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Choosing What Is Better
2008-06-27 11:30:00
“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).
Yesterday we came home hot and tired after a long day on the road. Brooksyne continues to have restless nights and deals with some pain associated with her broken ankle. Yesterday, as she worked with her crutches and wheelchair at several companies we visited, she became very weary by late afternoon. She didn’t know that Ester had called me excited about a surprise she had for us when we got home. She made me promise, “Now don’t tell Mom!”
Mary Sweigart, a neighbor and good friend, stopped over in the late morning and told Ester she would like to prepare a meal for us. Ester made chocolate cake for the dessert while Mary prepared our impressive dinner from groceries in her kitchen along with several items from our fridge and freezer. Mary is a diligent worker, well-known in our parts for her fine cooking, flower arranging, and her compassionate heart. She prepared the fine meal, served it to us, and then joined us as we ate together. We were blessed by her generous heart, the delicious food, and warm fellowship we enjoyed!
Following the meal we shared about Mary and Martha who were sisters in the Bible. (Interestingly, our friend Mary also has a twin sister named Martha.) The sisters in the Bible had personality distinctions and their minor riff makes for an interesting study that leads the earnest believer to self-examination.
Both Mary and Martha had important duties in making the Lord Jesus feel welcomed in their home. Actually it was Martha’s gift of hospitality that made it possible for Mary to have presence with Jesus since she is the one who opened her home to Him in the first place. Martha was tending to physical needs while Mary was tending to spiritual needs. Both were important but when one duty rivaled the importance of the other, it was then that Jesus addressed the attitude of the sister’s hearts.
I easily identify with Martha’s attitude in the daily Scripture portion. I spend way too much time in the “kitchen”* and am easily distracted by the stuff of life in the material, visible realm. Distractions constantly lull me away from “what is better.” I really imagine many of you can identify with me. We commonly prioritize visible accomplishments over inward attitudes of the heart. This can be seen in an obituary where titles, accomplishments, and interests of the deceased may be listed, but the person’s attitude toward life may not even be mentioned.
As I study this portion of Scripture I am especially intrigued with the phrase “Mary has chosen what is better.” She made a willful, purposeful choice to sit at the Lord’s feet, listening intently to His every word. She likely dealt with distractions since I can imagine Martha was clanging pots in the kitchen just a little extra loud to get Mary’s attention as she was surely muttering under her breath. But Mary chose to shut her mind to the world and open her heart to Jesus as He spent tender moments in her presence.
“What is better” is sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to what He has to say. It’s focusing on the spiritual, non-visible realm. It’s like another Mary, who following the birth of her son, Jesus, “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” It includes reading, studying, meditating and memorizing the Bible along with praise, worship and prayer. What we store up in our hearts spills out to those around us making an eternal difference. It goes beyond impressing people to inspiring persons to meet Jesus on a personal level. When we spend time with our Lord we experience the fulfillment and blessing that is at the very heart of living the abundant life.
But at least for me the “kitchen” constantly beckons and the distractions return.
“The Heart of Worship” is a song that reminds me of where my focus needs to be, although I realistically accept that distractions will continually beckon. I am so thankful for God’s patience and grace. He has time and time again called me back to the heart of worship and He constantly reminds me that this race on earth is really all about Him!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Jesus, You know the very intention of all that I say and do. As I invite You to examine my heart, I lay before You the people and pursuits that drive me further away from a heart of worship. You have not removed me bodily from this world, but You have raised me up spiritually to abide in Your presence even as I carry out my daily duties. As Your presence graciously overshadows me it is there that Your love and faithfulness sustains me and gives me a true heart of worship. Even as a vehicle needs fuel to properly function, I need prayer to uphold and equip me for the day that lies ahead. Amen.
* Certainly I am speaking of the “kitchen” in a representative sense for the things that distract and take us away from the good part. As I ponder this subject here are some cautions:
1) Certainly some may be less easily distracted than others and some more spiritually focused, but I have seen this become a dangerous source of pride.
2) I certainly don’t believe that Jesus is teaching that all kitchen work is wrong. We really need to consider a balance in Biblical teaching and other Scripture teaches the importance and value of work.
3) We need to graciously recognize we have different callings from God, and not esteem one above the other or feel that others must feel as passionately about our cause as we do. This leads to arguments, jealousy, and resentment rather than expanding the kingdom of God.
4) Some distractions are God-ordained ministry opportunities.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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Faithful Watchmen
2008-06-26 11:54:00
"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from Me" (Ezekiel 33:7).
We live within a ten mile radius of the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power plant where there was a rather infamous accident in March 1979. All throughout our area we have TMI warning sirens and they are periodically tested to ensure they work properly. Today there will be a test at 12:15. Of course they need to warn us concerning the siren test lest there be a massive panic all throughout our very populated area. Each year we get a very detailed instruction pamphlet that tells us what to do if there was a real emergency and the evacuation procedures to follow.
Warnings are for our good though we may not necessarily like them. We might even find them unnecessary or annoying. In fact yesterday when I told Ester, "Be careful" she responded with, "That really gets annoying, Dad." Now that she's 19 years old she's heard it thousands of times, but because of my love and concern for her it just comes out before I even realize it.
When we hear repeated spiritual warnings we can give attention or grow annoyed at the message directed to us. Today's text is a powerful portion of Holy Scripture about a watchman who is called to give warnings from God. We still very much need these types of obedient watchmen today who faithfully proclaim God's Word.
The watchman, Ezekiel, served our Lord during a time of great transition. God's people had been taken captive to Babylon but He hadn't forgotten them and still had a plan for their lives (corporately and individually). A fellow prophet, Jeremiah, had already pointed this out in a very familiar passage (Jeremiah 29:11). He served just prior to the Babylonian exile and Ezekiel spoke God's truth to the people in Babylon during the exile. His prophecies are sometimes quite figurative, and can be hard to understand, but he had a powerful message for all who will listen! It's for those who will read and listen to his message today as well.
In today's verse we find expressed the very heart of Ezekiel's mission from God. The word "watchman" is used both literally and figuratively in the Old Testament. Literally it has the sense of a lookout, often on the city wall. It means to "lean forward, to peer into the distance."
In the figurative sense it conveys one who has the bigger picture, a bigger perspective (particularly God's). God had called Ezekiel to be a watchman and a part of the watchman's message was to give warning.
There are many circumstances in which people do not like warnings. (An ancient Jewish tradition asserts that Ezekiel was slain by his own people, those he tried to warn.) The essence of the message of the false prophets Ezekiel confronted was their message of "peace, when there is no peace" (Ezekiel 13:10). According to the apostle Paul this will also be a message of end time error preceding the coming of our Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:3).
Today I call on each of you to live as "watchmen" in our day. Provide to those around you the perspective of God, which will certainly include a serious warning of God's impending judgment. But it will also include a message of hope for those who turn to God (chapters 37-48). Hear the voice of the Lord and be His "faithful watchman" whose message to the world is filled with both warning and hope!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, thank You for Your repeated warnings in Scripture that informs, instructs and protects us from the evil one. Help us not to ignore your warnings or procrastinate in our obedience to Your commands. Embolden our spiritual leaders to be fearless watchmen who speak out Your truths, even when they're not popular or politically expedient. May we be receptive to Your Word and obedient in our response. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
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A Lamp Unto My Feet
2008-06-25 14:58:00
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105).
Stephen and Brooksyne have reversed roles today. Brooksyne is the writer and Stephen is the editor in the following message:
Seven weeks ago today I began a very unfamiliar journey that brought about major changes in my life; from mobility to immobility, independence to dependence, from brokenness to healing. When I broke my ankle on May 7th it completely changed my ability to get up, stand up, and walk without the assistance of crutches or a wheelchair. It has brought about major changes in my life and that of my family as well.
This morning when the birds awakened me with their lovely songs at 5:30 am, I was thrilled to realize that I no longer have a cast molded to my left leg, ankle, and foot. It was so easy to lift my leg over the bed and refreshing to feel the natural air in place of a hardened cast. Yesterday I it removed and Dr. Lyons said he would trust me to proceed with caution so that I don't even have to wear a brace or air cast! I am still not allowed to bear any weight on the leg or foot for three more weeks, but I am on the way to independence once again. Yippeeee!!
In the course of my seven week journey I was fitted with four splints (plaster casts with a slight opening to allow for swelling) and then finally my fiberglass cast that I've worn for the past four weeks. Of all the casts my favorite one was the fiberglass cast featured in the photo today (yes, I did give permission for Stephen to feature this one for illustration purposes). It was much lighter than the previous four plaster casts which made it much easier to bear the cumbersome weight while using crutches. But the thing I liked most about it was that it was a "Glow in the Dark" cast!
The first night I got up in our dark bedroom and expected to turn on the light, but when I looked down at my cast I was pleasantly surprised to see that my casted leg actually glowed with light – it was luminescent. Stephen, Ester and I had a lot of fun looking at it in a darkened room. They said, "It looks like a bodiless cast walking in the dark." But more importantly it became a functional help to me as it slightly lit the path for me as I scooted along with my crutches in the darkened bedroom or hallway.
That got me to thinking. When darkness surrounds us the Lord Jesus is our light and He lights the path before us. The cast I wore for four weeks certainly was not bright enough to light the entire room, but its glow did cast enough light for me to take one step at a time carefully. In a psalm of praise after fleeing from King Saul's rage David wrote, "You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light" (2 Samuel 22:29).
David continued to flee the rampage of Saul's violent temper and unharnessed jealousy for quite some time. The overall darkness was not lifted, but he had escaped the most recent flare up of his enemy and he devoted time to giving thanks for His deliverance.
Much like David we rejoice when we experience victory after the assault of our enemy, the devil. He is vigilant in his pursuit of entrapping the believer. Charles Spurgeon wrote concerning this enemy: "The great tyrant has not forgotten you, and he designs your capture and re-enslavement."
Satan wants to surround our lives with darkness so that we will be immobilized or stumble over the objects he strategically places in our path, such as discouragement, strife or fear. But Jesus goes before us and illuminates our path, one step at a time, making us aware of what looms in the darkness. We're cautious as we follow in His steps knowing that getting ahead of Him will plunge us into darkened and dangerous territory. But even if we should get off course or fall behind we have the blessed assurance that "though we stumble, we will not fall, for the Lord upholds us with His hand" (Psalm 37:24).
"God never gives guidance for two steps at a time. I must take one step, and then I get light for the next. This keeps the heart in abiding dependence upon God" (C.H. Mackintosh). Keep holding onto His hand, dear brothers and sisters, and follow in His lightened path, one step at a time.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen and Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, there are many paths from which we can choose to walk. But I choose to walk the illumined path You have laid out for me, for it is the righteous path that leads to eternal life. It may take me through valleys that are overshadowed by doubt, discouragement, danger, or difficulty, but You uphold me with Your hand as You lead me one step at a time. Thank You for Your daily provision! Amen.
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Intelligent Disobedience
2008-06-24 14:54:00
"Peter and the other apostles replied: 'We must obey God rather than men!'” Acts 5:29.
Whenever we travel out of town we leave our dog, Roxie, with a family in our neighborhood. They have two dogs of their own and are usually training a third one to be a Seeing Eye dog. Roxie always enjoys it when we pull up in their driveway and drop her off prior to our trips. I think she feels it's sort of like visiting extended family; both human and canine. Yesterday when Roxie's caregiver stopped by on her bike, she and Brooksyne sat outside visiting under the shade tree until sunset. It was a beautiful evening.
In the course of their conversation our friend shared about a concept in the training of Seeing Eye dogs that is intended for the safety of the owner. Dogs are trained to obey the owner but are also trained to disobey if it’s for the owner's safety. For example the owner may step up to a curb and be prepared to cross a road. Hearing no vehicles the owner instructs the dog to proceed. However if the dog senses danger he or she is trained to step in front of the owner, and prohibit the dangerous crossing. This is known as "intelligent disobedience".
I found this concept very interesting and quickly began to consider a spiritual analogy. The Scripture teaches us that we are to submit to our governing rulers (Romans 13). This is essential for order in society. However this is not intended to be a mindless submission.
Peter and the other disciples demonstrated "intelligent disobedience" in our daily text. They were being instructed to violate a command of God and their critical decision was, "We must obey God rather than men!" I recently read of a pastor in Canada who is undergoing persecution for faithfully proclaiming the truths of God's Word which stands contrary to the secular political climate of that country, and many countries, for that matter.
We are also commanded to obey our spiritual leaders (Hebrews 13:17). As a pastor for 25 years I had the role of pastoral leadership while at the same time I accounted/submitted to a spiritual board (I still am accountable in my present ministry). I believe a church functions well when there is a submission to authority. So much church conflict rises up over relatively minor or petty issues. I consider the two major conflicts in the churches where I was the pastor and feel in retrospect the struggle was really over these minor issues, although at the time the matter seemed overwhelming and unending.
But there are also huge issues that confront the church body; at times there is a departure from "the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints" (Jude 3). I bring this point up with caution but I feel that "intelligent disobedience" also has a place in the spiritual realm.
Recently a friend shared with me concerning his church where the pastoral leadership had taken a decidedly unbiblical direction. A powerful, persuasive pastor can misuse his authority and tragically lead a church in the wrong direction. This pastor had feigned faithfulness to the Bible until he had a solid hold on the church and then began teaching false doctrine. It was a very difficult time for the dedicated lay leadership to hold steady as this popular pastor's unbiblical views were revealed. With the Lord's help the godly leadership was able to keep the church on a Biblical track, although it was not without a great deal of painful conflict.
Today I urge you to first and foremost seek to remain faithful to Christ and the Holy Scriptures. Submit to human authority, as this pleases God. But submit first and foremost to Your highest authority, and when there is a clash, always place divine authority over human authority.
May we, like Peter and the apostles, with great conviction declare, "We must obey God rather than men." May we know when to be "intelligently disobedient." And finally may God give us the sufficient grace to deal with the consequence of such an important decision.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, You have placed authority figures in our lives from birth to our final days on earth. Some bless us greatly while others challenge us fiercely. In areas where You have given us the privilege of being an authority figure may we be responsible role models, for we know it is not just the talk that people hear, but the walk that people see. As each of us are called to submit to our family, spiritual, employee, and governmental leaders may we do so with cheerfulness so that we are a blessing rather than a grievous burden. But when those to whom we submit conflict with our supreme authority we pray for conviction and courage to stand for righteousness in obedience to Your commands. We pray for this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, amen.
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The Golden Rule
2008-06-20 10:49:00
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7:12).
I once witnessed a contractor verbally berate a young man who worked for him as he was teaching him the trade. Later I talked to the young man briefly and he was near tears from the abusive treatment and his confidence was nearly zilch. I placed my arm around his shoulder and sought to encourage him. The particularly sad thing is that the contractor claimed to be a Christian.
I looked the young worker right in the eye and asked, "What is the golden rule?" He immediately answered, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." He got my point. It's a sad aspect of fallen human nature that so often we do unto others as has been done unto us. I have particularly heard of this phenomenon in regard to both child and spousal abuse.
A real mark of Christian character change is breaking this cycle. I have seen it. A child raised in an abusive home is transformed into a godly husband and father, treating his wife and children with love and kindness. An employee who spent years under a nasty supervisor ascends to a supervisory position and treats his employees with kindness and respect.
What about you today? Most of you, at least to some degree, have known or experienced some type of abuse or unfair treatment. Is that how you want to be treated? How are you treating others? May the transforming power of Christ impact each of our lives this day and may we conscientiously do unto others as we would have them do unto us!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we need the prompting of Your Holy Spirit to keep us in check regarding our conduct toward others. May we not dismiss our improper behavior by blaming it on our upbringing or make up other excuses. Instead we take responsibility for our behavior as we want to glorify you and be a blessing to others. Would You help us to love people as we want to be loved. Help us to give the benefit of the doubt as we want others to give us. Help us to be quick to forgive and slow to anger. May we treat others in the same way that we ourselves want to be treated. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
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What God Says Is Good
2008-06-19 11:48:00
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8).
What a joy to meditate on God's Word and receive a divine perspective early in the morning as we prepare for the day at hand. One of the great blessings we have is that God has shown us all through Scripture what He reckons as good and how He wants us to live.
Micah was a prophet who served our Lord during the time of the conquest of the Northern Kingdom by the Assyrians. Like prophets before him, and those who followed he told the people truths they did not want to hear. He courageously denounced the pagan religious practices of his own people. They worshipped other gods in direct violation of the first commandment.
However they did not necessarily quit believing in and worshipping the one true God; instead they divided their allegiance between Almighty God and the pagan gods. Their accepted form of worship was bringing their sacrifices and offerings to the temple. They had compartmentalized religion and failed to acknowledge the relationship between "religious practice" and the activity of daily life.
Micah, in our daily verse, powerfully reminds them (and us) that God's interest is not merely the act of worship in the Temple (or the church for us). For most this would include our attendance, our praise, our ministry, our offerings and so forth. These certainly have an important place in our worship practice but, God is also supremely concerned with the proper attitude of our hearts which brings about faithful obedience.
Each of the three specific calls to obedience in the daily text are abundantly taught and demonstrated elsewhere in Scripture. I have found that this is a powerful verse to commit to memory and I use it as a guide in my prayer life. In fact early in my Christian life I sang this song set to music, which was a great aid in memorizing this portion of Scripture. The Holy Spirit can bring that wonderful, yet at times very uncomfortable, sense of conviction through His Word.
Today, won't you examine your life in light of this timeless verse?
Are you acting justly?
Do you love mercy?
Are you walking humbly with your God?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, help us not to ignore or reject Your messengers who are faithful to the Holy Word. Though the warnings they convey through Scripture may bring about needed conviction help us to take the necessary steps to correct our doctrine, attitude, or lifestyle so that we please You in all we do. May we be people who act justly, overflow with mercy, and humbly choose to follow You. Amen.
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Retaining The Knowledge Of God
2008-06-18 12:04:00
“Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done” (Romans 1:28).
I took the above photo at our home Bible Study last week [To see photo, Click here for more daily encouragement.]. I stood up and took the photo while my fellow brothers and sisters were unaware and I am blessed by observing their attention to the Scriptures.
It’s a scene that still takes place regularly all over the world. It may be in a local church as the pastor stands behind the sacred pulpit and faithfully provides exposition of God’s Word while the people listen with attentive hearts and minds. It may be in a home or small group Bible study such as ours. It may be within the family devotions or it may be in your own individual Bible study that you give full attention to God’s Holy Word.
Next week we anticipate visiting with Bill and Lucy Mosebarger and their family in St. Marys, Pennsylvania. They were the last couple I married as the pastor in their church in December 1992. Early in their marriage they established a custom of family Bible reading and devotions. I recently asked Bill if they still maintained this spiritual discipline and was heartened when he replied, “Yes.” He and Lucy are making a diligent effort to see that their family receives and retains the knowledge of God.
Today’s text is a sobering verse from a powerful book. Of course the whole Bible is powerful but Romans provides a particular depth in understanding the human condition and scope of redemption. In seeking to understand and discern the current world situation and the immense falling away from godly standards I have been doing a lot of pondering from this verse. It explains a lot.
There are those who diligently seek and find it immensely worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God. They study the Scriptures and seek to live by them. They realize the supreme call to the simple Proverb that states “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Retaining the knowledge of God is a lifelong pursuit.
But many, really most, have chosen to walk the heavily trampled “broad path” and do not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God. The substitutes for the knowledge of God abound materially, philosophically, educationally, and in the spiritual realm as well. These substitutes are billed as “the real thing” and any other outlook is ridiculed or viewed as “behind the times.”
But there is a grave consequence in failing to retain the knowledge of God. “He gave them over to a depraved mind.” A depraved mind affects one’s ability to make right judgments, a mind so clouded by sin that it is no longer able to make reliable moral judgments. At this stage man has lost the desire and the ability to think clearly. He has lost his right mind and doesn’t even know it. The result is a world that has left God out of the picture entirely. It is a society with all restraints removed; a culture devoid of all sense of right and wrong, where every man chooses what is “right in his own eyes.”
A depraved mind leads to depraved actions, “to do what ought not to be done.” In so many areas we see a shrugging off of God’s laws and mankind doing what ought not to be done. Unless there is a massive return to God’s ways (revival) this will only worsen.
We call on the faithful remnant to earnestly seek the Lord. Let us be diligent in our retaining of the knowledge of God! May our godly knowledge be the filter through which all other information is approved or reproved.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we want to be a people whose hearts and minds are One with Yours. Through our diligent study and application of Your Living Word our thoughts and attitudes are formed. Keep us faithful to the Truth of Your knowledge. We stand in firm opposition to the world’s substitutes; the acceptance and celebration of what You describe as sin. The world may dress it up, even make it appealing, and cover up the disastrous results it brings on the individual, his or her family and society at large. The world is not our authority, but Your Word is! Help us to read, retain and regard Your knowledge as our pattern for life. Amen.
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The Blessing of Trusting God
2008-06-17 09:49:00
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him” (Jeremiah 17:7).
Several years ago we went to a family reunion in Colorado and while we were out that way we visited several notable tourist sites throughout the state. We drove to the Royal Gorge where the world’s highest suspension bridge crosses over. I parked the van on the west side of the canyon although we were heading east. We slowly approached the bridge on foot and, with a knot in my stomach, proceeded to walk across. My fear is not really heights but being near or looking out over any edge. Well, as you already know, I made it across safely and we visited the various attractions on the east side.
We rode the world’s steepest incline railway down into the canyon and back up, and crossed the gorge in the world’s longest aerial tram suspended by what appeared to be a thin wire. My confidence was rising! By the time I walked back across the bridge toward the van I could finally look over the edge. But I still had my biggest challenge; driving the van across the bridge. I could either do that or backtrack about fifty miles.
I put my trust in a lot of brilliant engineering, quality materials, competent construction, diligent maintenance, conscientious inspections, and ultimately in God. My confidence grew as I saw many others going on before me safely. I carefully drove across and was so grateful to be back on solid ground on the other side!
Our daily text was written by Jeremiah in the historical context of the Southern Kingdom’s final years. God’s judgment was imminent and Jeremiah was one of the faithful prophets proclaiming this unpopular truth. But the terrible message of judgment also had within it a tremendous message of hope: “But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.”
When we look around and consider all the things that are blessings in our lives we may fail to think of our trust in the Lord as a blessing. People outside the faith would consider their possessions, health, and perhaps other people as blessings in their lives. Those of us who believe and follow Jesus Christ would certainly consider these to be blessings, but we would put the tremendous dimension of our salvation in Christ at the top of the list in addition to every blessing associated with that. Of course that would make the list infinitely long! In fact God has “blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). We will continue to calculate our blessings in this life and all throughout eternity!
What a tremendous blessing it is to place our trust in the Living God. The line from an old hymn declares, “Those who trust Him whol-ly find Him whol-ly true.” Even as my trust in the reliability of the bridge was not an unproven trust, how much more so is the trust I have placed in my Lord and His Word. His claims can be tested and have been by millions throughout the ages. Indeed, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, the great blessing in trusting You is the confidence we walk in as we look to You for everything that we have need of. Jeremiah draws the contrast of those who depend on humans for strength and have stopped trusting in You. They don’t even know about the good things that You can give. They are like a bush in a desert that grows in a land where no one lives, due to the heat and bad soil. But we who have placed our trust in You have found You to be faithful. Instead of cringing fear we walk in confident faith because it is not in ourselves that we trust but in the Living God who is trustworthy in all areas of our life. Now, give us grace to trust You even more, in the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
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A Father's Love
2008-06-13 11:31:00
"Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with Him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying" (Luke 8:41,42a).
This weekend we recognize and honor fathers here in America on a day we call "Father's Day". What a blessing it is to have experienced a father's love. My dad's been gone almost ten years now but recollections of his love abound in my memory bank.
Many reading this have an assurance of their earthly father's love, but I am very aware that not everyone does. But we can all have a deep assurance of our Heavenly Father's love!
Harriet Beecher Stowe, famous for her novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin", was the daughter of a famous pastor, Lyman Beecher, in the 1800's. She dedicated her life wholly to Christ at the tender age of 14, after listening to her father preach one Sunday morning. "As soon as my father came home and was seated in his study," she recalled, "I went up to him and fell in his arms, saying, "Father, I have given myself to Jesus, and He has taken me."...I never shall forget the expression on his face as he looked down into my earnest childish eyes…"Is that so?" he said, holding me silent to his heart as I felt his hot tears fall on my head.
Godly fathers care deeply for their child's physical health but most especially for their spiritual health. The Sunday afternoon that Harriet wrapped her arms around her father and told of her surrender to Christ, his response as her loving, concerned dad surpassed even that of his role as her pastor. There is no doubt that Mr. Beecher had prayed for this day to be a reality in the life of his precious daughter.
Jairus is one of my favorite dads mentioned in the Bible. He's not well known and is only referenced in Mark and Luke with this story. Although he had a leadership role in the synagogue his role as a loving dad took prominence in the brief story written about him. I don't know how many children he had, but he had just one daughter, a twelve year old, and she was dying. He powerfully demonstrates a father's love.
Help was desperately needed and Jairus, likely overcoming religious pride and prejudice due to his position, went to the right Person. The story has several elements essential to fathering, but let's consider just one: Jairus was desperate to get help for his daughter. He came to the Master and "fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with Him to come to his house."
Our world is sick and dying; sin and wickedness abounds. Our children are at the edge of a slippery precipice. They're flooded with appeals to "Jump!"
The same desperation observed in Jairus pleading with Jesus, on behalf of his daughter, needs to be demonstrated by caring fathers today. His daughter was dying physically and Jairus needed Christ to intercede. Today our children face a spiritual onslaught from the one whom Jesus said, "comes only to steal and kill and destroy."We desperately need Christ to intercede for the hearts of our children.
Dads, today, let's follow the example of Jairus. Let us love our children deeply. Critical problems demand a serious response. Let's boldly stand up, persevere, and fight the spiritual battle for the lives of our children and grandchildren!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Brooksyne's prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much that You willingly gave Your one and only Son to die for me. The price Jesus paid for my sin was the greatest demonstration of love possible. Help me as a parent to be motivated by Christ's unwavering devotion toward me as I love my children unconditionally and completely. When I'm discouraged and feel like giving up help me to trust You even more, not dwelling on the undesirable behavior of my child, but rather looking to You the Miracle Worker! Just when I think there is no hope, You do the impossible. Keep me earnest in prayer and faithful in hope for my children. In the powerful name of Jesus, amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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I Will Be With You
2008-06-12 13:01:00
"Sojourn in this land and I will be with you and bless you" (Genesis 26:3).
Our daughter, Ester, has an opportunity to attend Malaga Camp in Newfield, New Jersey next week. We've been talking it up for weeks, but she is reluctant about leaving home to stay in an unfamiliar setting. Though she's 19, due to her unstable medical history in addition to her special needs, most camp settings were not suitable for her during her young years.
When we learned about HandiCamp, along with its spiritual emphasis in a setting conducive to Ester's level of learning, we were excited to get her signed up. Shortly afterward two young ladies who work with the camp paid a visit to Ester in our home. They brought photo albums with pictures of previous campers and talked to her about the many activities offered at HandiCamp. Brooksyne and I were so pleased that representatives of this Christian camping ministry would pay a personal visit to reassure new campers that they'll enjoy this new experience away from their familiar settings. It was their way of saying, "God will be with you in this new adventure."
It's reassuring to hear others say to us in the midst of a challenge or in the midst of any new experience, "God will be with you." And it is even more reassuring to hear the voice of the Lord speak to our hearts with His comforting promise, "I will be with You."
Isaac was the very first person recorded in the Bible that heard these words from God, "I will be with you." They came at a critical time when Isaac was contemplating a visit to Egypt where there was food available. There was a severe famine in Canaan and the Lord appeared to Isaac and directed him, "Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you." He also reminded Isaac of His earlier promise to Abraham that He would make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky.
Throughout life we find great assurance in the promise of God's steadfast, abiding presence and this is especially appreciated during life's inevitable transitions. Some of you undoubtedly are going through such a transition today. It may be a graduation, a career move or new residency, an illness or even the death of a loved one. For some it's a new baby, for others it's the "empty nest. And yet others are feeling that God wants you to stay put right where you are and trust Him to help you endure the struggles you presently face.
Throughout the Old Testament God also gave these words of assurance to Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Gideon and Solomon. However one Old Testament reference that I especially find reassuring is not a promise to an individual, but to all of God's people (Isaiah 43:2). "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you."
Jesus promised His disciples before His physical ascension to heaven: "I am with you always even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). The writer of Hebrews has a promise that I memorized early as a believer. He quotes a compilation of several Old Testament verses as He encourages the early believers who were enduring much affliction. "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5,6).
Whatever challenge you face today, remember that He goes before you and prepares the way. Be confident as you stand on His promise: "I will be with you."
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we're so thankful that we don't have to step out on our own and rely on our connections, wisdom, giftings, or experience. Whatever challenge we face can be met by remembering Your promise, "I will be with you." Just as David, youthful and wearing no protective armor, confidently faced the giant with a sling You reassured him, "I will be with you." Whatever enemy we face, if we are suited in Your spiritual armor, we can be confident of Your promise to us as well: "I will be with You." What blessing and comfort these words bring to our hearts this day. Amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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An Anxious Heart
2008-06-11 10:48:00
“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up” (Proverbs 12:25).
Have you personally experienced the first part of today’s verse? That is; an “anxious heart” which “weighs a man down.” Of course I know what your answer is to that question. Someone once defined worry as “a small trickle of fear that meanders through the mind, cutting a channel into which all other thoughts flow.”
The perspective of trust is at the very heart of being a child of God. It’s great to be a child of God today! My sins are forgiven and the God of the universe beckons me to call Him “Father.” I have an assurance that He cares for me and His promise is that He will never leave me nor forsake me. Wow, if I just keep that bright perspective the troubling “things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
But I still find myself identifying with the first phrase in the daily verse. An inner battle rages between trust and worry. Trust dispels worry, but much like the popup figures in an arcade shooting gallery, worry tends to keep popping back up!
The anxieties of this life really do weigh one down. Sometimes it seems they really press on the heart and one can literally feel the weight (the KJV says it “maketh it stoop”). I’m sure most of you know what I mean. And I wouldn’t be surprised if some of you reading this message are experiencing a heavy anxious heart even now.
Thank God for the power of a kind word! I have so often been the recipient of such words. An earnest “I’m praying for you”, a caring “How’s your health?”, or a sincere “I really appreciate you.” Words like these really cheer the heart up and in each of the above examples I can recall a specific instance that I continue to draw energy from. The word for “cheer” is literally derived from a Hebrew word meaning to “brighten up.”
I hope you receive some kind words today and dispense some kind words yourself, as you fulfill the Biblical principle of sowing what you desire to reap.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, the cares of this world often press in on us and weigh our hearts down. It’s not your desire that we carry a heavy load because You are the Burden Bearer. You use the difficult circumstances of our lives to bring glory to Yourself as You bring spiritual maturity into our relationship with You. Our faith is strengthened and our understanding deepened as You take the evil that Satan hurls at us and turn it into glorious occasion for Your power to be released and deliverance to take place. You are the same God who led us into battle that will also lead us to victory in Jesus name, amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
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Wearying God
2008-06-10 14:38:00
"You have wearied the LORD with your words" (Malachi 2:17a).
In the wedding we attended on Sunday afternoon we saw the groom's baby nephew, Malachi, for the first time. Brooksyne and I discussed that we couldn't recall hearing this ancient prophet's name being used for a modern name in our lifetime. Some Bible names are common like Stephen, John, James and for girls Mary, Elizabeth and Rachel. In our area the Amish and old order Mennonites tend to use names not as frequently used such as Isaiah whom I met last week.
Malachi means "chosen one, God's helper" and he served God about 100 years after the end of the Babylonian exile (about 440 years before Christ came). The temple had been rebuilt and the walls of the city were now secure after the cooperative team effort during Nehemiah's leadership. The people had experienced two separate moves of God's Spirit several years earlier in both Ezra's and Nehemiah's lifetime. These times of revival were marked by repentance, reforms, and a renewed attentiveness to God's Word. My, don't we need that kind of revival today!
But now the people had lapsed back into indifference and needed the stirring voice of a prophet of God. I am sure thankful for such voices today that remind me of what really matters!
I recall my pastor speaking from Ephesians on our glorious inheritance in Christ and in the middle of his sermon he spontaneously led the congregation in singing an old chorus, "Heaven Is a Wonderful Place." Such moments of the Spirit's moving refreshes us by dissolving indifference as it chips away at the hardness that creeps into our lives over time. Our prayer should always be: "Lord, keep reminding me of what really matters for eternity!!!"
Malachi uses a very interesting writing style that consists of an indictment from God against the people, "You have wearied the LORD with your words." This was followed by a question from the people, "How have we wearied Him?" God's response is so interesting, "By saying, 'All who do evil are good in the eyes of the LORD, and He is pleased with them'."
The people wearied God with these words. These very words (and certainly the sentiment of these words) are so common today in the moral confusion that abounds. Isaiah 5:20 states, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter."
Now let's be clear; God never tires of listening to sincere prayers from a seeking heart. He delights in our words of praise and never wearies in taking care of His children. But teachings like, "All who do evil are good in the eyes of the LORD, and He is pleased with them" most certainly wearies Him.
I don't want to weary God with my words. Today let us earnestly be conscientious of this charge from our Lord God who has said, "I the LORD do not change" (Malachi 3:6).
In what ways do our words "weary" God?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we pray for a sincere heart that is sensitive to Biblical truths as they apply to our lives. We struggle with forgetfulness and indifference – twin enemies of a living vibrant relationship with You Father, we invite You to arrange the circumstances of our lives that will keep us patiently looking to You and asking for Your divine guidance. We earnestly seek You for spiritual revival. Revival for messengers who feed our indifference in favor of modern accepted philosophies of this world rather than the life-changing truths of the Gospel. Revival for those who sit in the church pews week after week who hear the life-changing truths of Your Word but leave unyielded to the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Revive both the messenger and listener so that our lives are a demonstration of the reality of a vibrant walk with Your Son, Jesus, our living Savior and Lord. Amen.
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The Ultimate Demonstration Of Supreme Love
2008-06-09 11:37:00
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
The other day I was in a Costco Warehouse Club in Lancaster when a man, looking a bit confused, approached me carrying two large bunches of roses. (I had forgotten to remove my chaplaincy badge and he apparently thought I worked for the store.) He told me he wanted 49 roses. I told him I didn’t work for the store but would try to help him so I counted out the roses in the arrangement and came up with only 24 in each. Apparently he was hopeful that at least one bunch would have 25 roses making a total of 49 roses.
Then he shared the reason for his persistence: the next day was his 49th wedding anniversary. He wanted to demonstrate his love for his wife by giving her a rose for every year of their marriage! By then Brooksyne had joined us and together we tried to persuade the man that his wife would most likely understand his loving intentions even if he was one rose shy of the actual count. He was still undecided when we parted company.
Jesus used both illustrations and demonstrations in His teaching ministry, but the supreme demonstration of His love involved His very own death on the cross. The daily verse should cause us to stand in awe of what God has done. In all the events of life that concern us today from our unique personal problems to the international, let us see with spiritual eyes the supreme demonstration of God’s own love for us.
Yesterday I spoke at Faith Community in the Lehigh Valley (which is about 100 miles northeast of where we live.) I spoke on the supreme demonstration of God’s love and we had Communion Service as we remembered the death of Jesus Christ.
I preached from Romans 5:8 and used an old kitchen tool we purchased shortly after we got married called a “Victoria Strainer”, in which I crushed the fresh grapes right before the congregation teaching on Christ’s death as I did so. Of course, the demonstration was a visual reminder that, like the fruit of the vine, Jesus was crushed for our iniquities. We then partook of the freshly squeezed grape juice for the communion service.
The underlying Greek word that is translated “demonstrate” in Romans 5:8 is “sunistasin” which is in the present indicative active. This connotes a sense that God’s demonstration of love is ever a present event, although Christ’s literal death on the cross was a “once for all” atoning sacrifice, “Christ died for us.” The demonstration of His love is present, but the sacrificial death of Christ is final and complete!
The atoning death of Christ on the cross is the supreme demonstration of God’s love resulting in:
•Our redemption from sin
•Our reconciliation to God
•Our restoration to wholeness
Today let us rejoice in the ultimate demonstration of His supreme love.
Be encouraged today!
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, how marvelous is Your love. So many things in life are unobtainable, just beyond our grasp, but You make Your love available to everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. Your love and tender care mends the broken heart; it cleanses the sin-filled heart, and it encompasses the empty heart. How utterly amazing that Christ would pour out His sinless, extravagant love on the vilest of sinners who truly believe. Your demonstration of love is witnessed foremost in Your death on the cross which redeems us from sin, reconciles us to the Father, and restores us to wholeness through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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A Roaring Liar
2008-06-06 08:48:00
"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith" (1 Peter 5:8,9a).
About 30 years ago the creative songwriter Keith Green, who spurred on Brooksyne's and my Christian growth, penned the thought provoking words to a song as though they were written by the devil himself. The song, "No One Believes in Me Anymore" has a line that goes like this: "I put some truth in every lie, to tickle itching ears." These words ring scripturally true and are so easily observed in our age. Merely consider the many lies we are exposed to and the efforts to tickle itching ears. In contrast to this I hear the ancient word of our Lord in a prayer to His Father, "Thy Word is truth" (John 17:17).
Our daily texts may seem a bit unusual to bring a brief word of encouragement. However the Bible forthrightly acknowledges the existence of our adversary, the devil. The Bible also provides the spiritual strength and needed tools to overcome the scheming plots of our enemy. Martin Luther exposed the devil's job description as our ancient foe who seeks to work us woe.
In the first daily text this "ancient foe" is presented as a liar. Jesus is speaking to those who opposed Him, specifically the Pharisees. His words were very strong and greatly offended the proud Pharisees. In fact the chapter ends with an attempt to stone Jesus. This encounter is a stark demonstration of the Spirit of Truth and Light opposing the spirit of falsehood and darkness.
In the second text this ancient foe is presented as a lion. Lions are mentioned frequently in the Bible and lived in Palestine, although they have since disappeared. The last one was killed near Megiddo in the thirteenth century according to my Bible dictionary. In the Bible the image of a lion is used both positively and negatively.
Positively we read of Christ who is presented as the Lion of Judah seated at the right hand of the Father on the throne!
Negatively we picture the lions devouring David's flock of sheep and the fearsome den where Daniel spent the night (I believe a peaceful one). And of course we picture the devouring lion in our second daily text.
Peter forthrightly identifies him as our enemy. He stands opposed to the "abundant life" Almighty God wants to give us. He has been honing his deceitful craft ever since his first successful scheme in the Garden of Eden.
The phrase, "prowls around like a roaring lion", describes the devil's method. It's interesting that Peter would call our attention to this detail. If you've ever been to a zoo you can picture this prowling action. It seems the lion walks about in a sly, quiet, haughty and deliberate manner before pouncing on the intended target.
He's "looking for someone to devour." This was written some 2,000 years ago. It was 500 years ago that Luther wrote "But still our ancient foe, doth seek to work us woe." And it's the truth for our own generation as well!
Let's remember this sobering truth, not with an attitude of terror, but of caution and preparedness. This text and others give us the tools to overcome our enemy: self-control, alertness, resistance, and standing firm in the faith. Join us in standing against this roaring liar today and be resolute in staying faithful to the Lion of Judah.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, as we live in the Light of Your Word the devil's venomous plots are exposed. We are not caught by surprise but rather we are filled with Your Spirit which prepares us to be on the offense rather than the defense. We walk in truth and confidence as we stand strong on the day of evil. As we wear the full armor You have provided, for our protection, we can fight against the devil's evil tricks. Our fight is not against flesh and blood but against the powers of this world's darkness and the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world. So we pray in the spirit continuously asking for Your discernment strength, and guidance. We also pray for our brothers and sisters that together we will stand firm against the enemy of our souls. Amen.
See Ephesians 6
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Lessons From A Barley Harvest
2008-06-05 13:20:00
"So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning" (Ruth 1:22).
Yesterday I shared concerning our friends, Jesse and Anna Ruth, and their new baby they named Naomi Grace. It is common to hear the Amish call their children by both their first and middle names so the combination of the names Naomi and Grace is lovely to the ears, but the names are also packed with great Biblical meaning. Naomi, from the Hebrew language means "beautiful, pleasant, delightful." Grace, from the Latin, means "favor, blessing." This beautiful name prompted a message about the new baby's namesake, the Naomi of Scripture.
Those who regularly read this series know that I enjoy using illustrations from the farming area in which I live. I have learned that there is a predictability regarding the times of each harvest from year to year with the next major harvest in our area being barley. I noticed yesterday that the barley is turning a beautiful yellow indicating harvest is near. In the next several weeks we will see the combines working the fields all throughout our region. It's a beautiful sight to see and hear the machine slowly working back and forth across the fields.
I want to learn today from the occasion of another barley harvest which took place about 3,200 years ago. I spoke to my farming friend Darrel this morning and shared what I intended to write. We briefly discussed the vast difference in harvesting methods from that age to our own.
It's interesting to note how many times the Bible reminds us to consider our roots. History was very important in the life of the Jewish people. Great New Testament sermons like Peter's (Acts 2) and Stephen's (Acts 7) are rooted in history; the record of God's providential work in space and time.
The simple, easily overlooked, detail in the daily text places the lives of two ordinary women, Naomi and Ruth, beset by heartache squarely in history, in the context of a specific place "Bethlehem" and a specific time "when the barley was harvested". Naomi's husband had died along with her two sons in Moab, a distant land devoted to other gods. Her heart was broken as she returned to Bethlehem with Ruth her daughter-in-law who had decided to join her. When they arrived and she was recognized by the women of Bethlehem she plainly told them, "Call me Mara" (which means "bitter"). Thankfully the name didn't stick and in a wonderful way God worked things out for both Naomi and Ruth.
Some of you have lingering heartache which has resulted in bitterness today. We all have experiences where it seems life has just not been fair, some far more than others. Our experience is not at all unique to our lifetime and surely, all through the ages, people have dealt with this. Brooksyne received a meaningful Get Well card from one of our faithful Australian readers who wrote the following thought she had read in "Our Daily Bread" devotional, "One of God's purposes in pain is to brand the image of Jesus in our hearts."
Let us learn from history and rejoice as we see how the unchangeable God worked His plan out in these two ordinary women. A wonderful New Testament verse that many of us have memorized expresses this truth: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). Rest in deep assurance today that this is absolutely true!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, You have great purpose for our lives and for the legacy we leave for those who follow. In our journey there are bitter waters from which we drink and there are sweet fragrances that fill our nostrils. Through it all You work to bring the good out of bad circumstances, all the while reminding us of our calling to live according to Your purpose. May we be trusting in the hard times and faithful all the time. Amen.
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The Ability To Teach Others
2008-06-04 11:53:00
“And He has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others” (Exodus 35:34).
Mr. Simmons was my wood shop teacher at Truman High School in Independence, Missouri. I enjoyed wood shop and still have a bookcase that I made from his class. I can still see Mr. Simmons moving from machine to machine as he taught the students how to properly operate them adding a special emphasis on safety. He had an ability to teach others. I also remember Mr. Simmons because he was a Christian and allowed a group of students to use his room to gather for prayer before school started.
All through my life I have been blessed by those who are knowledgeable and have a wide variety of skills with the ability to teach others. However the noun “teacher” in my view does not necessarily convey having the ability to teach. I have had many untrained teachers who have taught me very well and frankly I have had several certified “teachers” who did not!
Today’s verse is set during the construction of the tabernacle under Moses’ leadership. God had gifted many skilled workers who participated in this project. However our verse describes a special gift held by two of them. A bit of explanation of pronouns is needed here due to the limited context I have used. “He” refers to our God, the One who ultimately gives this ability. The reference to “him” is a fellow by the name of Bezalel, who was the principal designer and general contractor in the project. These men were imparted with a wonderful and much needed gift: “the ability to teach others.”
Now the specific skills they had to teach were technical and likely they managed as well, but what a fine job they did. At the conclusion of the project we find this word of acclamation: “The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them” (Exodus 39:42, 43). I especially note the phrase “just as” indicating full obedience. Consider the role that the obedience of Bezalel and Oholiab had in this outcome. Their teaching was a vital link in the chain of the project’s success and also in transmitting information that can be duplicated or honed in a different setting for a different project.
For many of you I ask that you consider your calling to teach. I know that a good number of you who receive this devotional teach God’s Word in some capacity. For many it is the students in your Sunday school class. It may be to a group of prisoners, like Rick Masciantonio, who has done this weekly for nearly fifteen years. I think of Darrel Martin, a dedicated young man, who carefully prepares lesson materials each Sunday morning for the young teens of our church. I consider a dear couple who for many years has conducted services in several nursing homes in North Carolina. For still others it’s that small, faithful remnant you have Bible study with at work. And for so many others you have opportunity to influence people for Jesus as you diligently apply your gift for teaching in a secular setting!
Paul urged 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). You and I are included in this verse. We are many generations removed from the original statement, but we are indebted to the countless spiritual Bezalels and Oholiabs who have faithfully taught us and those before us, using the ability and “heart to teach” given by God.
Keep passing God’s truth on today, my brothers and sisters, in whatever capacity God has called you. One day we will also hear a word of acclamation from our Lord Himself as He speaks forth these familiar words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, help us to be teachable even as we teach others; whether it is Your holy truths, life’s skills, or a particular occupation. Grant patience, clarity, and purpose in the way we conduct ourselves and in the way we are perceived by those we instruct. May the spirit in which we teach honor You and contribute to a wholesome learning environment. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
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I Know the King!
2008-06-03 12:15:00
"You are my King and my God" (Psalm 44:4).
Gene and Doris Wenger are a couple whose faces and names are very familiar throughout Lancaster County though they're most often found working behind the scenes in a hot kitchen. They're especially known in these parts for getting behind good causes – often giving of their labor and supplies to help support the charitable cause.
For many years they've run a meat shop in a nearby town that is most famous for its ham loaf. It's a Lancaster County delicacy that was introduced to us shortly after moving to this area seven years ago. The shape and texture of hamloaf is much like meat loaf but it's made up of ground up ham and Gene's secret seasonings. In our parts it's simply referred to or labeled as "Gene Wenger's famous ham loaf."
About twenty five years ago Gene was designated the "Pennsylvania Pork King" and that designation figures prominently on his packaging, such as the seal shown above on the brand new packaging for his ham loaf patties. When I see him I like to tease him good naturedly and say, "I'm glad that I know a king."
Well, that's a great declaration not many can make – "I know a King." Many refer to Elvis Presley as "the king" and there are a few who actually know one of the earthly monarchs. But all of us may personally know the King of kings! We may, like the Psalmist, declare to Him in song and through prayer: "You are my King." Our King is altogether unlike the earthly kings. We, like the early church, declare: "There is another king, One called Jesus" (Acts 17:7).
Our King reigns eternally over the entire universe. As the great hymn states: "Let every kindred, every tribe on this terrestrial ball, to Him all majesty ascribe and crown Him Lord of all."
Our King is omnipotent (all-powerful). What a contrast to any earthly potentate. All other power is limited. A proud King Herod in Acts 12 failed to renounce the praise directed toward him following his public address to the people. They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man." He was immediately struck down, eaten by worms and died!
Our King desires to have a personal relationship with each of His subjects. Not all of you reading this will be able to personally know our friend Gene Wenger, although many in the western Lancaster County area already do. And most all of us would not be allowed to approach or address an earthly king, but our King extends His invitation to all of His creation through the Holy Scriptures, "Come unto me."
Today let us rejoice that the Lord our God is King!
Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your Lord and King adore!
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing, and triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
His kingdom cannot fail, He rules o'er earth and heav'n;
The keys of death and hell are to our Jesus giv'n.
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! *
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Being the child of an earthly king brings earthly privilege and human pride while being a child of the Heavenly King gives me a life of spiritual privilege and fills me with great humility. Thank You, Jesus, that through Your great redemptive love, I am considered a child of the King of kings. Though now I live as an exile from heaven, at the Father's appointed hour, I will enjoy all the privileges afforded a child of the Heavenly King. But until that great transition takes place I thank You that I can approach Your welcoming throne of grace with confidence and find grace needed for every request I bring while traveling here on earth. I'm so glad You are my God and my King!
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In Whom We Trust
2008-06-02 11:56:00
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7).
Years ago it was common to hear Scripture put to a musical tune, making it very natural to memorize Scripture without a great deal of effort. That’s how Brooksyne and I learned the Scripture text today and I would guess that many of you sang this Jewish tune as well in years past. We especially recall Freda, a very enthusiastic lady who just loved this song. The last time we saw her she still had great joy and zeal for the Lord, now in her 70’s. Praise the Lord for joyful and faithful saints! (Romans 12:11)
The daily verse is a great reminder of where the source of our trust should be. We do not put our trust in horses and chariots today. At first glance the Scripture phrase may make no sense to us at all in our present culture. The featured photo of the mare and her colt was taken on an Amish farm in Bird-in-Hand [Click on link below for more daily encouragement to see photo]. Although horses are certainly a more practical and utilitarian part of Amish life than for the average household, even the Amish do not put their complete trust in horses. Several years ago we had an Amish friend whose horse died and I recall his expression of trust in God even at the time of such financial, functional, and personal loss.
The daily verse is speaking militarily. Chariots and horses were a major component of military strength at that time. Of course today’s military vehicles used throughout the world far surpass the finest of chariots and horses of David’s day. Much strategic planning goes into training soldiers to utilize and rely on their vehicles for defense and combat against the enemy. Their security is reliant on their vehicle much like the Bible warriors depended on their chariots and horses.
Here in the US we have been in the midst of a long drawn out heated political campaign for our next president even though the election is not until November. So many place their trust in political leaders who clamor for votes spouting promises they can never fulfill. Candidates can even have a messiah-like following but hope does not come from politicians. Militarily many trust in the latest weaponry to assure us of safety and security, but really, nothing man does can protect us from evil men intent on bringing terror. Economically many trust in the latest report from Wall Street or the Commerce Department, but real financial security is a pipe dream. Medically it may be the latest wonder drug or medical procedure, but we know there are many situations beyond the wisdom or control of even the very best medical facility.
Our ultimate trust should always be in the Lord our God. He alone is “Mighty To Save.” Yet failure to trust God is so often at the very heart of our problems. We place our trust in Jesus to be saved from our sins yet we must live daily in a trustful attitude to experience the abundant, fulfilling life He has for us.
Paul prayed for the Romans, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
Are you living in trust today? Some of you have a problem that’s robbing you of the peace and joy that Christ provides. The words of a great old hymn tell us how to experience God’s perfect peace: “They who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true. Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest. Finding as He promised, perfect peace and rest.” Turn your doubts and fears into absolute trust so that you may experience His abundance today!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Jesus, the day to day circumstances in our lives are so uncertain. The solutions to our problems can be very perplexing and seem beyond our grasp. You don’t expect us to have all the right answers or to fully understand all that concerns us, but You do want us to trust You, as we hold on to Your unchanging hand. Jesus, we have trusted You over and over throughout the circumstances of our lives, and today we pray for grace to trust You even more. Amen.
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