these." All over the world today both institutionally and individually (but mostly individually) true followers of Christ are actively showing compassion to a hurting, broken world.
I am convinced that one of the truest evidences of an authentic follower of Jesus Christ is how we treat "the least of these." One of the last lessons Christ taught before His death was on this subject. In Matthew 25 He uses representative examples of what we may call the "down and out", "losers", "unlovable", etc. According to Jesus how we respond to the "least of these" is a proof of our true discipleship and criteria for entrance into God's Kingdom. How we deal with the "least of these" determines whether we are a sheep or a goat.
Today we all may very well come in contact with people regarded as the "least of these". How will we respond?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Lord, help me to be sensitive to those around me who need my expression of love and care in Your Name.
"In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever" (Daniel 2:44).
September 11th will never be the same again for those of us living here in America. No matter how you format the date, it immediately brings to mind the anniversary date of the horror, the hate, and the vile wickedness of a diabolical religious system that was unleashed upon thousands of innocent lives on this day seven years ago.
Writing this devotional is a challenge:
Do I write a message of comfort, since I am sure pain still lingers for the thousands who lost loved ones? May God flood their souls with divine peace.
Do I use this as an opportunity to scream in print that these are the tactics of our ancient foe who still seeks to work us woe? Indeed, I can become so distressed at the blindness of scores of people who fail to see that this is fundamentally a spiritual conflict.
Do I challenge believers to be steadfast? Always!
But today I primarily want to share a timeless message of assurance. Let's go back in Scripture some 2,500 years ago and hear the Word of the Lord as we examine a rather obscure verse from the prophet Daniel.
Daniel lived during the period of the Babylonian captivity. As a youth he had seen the horrendous destruction of his country described in graphic detail by Jeremiah in his book of Lamentations. Surely, like we do today, he must have wondered, "Where is God in all of this?" Though unanswered questions surely filled Daniel's mind he stayed faithful to his God. Believers have always had to accept that some questions just won't be answered on this side of eternity. God calls us to live by faith as described in Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
In the second chapter of his book Daniel interpreted a dream that had tremendous prophetic insight into the future kingdoms from that point on. "In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever" (Daniel 2:44). "In the days of those kings" describes the Roman period. The kingdom which the "God of heaven will set up" is the Kingdom of Christ expressed in the first coming (This prophecy was made some 550 years before the incarnation.).
Note two descriptions of this glorious Kingdom in the daily text. It will "never be destroyed" and "it will itself endure forever." Sinking, shifting sand is an apt description of what we experience in the temporal kingdoms of this world. We saw that so graphically on 9/11. But the great God we serve is absolutely steadfast and His Kingdom will endure forever, for it has no end. Praise Him today and serve Him wholeheartedly! The words to the classic hymn, "Rejoice the Lord Is King", come to mind as we conclude today's message.
His kingdom cannot fail; He rules o'er earth and heaven.
The keys of death and hell are to our Jesus given.
Lift up your heart; lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say rejoice!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, with solemn hearts and painful memories we remember the extremely wicked events that took place on 9/11/01. Though we witnessed mayhem and saw evil at its worst, mercifully, we also witnessed acts of goodness at their best. Help us to spread the overflowing, enduring hope that does not diminish in the midst of evil, but instead it directs our attention to the unseen future kingdom, the New Jerusalem. The New Jerusalem where Your presence is with Your people for all eternity. Where You will wipe away every tear from our eyes and there will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because all the old ways are gone, and You will make all things new.
"They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" (John 17:16).
Several weeks ago when I was up in New England I visited with Wayne, a friend who had spent several years enslaved to the ways of the world. He now takes a strong stand for Christ and everal months ago he received his ministerial credentials. He recently took a bold stand at work that led his employer to further respect him. Wayne, troubled by the provocative calendar photos in the men's room, found them to be a source of temptation.
He respectfully approached his boss and asked that the calendars be removed. He also pointed out that, since the restrooms were used by visitors, it was bad for the company's image. In this case the employer respected Wayne's stand and the calendars were removed. However Wayne has now endured much ridicule from the other employees!
Most of you are in some form of secular work and you do not find the workplace an environment compatible with your faith. Hopefully you have a spiritually supportive family, church fellowship and a daily commitment to spending time with God in Bible study and prayer. However at work it's often a different story. Scripturally we know that "our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). In the same verse we are told to "be self-controlled and alert."
Most will spend at least 40 hours each week at work (certainly many more hours than in the House of God!) This creates a great tension between your responsibilities in the secular world and your desire to live a godly life in obedience to the Word. Many college students receive these encouragement messages and we realize that the campus can also be a spiritual battleground.
The world is opposed to God and His ways. Swearing, mocking God, evil images, luring temptations, and sinful compromises abound. If you don't see them I would respectfully ask, "Are you are using spiritual discernment?" Many of you are also confronted with diversity training programs which are intended to "correct" all those traditional values you were taught. In these programs often "Good is called evil and evil is called good" (see Isaiah 5:20).
Daniel, along with his three Hebrew friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, provides a Biblical model of one who was confronted with the temptation to compromise but he stood firm in his convictions. Early in his life he made a commitment when he went through his first diversity training class. I memorized this verse many years ago as a young Christian."But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank" (Daniel 1:8). Notice he made the purpose in his heart. I urge you to learn God's ways and like Daniel make a purpose or resolve in your heart to remain firm. He demonstrates for us the great Biblical principle of separation.
In our daily verse Jesus acknowledged in His final great prayer for His followers that "we are not of this world." May God help each of us to live a godly life at all times and in every setting, including our days spent in the workplace and on the campus.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer:Father, I am resolved no longer to crave the world and cling to its alluring delights. Satan's delights bring only passing pleasure and then plunges me deeper into the cesspool of his incessant schemes. Father, through the power of Your indwelling Holy Spirit, I can fight against the roaring lion who wants to devour my faith and even my very life. I seek after things that are higher and nobler – things unobtainable from this world, but obtainable through my growing relationship with You. Amen.
Today's prayer is prompted in part by an old hymn titled "I am resolved"
“And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself” (Acts 27:3).
In the last several months I’ve developed a friendship with two men who have an interesting story. Lloyd is a toolmaker who is retiring this week after working in the very same place for 45 years. That’s pretty remarkable in itself in this transient age but he also leaves behind a friend, Elvin, who has worked with him the entire time (In fact Elvin has worked there 47 years but is not yet retiring.). Now I just wonder in this day and age what are the odds of working side by side with someone in the same place for 45 years! I suppose it’s safe to say they are old friends and based upon my observation they sure are.
Lloyd and Elvin both belong to an old order Mennonite group who use horse drawn transportation and bicycles. In fact Lloyd has ridden a bike to work his entire 45 year career and I have seen him ride his bike through the plant as well (The only other time I saw this was in a Boeing plant in Everett, Washington where they make the 747 Jumbo Jets.)! Since Lloyd lives 1.5 miles from his workplace I calculated that
he has dutifully pedaled his way to work approximately 33,750 miles!
I am enriched by the close friendship that Lloyd and Elvin enjoy and have extended to me since I began visiting their workplace as a chaplain last May. In October Lloyd is moving to upstate New York to be near his children and has invited my family to visit him in his new location.
Today I want to consider enduring friendships as one of the great treasures in life. Notice two phrases from our rather obscure daily text. In reading this long narrative portion about Paul’s captivity it’s so easy to miss them.
Paul is on his way to Rome as a prisoner. He’s appealed to Caesar. He’s surely somewhat discouraged and weary from travelling the stormy seas and being under surveillance the entire time. Uncertainty is his only glimpse into the near future.
The ship stops at Sidon where Julius “courteously entreated” Paul. This is the only time in the New Testament that we see the Greek word “philanthropos”, the root for our English word “philanthropy.” Julius, a hardened centurion assigned to guard Paul at all times, must have gained a respect for him since he gave him freedom to see his friends and later spared his life when others wanted to do away with Paul (Acts 27:43).
It’s sure great when people are kind to you isn’t it? The other day I stopped to pay a toll on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and greeted the toll collector as I paid the toll. I don’t recall being overly friendly but he enthusiastically thanked me for taking time to speak to him, telling me that most travelers never say a word or are rude to him. I hope my brief kindness refreshed him.
There is no mention elsewhere in Scripture that Paul was ever in Sidon before this, but he had some friends there. I wonder who they were and how had he met them? We’re not told. But they’re the kind of friends you want to have around you all throughout life’s journey. Their presence in our lives refresh us when difficulties and disappointments drain us of energy.
These friends had a part in Paul’s refreshing. The word “refresh” translated from the Greek is a word found only here in the entire New Testament. It has the sense of “kind attention”. That’s what Paul needed and that’s what these unnamed friends gave as they provided for his needs; physically, spiritually and emotionally.
That’s what I’ve quite often needed and have experienced through so many good friends, including many of you on this list.. Thank you. And I encourage you to pass it on to others today as well. There’s a lot of refreshing needed in our lives as we deal with daily challenges that can deplete us of a positive outlook! We all need caring and devoted friends to stand with us. May Lloyd and Elvin’s 45 years of friendship be an inspiration to all of us today!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, You have given me many treasures that cannot be bought with money and friendship is among them. I thank You for the special friends who brighten my outlook and challenge me to be a better person. Thank You for my caring friend who loves me and never gives up on me even when I feel like giving up on myself. For that dear friend who comes alongside me and helps carry the burdens that I bear, I am especially thankful. My life is enriched and my spirit is refreshed as I share my heart with a close friend who does not criticize but accepts my frailties; who prays for me and expresses love for me in ways that build me up and strengthen me in the trials of life. Father, You are the greatest and most trusting Friend that I will ever know so help me to draw near to You as You draw near to me. Amen.
"They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail" (Acts 5:18). "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16).
Awhile back I saw a car with a number of bumper stickers pasted all over it. These cars get my attention since the owner is often strongly committed to a particular cause or viewpoint. I saw the familiar fish outline on the car. As I looked closely I thought I might find the IXTHUS expression connoting an ancient symbol for Christianity. But instead of IXTHUS it had Darwin in the middle of the fish. Other bumper stickers on the car flaunted expressions that mocked God and the Christian faith, boldly and unashamedly proclaiming the owner's particular humanist-based "faith".
Bumper stickers can be tacky but they also give us an opportunity to display a faith-based message to others. As a young Christian I remember a challenge to commitment seen on a bumper sticker, "If you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?"
In the daily text the early disciples had been arrested and unquestionably the ruthless religious authorities had enough evidence to convict them. The apostles had been very public in their witness for the Lord, unashamed in the proclamation of their testimony.
Following their arrest the Lord miraculously intervened and they were delivered from their prison cell by an angel. "But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.’Go, stand in the temple courts,' he said, 'and tell the people the full message of this new life'" (Acts 5:19, 20). They could have easily sneaked out of town through the dark night and escaped the fury of the high priest and the Sanhedrin. "But at daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people" (5:21). They were not afraid or ashamed to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Today, let us who bear the name of Christ, without fear or shame, follow the disciples' example. I consider once again that old saying, "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" I've never sought to be convicted of a crime, but I pray that others do accuse me of being a Christian. And if ever arrested for that accusation I pray there will be abundant and indisputable evidence for a conviction. That's an accusation and conviction that I would humbly accept. May God help me to never be ashamed to bear His name!
I'll tell the world that I'm a Christian,
I'm not ashamed His Name to bear.
I'll tell the world that I'm a Christian,
I'll take Him with me everywhere.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we pray for the courage and conviction to stand up for You and respond, "We choose to obey God rather than men!" when ordered by authority to contradict or rebel against Your commands. May we be found faithful in standing up for that which is right, rather than that which is popular. This will give us cause for rejoicing, like the apostles who left the Sanhedrin, "rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name of Christ."
(For an inspiring example of the apostles' uncompromising obedience to preaching the Gospel message read the entire chapter of Acts 5.)
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1).
Last night members of our Small Group Bible Study, along with some invited guests, came over for a cook-out. We had a lovely evening, warm fellowship, and a great variety of homemade foods. We also had the unpleasant scent of a freshly fertilized field across the road but fortunately it was not overpowering! However, as we concluded our time together the heavy-duty liquid fertilizer trucks arrived, one after the other, and distributed tons of liquid animal waste on the fields all through the night.
Brooksyne and I are accustomed to walking outside within minutes of our awakening in the mornings, but the country air did not greet us with the usual fresh smell this morning. Rather the pungent aroma of newly fertilized fields wafted in our direction. We went back inside the house, turned the air on, and decided today is a nice day to stay inside. Last night Galen, a farmer friend of ours, gave an interesting perspective as the trucks were arriving. With a twinkle in his eye he said, “It smells like money to me!”
As we gathered for a group picture last night I recalled an announcement made when last year’s photo was taken. Mike, JoAnna, Ken, Nila and their newborn son, David, were sitting on our porch swing. Eyeing the photo subjects in my camera I exclaimed, “Wow we have five people on the swing.” Joanna cryptically informed me and others gathered around them, “No, actually there are six people on the swing.” After doing a quick mental recalculation and still seeing only five people, we finally caught onto her subtle announcement that she and Mike were expecting their first baby. Though baby Adoree’ was unseen by the physical eye she was still present in last year’s photo. In last night’s photo 6 month Adoree’ is quite visible.
I recalled last year’s instance during our photo take last night and mused whether we might have any surprise announcements this year. Jerel, a retired pastor, spoke up, “I have an announcement!” The group became silent as we waited for him to speak. With a straight face he announced, “I’m expecting…” He then paused as we all wondered what in the world he might mean. Then he concluded his partial sentence, “homemade ice-cream.” We all laughed as the ice-cream crankers returned to work and, sure enough, a few minutes later we all shared some delicious vanilla homemade ice-cream.
Jerel’s quip got me thinking. If I were to neglect finishing his sentence readers would be left to all sorts of imaginations and wrong interpretations, largely due to the “crazy” world we live in today. It seems that it’s that way with studying the Bible as well. It’s very popular to quote from the Bible. Politicians do it as do entertainers; at times making it “say” something to fit their agenda that is contrary to the intent of Holy Scripture. Sadly, there are also believers who misuse the Scripture to support their argument.
Hermeneutics is a big word that many won’t be familiar with having to do with the proper interpretation of Scripture. In Bible College this is a required course and a very important fundamental teaching for all who seek to be messengers of God’s Holy Word. A foundational rule in hermeneutics is the importance of context.
Today’s verse provides a classic illustration. I can correctly state that “The Bible says there is no God” and quote Psalm 14:1 to prove it. Of course I am taking the phrase out of context and making it mean something altogether different than intended by its author. The full verse states, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’”
Let us all seek to be diligent students and teachers of God’s Word and make every effort to rightly interpret it!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we don’t want to be numbered among the foolish who build their houses on the shifting sands of this insecure world. Instead we want to be among the wise who build our faith on Your timeless and eternal principles, including those that stretch us as they bring us into conformity to Your will for our lives. Nations are in uproar and kingdoms fall when humanity ignores or abuses Your Holy Scriptures. Help us to be people of integrity who approach the Scriptures with holy reverence and appropriate response as we seek to live for You. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
"Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness'" (2 Timothy 2:19).
All throughout Lancaster County there are many old stone mills, normally situated along streams for the water power. I took the photo above of the Mascot Roller Mill in Eastern Lancaster County along Mill Creek [To see photo, click here for more daily encouragement.]. When we first moved to this area in 2001 we lived around the corner from Risser's Mill, an impressive three story cut stone mill, erected nearly 200 years ago along Little Chiques Creek. It stood next to a covered bridge that an arsonist burned to the ground six years ago. Don Pickel and his wife presently own Risser's Mill, an inheritance Mrs. Pickel received from her family.
Six years ago Don gave us a personal tour of the mill which has been closed since 1940. He described the great effort made by the builders to see that the mill had a firm foundation with layers of huge stone going down far below the surface. As I recall, he told us that the foundation went as deep in the ground as the building stood above the ground. Brooksyne and I were astounded as we sized up this three story mill and considered the time and labor expended as laborers used primitive tools to chip away deeply into solid earth. These mills were built to last and, although few are still used now due to our current way of life, they stand strong to this day. Their longstanding resilience is attributed to their deep, strong foundations.
Today let us consider a wonderful occurrence of the word "nevertheless" in our daily verse. In the context Paul is confronting and warning against the counterfeit teaching of two men named Hymenaeus and Philetus. They had wandered from the truth, denied the resurrection and had destroyed the faith of some. The relentless attack on the genuine faith that Paul experienced continues unabated to this day. We face it from the scientific, media, educational, political, and even the religious establishment. On the personal level we daily face the flaming arrows of our enemy that seeks to intimidate and lead us astray.
The word "nevertheless" conveys the sense of "in spite of", "notwithstanding", or "despite anything to the contrary."
He begins the verse, "Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm." Praise God today fellow believer! Sink your spiritual teeth into the solid meaning of that phrase. This assurance is powerfully expressed musically in the great hymn "How Firm A Foundation." Many years ago I considered this verse as I developed a sub theme for this daily writing ministry. If you scroll down to the last statement on the email post or website you will find these words: "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation".
Paul writes that our solid foundation is in God. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end and His solid foundation is "sealed with this inscription". In the original Greek this conveys a "mark of genuineness". This seal is placed on God's solid foundation which gives the believer courage, perspective, and discernment when the shifting sands of philosophical and theological wanderings from the genuine faith are being thrust at us.
First the inscription states, "The Lord knows those who are His." Have you placed your faith in Him? If so, you are His and that's really all that matters. I'm a genuine child of God this morning; He knows who I am and that I am His.
However there is a tendency to overlook the second part of the inscription which states, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." Those of us who are confessing Jesus to be our Savior must turn away from wickedness.
As I confess with my lips I must also be genuine in my actions. An evidence of genuine saving grace is that we are no longer conforming to the pattern of this world but we are being transformed into the image of God.
Thank God today for this solid foundation which ever stands firm, since Christ Jesus Himself is the chief cornerstone!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, thank You that when we came to faith through the precious blood of Your Son, Jesus, we became fellow citizens with Your people and members of Your household. Our faith is now built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as our chief cornerstone. It is through Him that our whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple bringing glory and honor to Your name. We no longer live for the world, but we invite Your Spirit to indwell us so that we are being transformed into Your image day by day. Amen.
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!" (Proverbs 6:6).
Today is Labor Day here in the US and although it may not be a holiday where all of our readers live, today's theme will be applicable to all. In the daily text Solomon is teaching the value of labor with a rather harsh rebuke to the sluggard.
I recall a teaching moment from my dad as a small child. We were out visiting a public place in the Kansas City area and there were large black ants on the sidewalk. My dad saw me step on one and corrected me explaining they were living as God intended and were not harming us in any way.
Edward O. Wilson is a professor at Harvard University and the world's foremost authority in myrmecology, which is the study of ants. I recall an article of his in Reader's Digest many years ago and I marvel that anyone would devote their lives to such a study. His 736-page book "The Ants" is the standard work on the little critter and he has since written a sequel titled "Journey to the Ants"!
King Solomon also found the ant an interesting point of observation and we find in this observation another timeless lesson from God's Word. Solomon said "go" and "consider". Well, you rarely have to "go" out of your way to see ants since regardless of where you may live, ants also inhabit nearby.
But taking the time to "consider" the ant's ways takes some effort. Solomon was sure good at that for we read that "he described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish" (1 Kings 4:33). Benjamin Franklin observed that "none preaches better than the ant, and she says nothing."
Join me in considering the ways of the ant today:
• The ant demonstrates teamwork. Rev. Mackay, a missionary to Uganda, Africa tells how one day he saw a colony of soldier ants suspend themselves by their bodies joined together. They were extending from the ground upward through the air to a piece of meat suspended from a branch of a tree, thus forming a sort of Jacob's ladder of themselves. Upon this ladder the feebler members of the ant colony climbed, and supplied their wants!
• The ant demonstrates diligence. They are busy in the work God created for them.
• The ant demonstrates preparation. "They store up their food in the summer" (Proverbs 30:25).
• The ant demonstrates strength. An ant lifts a load many, many times its own weight — I read that a man would have to lift a diesel locomotive and carry it on his back to compare with that of the ant!
• The ant demonstrates resourcefulness. A biologist tells how he watched an ant carrying a piece of straw and came to a crack in the earth that was too wide for it to cross. It stood for a time as though pondering the situation, then put the straw across the crack and walked over upon it!
Solomon says to "consider its ways and be wise." Have you watched any ants lately? Are not all these characteristics needed in our lives today as we seek to be wise in God's estimation?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, help us to be team workers who are diligent, prepared, strong, resourceful and wise in all our endeavors. These characteristics common to the ant are of great benefit to us as we follow Your daily leading in our lives. We thank You for the ability to work physically and to enjoy the reward of our labor. We're grateful to You for supplying all that we have need of. Amen.
