"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). "Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you" (John 12:35).

Today hundreds of millions of believers all around the globe seek to live for God. Yesterday a sister in Kenya wrote to us her confession of faith based on a recent message: "I will never turn back.’Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.'" This morning an international reader from Singapore declares, "In this global financial chaos, in a world full of speculation, only God's Word is certain."

We tend to think of church as either a building where religious services are held or more properly the group of people who meet together to worship God. While I strongly believe in the institutional aspect of the church and the importance of meeting together regularly, the church is so much more than just this depiction.

The church is the community of the redeemed who recognize their heavenly citizenship. The church is active today all over our world as the redeemed let the light of Christ shine through their lives. The light shines all the brighter outside the walls of a church building due to the intense darkness of the world.

But I share a word of caution from Jesus: "Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you" (John 12:35). It seems darkness is overtaking many. Even among those who confess Jesus Christ as their Savior moral confusion abounds. Indeed we live in a world where wrong seems right and priorities can be easily misaligned. In this great cosmic battle between light and darkness we need to walk steadfastly in the light of Christ and in the knowledge of His Word.

I want to consider the power of the Word planted deep in the hearts of Christ's followers. It is planted in a variety of ways but I believe a key component is exposure. Sure there are times of concerted memorization, intense study, and accelerated spiritual growth. But I believe God's Word can also minister to us when we allow ourselves to be regularly and systematically exposed to it. I have listened to thousands of sermons and spent thousands of hours reading the Bible. Frankly, I specifically recall only a relatively few of those sermons. Though I've memorized a good number of Scriptures I can also read the Word and later seem to forget much of what I read. Ouch!  Is it thus a waste of time? Of course not!

The point today: Keep your eyes, ears and hearts exposed to God's Word. Exposure to godly music is another great means of exposure to godly instruction. You never know how He may speak to you and rekindle the Light that this world so desperately needs to see through you.

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Lord Jesus, as I commit myself to You this day, I ask that You make me a glowing ember of Your truth, Your wisdom, and Your compassionate mercy. I want my light to shine for You so that all glory will be directed back to You, my source of light. If I find myself in the midst of a circle of employees engaged in ungodly conversation help me not to blend in. But rather help me to be the light of Your glory in my conversation, full of grace seasoned with salt, so that I will know how to respond to each person. I ask that You would reveal to me any false motivation for carrying out good deeds. Remind me that it is for Your glory that I do these things. It is neither for the praise of others nor for personal advancement, but the advancement of the Gospel. Lord, help me to reach just one today with an unexpected act of kindness that will direct the recipient's thoughts toward my Father in heaven. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Chaplain Stephen and Brooksyne Weber serve with Transport for Christ. Click here to contact the Webers.

"Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him" (Daniel 2:20-22).

The daily Scripture portion is a powerful proclamation of the providence of God. Here's a historic definition of this theological term: "God's works of providence are His most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing of all His creatures and all their actions."

King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and God revealed to Daniel both the dream and the meaning, a panoramic sweep through hundreds of years into the future and the rise and fall of various kingdoms. We look back now and see how this has marvelously been fulfilled.

"Praise be to the name of God forever and ever." Before Daniel revealed the dream to the king he offers praise to God. He "blessed the God of heaven" (v. 19).

"Wisdom and power are His." This timeless truth is so instructive and encouraging in light of the many issues of uncertainty we face; those things which cause us anxiety and fear. Some we commonly deal with such as world turmoil and especially at this time here in America with the forthcoming election as to where the nation is headed. Others are personal and unique to us. It may be a health need, a job situation, a family matter or many other issues that trouble your spirit.

"He changes times and seasons." Once again as we are in the midst of a very predictable seasonal change we see the hand of God in the changing of the seasons as He ordained at creation. Following the great flood God made a covenant with Noah and seasonal changes have been an evidence of God's faithfulness ever since. As I was preparing this message, Tom, a friend from northern PA, sent a photo of the first snow in that area. We have had some very cold weather here in Lancaster County the last several days but no snow yet!

"He sets up kings and deposes them." History sure validates this. Some 2,600 years have passed since Daniel made this statement and history abundantly demonstrates that many kings and kingdoms have come and gone. We live out our lives in a tiny window in the scope of God's providential dealings. Our perspective is narrowly skewed if we don't constantly observe the bigger landscape of God's dealings with humankind.

"He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things." We must look to God as we direct our focus toward Him. A great need for the earnest follower of Christ in this information overload age is godly discernment. It seems that we are awash in outright lies, distortions, spins and misleading information. We need revelation from God's Word concerning the deep and hidden things not revealed by man, but revealed to our hearts by the inner working of the Holy Spirit.

"He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him." This last phrase really, really blesses us as we prepare this message. Daniel needed the light of God's revelation to interpret the king's dream. God revealed the dream and its meaning to Daniel in the middle of the night. Rather than rushing to the king and boasting of his interpretive skills Daniel broke forth in praise to God and made this glorious declaration about our omniscient God: "He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him."

Since we're unable to see "what lies in darkness" let us walk with God everyday of our earthly journey since "light dwells with Him." Then we'll be assured that the light of His glory will illumine our path and give us the needed light to see our way through the troubling and narrow passages that await us. God will replace our fear of the future with His promise of provision for that which lies ahead.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, Your vast wisdom is given to those who seek godly wisdom and Your knowledge to the discerning believer. You are the bright light that comes bursting forth when darkness seeks to blind the godly. All foes are rendered powerless in Your presence. Thank You for the marvelous standing we have as Your children.

Chaplain Stephen and Brooksyne Weber serve with Transport for Christ. Click here to contact the Webers.

“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more” (John 6:66). ”So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised” (Hebrews 10:35, 36).

I heard a challenging sermon dealing with integrity and faithfulness using the text, “David shepherded them with integrity of heart.” The preacher then challenged the congregation to renew their commitment to “our high calling in Christ Jesus.” We concluded with a chorus that challenges and motivates me to persevere each time I sing it; “cause I never want to go back to my old life.”

Surely our first daily text is one of the saddest expressions in the Bible. This was the response by many who upon hearing the teachings of Jesus said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” (John 6:60). This remains the reaction of many when confronted with His teaching. Some of His teaching indeed seems so hard to understand. Some issues make sense to us, others we accept by faith (And I have learned that there are many previously hard teachings that become easier to grasp after a period of growth and experience as a Christian).

After many of His disciples walked away, “Jesus then said to the twelve, ‘Do you also want to go away?’” (vs. 67).

Peter spoke up and uttered one of the greatest faith statements in the entire Bible: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (vv.68, 69).

The early Hebrew Christians were enduring persecution and were tempted to return to their old way of life. However, every generation of believers has this call to persevere. Every individual follower of Christ has this call as well. The letter to the Hebrews laboriously teaches the superiority of the way of Christ over the old religious system the initial readers had come out of. Of course His way is infinitely superior to any system devised by man.

A key purpose of the entire letter to the Hebrews can be summed up in the exhortation and promise of the second daily verse: “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”

The exhortation – “Do not throw away your confidence.” This is the confidence or assurance believers have in Christ. We are not to throw it away or cast it aside.

The promise – “it will be richly rewarded.” Notice the certainty of this promise “it will be”, not might be or should be. Praise God, it will be richly rewarded. “How and when will this happen?” our hearts cry out, especially as we are undergoing trial?  But I particularly consider this with those being persecuted.

This answer and date is not given, but the writer goes on to say, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised” (Hebrews 10:36). Keep trusting in Him today, fellow believer. Your confidence in Christ will be richly rewarded!

But some throw it away. May we have a persevering heart to do the will of God regardless of luring temptations or formidable obstacles we encounter.

Today, may we all, like Peter, consecrate ourselves to God and continue as His follower. “A faithful follower I would be, for by His hand He leadeth me.” By the grace of God I’m not going back to my old life!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, there is no one or no thing that is worthy of our complete allegiance, but You, our Lord, who has the words of eternal life. Though others may refuse to listen or turn away from the message of salvation we choose to persevere. We persevere in trial and in victory, in the ups and downs and in the in-betweens of everyday circumstances. We seek to do Your will in all things so that we will be richly rewarded at the end of this life. In the name of Jesus we persevere. Amen.

Chaplain Stephen and Brooksyne Weber serve with Transport for Christ. Click here to contact the Webers. 

"You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings--what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:10-17).

I am aware that today's Scripture selection is longer than usual. I want to highlight just one phrase in it but felt the surrounding context is especially important to fill our hearts. I encourage you to read it slowly, perhaps aloud, if you are in a place where you can do so.

We regularly count our blessings in our family. We do this in part to resist the tendency to take our blessings for granted. God has indeed blessed me with a wonderful wife and family and comparatively a very good life on this earth. As we join hands in prayer before our meals I often pray, "Thank you Lord that we continue to experience Your blessings of freedom, peace and provision in our home."

But we wonder how much longer these times will last and our faith in God is certainly not contingent on whether or not they do.

I consider how different my life is than a similar aged male in Sudan (although I wonder how many even live as long as I have.) I consider God's love for me and God's love for him and, although our lives are dramatically different, yet His love is identical for both of us.

I have before me an excellent message by James K. Bridges titled, "Critical Questions We Must Ask Ourselves” (To see message, click here). Essentially he solemnly calls believers to consider what may very well be coming in regard to the current direction civilization is going. He points out that the World Christian Encyclopedia has indicated that from A.D. 33 to 2000 there were an estimated 70 million martyrs. However from A.D. 33-1900 there were 25 million and 45 million in the last century alone. WOW.

So many of us reading this material just can't grasp that. Our lives have been so free from persecution of any type. We may even suppose we have a right to live out our lives in freedom and prosperity. The portion of the daily text that again grips my heart as I share this is, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

I frankly struggle with the meaning of this verse based on my own personal observation and experience. Clearly many millions of believers have lived facing very little persecution in their lifetime, apart from ridicule and perhaps scorn. But I believe we need to be prepared to see this increase and perhaps include more severe and physical types, even martyrdom.

Bridges' message concludes with a powerful challenge. "The church must arouse out of its intoxication with the Laodicean spirit (Revelation 3:16,17). The church must not be like King Belshazzar who celebrated in his banquet hall while the enemy was conquering his capital and his kingdom (Daniel 5:30, 31). These are times when the church must be like 'the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do'" (1 Chronicles 12:32).

Be encouraged and strong in the Lord today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, we pray that we will not be fearful or ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that Christ will be exalted through us, whether by life or by death. Whatever happens, help us to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that we honor Your name and bring strength to the Christian body. Amen.

Chaplain Stephen and Brooksyne Weber serve with Transport for Christ. Click here to contact the Webers.

Chaplain Stephen and Brooksyne Weber serve with Transport for Christ. Click here to contact the Webers.

"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17).

Today I would like to share a story that I hope will encourage in a different sort of way. It concerns a friend of about 25 years, going back to my years of pastoral service in upstate Pennsylvania. I have Steve's permission to share this message as we both feel it may be of benefit in illustrating the blessings of an enduring friendship that was at times a challenging one.

Steve had retired after working for the city of Pittsburgh and moved up to our area, which was about 125 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. He lived in a small trailer near the site where today's photo was taken in a region known as the Pennsylvania Wilds. He had a background of broken relationships and alcoholism but several years earlier had made the decision to follow Christ and God was at work chipping away in the re-creation process.

Steve could be somewhat difficult; the kind of person we might describe as "rough around the edges." He himself acknowledged that he was like sandpaper. But he boldly proclaimed his love for Jesus and had a heart to serve, so he volunteered to be the church custodian. He was faithful in his service, but he also had a knack for coming up with ideas that were not always feasible.

The most memorable one was the time he decided to use a small space heater to defrost the refrigerator freezer in the church kitchen. He placed it inside the freezer and shut the door and then forgot he had done so. I suppose he reckoned it would get the job done quickly. Well it did, but it also melted the inside of the freezer! Steve required much forbearance and at times I felt like pulling my hair out!

We worked together several years and butted heads more than once but we both endured. In time I took a new pastoral role in New England and Steve eventually moved back to the Pittsburgh area. We completely lost contact for many years until we reconnected through Daily Encouragement several years ago. He receives the messages and periodically shares an update concerning his life. He's dealt with numerous health problems but is staying faithful to Christ. Last night we reminisced about our unusual friendship and prayed that in sharing our story it might be a blessing to others.

I've always been intrigued by the brief but pointed Proverb in today's text. As is the case with many of the Proverbs there is nothing in the immediate context to further clarify the author's intended meaning.

Hebrews 10:24 expresses a similar concept; "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." The word "spur" translates a very rare Greek word (paroxusmos) found in the NT elsewhere only in Acts 15:39 where it is used to describe the contention between Paul and Barnabas regarding John Mark. Tracing the roots of this word we find it comes from two words with the sense "to sharpen alongside." The writer of Hebrews uses it here in a positive sense to describe an essential Christian responsibility. We need to come alongside one another to keep each other sharp! The NASV uses "stimulate" and the KJV states "to provoke."
 
I've often been enriched by the sharpening influence of a thoughtful friend in Christ. The sharpening itself may be thought-provoking and at times even painful, but in the end I am stronger and better for it.

But I also consider relationships like the one I had with Steve. I am convinced that God providentially allows these associations to cause us to grow and be enriched by them.

Sadly, for the sake of a surface unity we may neglect this sharpening role and seek to avoid these kinds of relationships, whether we're the one sharpening or the one being sharpened. Warren Wiersbe observes, "If we are not disagreeable, we usually learn more by disagreeing than by giving in and refusing to say what we really think, 'speaking the truth in love'".

This sharpening process may take place in your own home, among friends in church or at work. You just might come up against a sharpening friend like Steve was to me. How you react is a real test of character as God often uses other people to grow the fruit of the Spirit in our lives and develop His character traits in our hearts.
 
 Be encouraged today,
 
 Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
 
Today's prayer: Father, we confess that in the process of being molded and fashioned into Your likeness we are often unyielding and struggle in the process of becoming more like You. At various times You place people in our lives that stretch and challenge us, which produces endurance and forbearance. Thank You for also placing people in our lives who model godly character and who courageously speak words of direction and loving correction when we most need it. Help us to graciously receive these messengers and promptly respond to the message they bring when it is supported by Scripture and spoken from a wise and loving heart. Give us courage to "speak the truth in love." Amen.

Chaplain Stephen and Brooksyne Weber serve with Transport for Christ. Click here to contact the Webers.

"Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body" (Philippians 3:17-21).

Here in the United States we are involved in a very heated presidential race. In a broader sense we are also in a very heated culture war and this is really true wherever this is read today. As God's people we need the Word of God and God's perspective on life.

As I study today's text I note that Paul left an example and pattern. Through the inspired Word of God this example and pattern, initially provided to the Philippian believers, is also very pertinent for us today. We do well to heed it carefully.

An ongoing faith struggle for the believer is to remember where our home really is. I believe this is particularly true in places where life has been very good. We listen to the political leaders and wonder who can best keep us safe, keep life good and even make it better. Of course both candidates project a rosy outlook promising us even more for less. Yet our nation's critical moral and spiritual condition is barely mentioned.

Note the contrast in the daily Scripture portion. First, "many live as enemies of the cross of Christ" (Philippians 3:18) and Paul summarizes their outlook; "Their mind is on earthly things." "Earthly things" conveys a perspective that sees life only with the natural eye. Paul observes that "many" live this way and evidence of this is seen everywhere you look! I consider how relatively few of the people I encounter are likely giving any thought to God and their eternal destiny. Their minds are consumed with earthly things.

"But our citizenship is in heaven." Now that's the perspective I want! Sure, I'll be voting this November and praying for our country (particularly for a great spiritual awakening that I believe is the only hope for genuine reform). I have American citizenship and this is the country where God has providentially ordained that I would live out the earthly part of my existence.

No matter what country grants us citizenship, as believers we have dual citizenship and want to be cognizant daily of where we hold our primary citizenship, where our real home is. It's not here!  We want to have the perspective of Paul regarding the return of the Lord. "And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." Where's your primary citizenship and thus spiritual focus today?

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, it is because of Your great compassion and the sacrificial death of Jesus that we receive our heavenly citizenship. We're so thankful for our heavenly citizenship where we will one day experience all the special privileges that await us there. Help us not to be so tied to our earthly citizenship that we crave the pleasures and merits of this world above the future eternal inheritance promised to Your faithful followers. Amen.

Dual citizenship - Paul testified that he was also a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25).

Chaplain Stephen and Brooksyne Weber serve with Transport for Christ. Click here to contact the Webers.

“But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him” (Acts 2:24).

I’m a baseball fan, particularly in the postseason. Having lived in New England for over seven years in the nineties our family became Red Sox fans, although their recent success in winning two World Series came after we moved from that area. This year they are again in the American League championship series and last night was an elimination game for them against Tampa Bay as they were down three games to one.

Imagine my surprise when I checked the score early this morning and Boston had come back to win the game 8-7 in the bottom of the ninth!

I know people feel strongly about their teams and we now live where most follow Philadelphia Phillies, who will be in the World Series. I don’t know whether Boston will go any further this year as Tampa Bay has an outstanding team, but in the last several years Boston has demonstrated several remarkable comebacks, most famously being down three games to none in the 2004 American League Championship series before winning four games in a row to win the series.

These comebacks can be encouraging to sports fans everywhere and remind us that it really isn’t over till it’s over. But of course I see a spiritual application as well!

In our daily verse Peter is preaching to the curious crowd gathered in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. Fifty days earlier he was among the first witnesses to the greatest comeback in history. Apostolic preaching emphasized the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was and ever will be at the very heart of the Gospel. A faithful witness will always, “earnestly contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3).

Peter, who had infamously denied the Lord at His trial, now makes a great statement of faith concerning Christ. “God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death.” Christ had experienced the agony of death and apparent absolute defeat. To His enemies a comeback now was an impossibility.

But Peter goes on to say, “It was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him.” He surely recalled the teaching of Jesus he had heard time after time. Early in His ministry Jesus had said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days” (John 2:19). After Peter had made his great confession of faith, Jesus clearly taught that He would “suffer many things, be killed, and be raised again the third day.” Even his enemies were aware of the claim and had made provision for a guard at the tomb (Matthew 27:62-66).

But no paltry Roman guard was going to stop this Comeback! Death had forever lost its sting. Jesus Christ mounted the greatest comeback ever recorded in history; His resurrection from the dead. Today we indeed serve a risen Savior. Let us rejoice in this truth and live for the One who once died and now lives forever, for it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him! It is for this truth that we must earnestly and faithfully contend!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, You defeated physical death when You resurrected our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of that wondrous miracle of miracles we no longer have to face death with cringing fear, but in confident hope of the eternal life we will inherit. Thank You for Jesus, our anchor and our hope that holds us steady in the daily challenges of this life. Keep us longing for that which is yet to come and keep us faithful until that joyous hour. Amen.

"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11).

Our dog Roxie enjoys playing a little game with Brooksyne. I hold her back, then cover her eyes and ears while Brooksyne hides behind a car or a tree. After I know that Brooksyne is out of sight I then holler, "Ready or not here she comes." As though she's competing in a race Roxie takes off, initially where she senses Brooksyne was heading. Then she dashes to and fro with her nose sniffing the air, trying to pick up her scent. She gets closer and closer until I hear Brooksyne gleefully holler out that she's been found! Then Roxie circles around her and acts like she hasn't seen her in days. She's usually quick to find Brooksyne since she knows her scent and the common hiding places.

"Hide and Seek" is a fun game that most all of us grew up playing with our friends and siblings. But there is a very important spiritual exercise of "Hide and Seek" that isn't just a game, rather it's a survival tactic against the enemy of our souls.

I went to a meeting at Lancaster Bible College yesterday and during lunch I visited with Mike Brickley and his wife. Mike is the president of the Pocket Testament League and is speaking in a three days series of messages in the chapel service. He had challenged the students on Tuesday to come to the chapel service the next morning prepared to share a memorized Scripture they had hidden in their hearts. He was unsure of the kind of response he would get but was so blessed when students, one after the other, shared with the college body a verse that was very personally meaningful in their walk with the Lord. His story brought a recollection of chapel services in my Bible College over thirty years ago and how formative these experiences were for my spiritual walk.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and is focused on the value and power of God's Word. In fact each of the 176 verses has some reference to the Word using various synonyms such as commands, precepts, laws, decrees, promises, and so forth.

"Your Word I have hidden in my heart." This spiritual discipline is such a lacking element among so many today. The Word is the sacred Scriptures and although we use our minds we need to see that it reaches the heart and is hidden away. When we face temptation or discouragement; when we experience loss or need direction; when we want Biblical role models we then seek out the pertinent Scriptures we have hidden deep in our hearts.

Hiding God's Word begins with regular reading of the sacred text. Of preeminent importance is the text itself. This is a lifelong practice, for God's Word is an inexhaustible treasure of spiritual wisdom. Paul indicated this when he wrote to Timothy, "How from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures" (2 Timothy 3:15). In the very next chapter in his final written words Paul asks Timothy "to bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments" (2 Timothy 4:13). D. Edmond Hiebert writes, "Even as an old man facing certain death, the apostle has not lost his interest for study and mental pursuits. It presents a standing challenge to the minister to be an indefatigable student, especially of the Word of God."

Hiding God's Word includes studying of the sacred text. There are many wonderful supplemental resources that we may find helpful and a blessing as we study the Bible such as devotional booklets, study guides, notes in study Bibles and so forth. The serious Bible student must be very careful to use these tools only as a supplement, never a replacement. Each morning as Brooksyne and I pray over these daily encouragement messages we pray that the various components would be a blessing; our stories, exposition, photos, personal reflections and music links. But we realize the most important element is the Scripture text itself. Above all else read the Scripture!

Hiding God's Word includes meditating on the sacred text. David wrote in Psalm 1 concerning the blessed man, "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night." In my understanding meditation is taking a single verse or small portion of Scripture and thoughtfully pondering and considering it, turning it around over and over in the mind. Jim Gambini, my former pastor, used the phrase "masticating", which is the technical term meaning "to chew" much like dairy cows and other ruminating animals chew their cud. Contented dairy cows can chew their cud eight hours a day totaling 30,000 chews daily. Now, if we could turn God's Word over and over in our minds throughout the day I believe we'd have a lot more victory and joy in our lives and it would certainly spill out to those around us! We would also memorize Scripture in the process.

Hiding God's Word includes memorizing the sacred text. That's hard for many and frankly for me it gets harder as I grow older. We may have different giftings in this regard but I challenge each reader to at least memorize the Scripture that is your life's verse. Early in my pastoral ministry I memorized many Scripture verses which are deeply hidden in my heart to this day.

My life verse and the final challenge in today's message are, "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer: Father, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You. Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your Word. Let me live that I may praise You and may Your laws sustain me. My heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end. Amen.

Moses goes on to say a couple of verses later, “Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14). The deepest source of satisfaction for the believer is God’s unfailing love. It is unwavering and inexhaustible; “Though the mountain be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken” (Isaiah 54:10). As an old song says, “the world didn’t give it to me and the world can’t take it away!”

Today in numbering our days let us recognize that, “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” There are no leap days on God’s calendar. Every single day we awaken is a gift from Him and we must choose day by day to glorify God and serve Him with all our hearts.

“Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Our pastor preaches colorful sermons often using his own experiences in life as illustrative material. Yesterday he told a story that will not soon be forgotten. He was headed home from several days of vacation with his family and stopped for a cup of coffee. As they got on the interstate they ran into several major traffic jams. The longer they sat in idle traffic the more pressing the need was to find a bathroom.

Most all of you’ve been in that situation and will quickly identify with our pastor’s dilemma. After passing several exits with no bathroom facilities Bob was greatly relieved to spot a row of port-a-potties off to the side of the interstate. Making a beeline for them he went to the first one and as he opened the door he was blasted back by the strong foul odor. As we would say in Missouri the smell was bad enough to “gag a maggot.”

He stated that he “galvanized” himself to go in and take care of business and wasted no time in running back to his car. As soon as he got into the driver’s seat his grown daughter looked at him and said, “Ooh, Dad, you smell awful!” It seems the strong smell from the port-a-pottie lingered in his clothing and it did so all the way to their house. Upon their arrival home the clothes were immediately placed in the laundry. After the church service we had a good laugh about this experience with Luanne, Bob’s wife, and his mother-in-law who was also riding in the car.

His point was the malodorous effects of sin.

The title of his sermon was “A Good Apple In A Bad Bunch” based on the life of Lot. He began his message by observing the effects of one bad apple in a bunch of good apples. Of course the bad apple will spoil the good apples so you must get rid of the bad apple if you want to keep the good ones. The reverse is true as well. Placing one good apple among a bunch of bad apples will cause the good apple to rot. Such is the corrosion of unchecked sin in our lives.

Lot made a critical choice when he chose the more lush grazing land in the valley for his flocks (Genesis 13:10). This led him to pitch his tent near Sodom (Genesis 13:12). Even at that time the Scripture describes, “The men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord” (V. 13). But Lot prospered and in time, married and had two daughters. By Genesis 19 he had moved in closer and now had a house in Sodom.

Genesis 19 is one of the most pathetic chapters of Scripture. Lot, who had been raised under the influence of godly Abraham, was so immersed in the sin of Sodom that his judgment was completely gone. Sodom had become his home and leaving was very difficult. But God’s appointed time of judgment had come (it always will) and, in answer to his Uncle Abraham’s fervent prayers, he and his family would be delivered.

“When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them” (Genesis 19:16). But my, was it hard for Lot to leave. As destruction of the city loomed, consider two telling words in the daily text, “he hesitated” (KJV “he lingered”). Matthew Henry’s commentary notes, “Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under convictions about their spiritual state, and the necessity of a change, defer that needful work.”

Lot had grown very comfortable in the wicked city of Sodom. Perhaps he had grown so accustomed to the wickedness that he no longer even saw it. What a tragic spiritual condition to be in. Perhaps his prosperity and position had blinded him to spiritual truths. His moral values were wretchedly twisted and later in the chapter we see this twisted condition in his wife and daughters as well. Genesis 19 is indeed one of the saddest chapters in the Bible, showing man’s depraved actions in a sin-ridden society.

Fast forward to our own generation where we are witnessing similar attitudes and actions in our day. Recently a young popular singer received much publicity and media attention when he announced his homosexuality. A man, famous in the Hollywood circles, who helped him rise to fame was asked what he thought of the announcement. This was his response: “Good for him. If he said it, it’s the right thing for him. Good for him. I don’t think anyone cares. Let’s face it: It’s 2008. You know. Who cares?”

Popular culture does not determine what is right and wrong, God’s Word does. I don’t want to get comfortable in “Sodom”. I don’t want to hesitate when God directs me to act. I don’t want to follow the mindset of this present world but rather the timeless message of God’s eternal truth, “Flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). What about you?

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, You make Your truths known to us through the ancient words of Scripture; truths that do not change with time or the ever-changing “truths” of humankind. With the Holy Scriptures as our guidebook we align human philosophy with Your truths rather than adjust Scripture to affirm the viewpoint of man. When Scripture brings conviction we call upon You for strength and courage to make the necessary changes so that we live holy lives set apart for Your intended purpose. Then we can more clearly distinguish light from darkness and will keep the forces of evil from overtaking our heart’s affections. We pray for our loved ones who are in bondage to sin. They’ve sought the world’s approval and forsaken Your commands, seeing them as out-of-date and no longer pertinent to our day. Satan has corrupted their minds, but I pray that You would sensitize their hearts to godly teaching. Bring them to repentance and righteous living. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, we pray, amen.

Chaplain Stephen and Brooksyne Weber serve with Transport for Christ. Click here to contact the Webers.

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4).

I awoke very early this morning considering this verse in light of current events, especially the first phrase, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers.” I recalled a dramatic scene from the “Left Behind” movie in which Nicholas Carpathia, the character who turns out to be the antichrist, is able to murder two men in full view of many others but had blinded their eyes from seeing it.

Several years ago Tom, a friend from Arizona, sent me the carved block of wood pictured above. On first sight it appears to be just strange, illegible characters. It makes no sense until you look very carefully at the letters, perhaps squinting, and it’s very clear that the letters spell, “Jesus”.

Steve, a friend from New England, once saw a couple of men coming upon this saying on a sticker on the back window of a van in Boston. One said to the other “I know that says something, I just don’t know what!” They looked on for a few minutes until in exasperation they walked away and one of them frustratingly called out, “Jesus Christ, I know that says something.” But of course they never saw it.

Today’s Scripture text speaks of this spiritual blindness which blinds the minds of unbelievers.

There are basically two outlooks in life. The personal mission statement that I include in the footers with each daily encouragement conveys one. Although a simple statement that certainly does not convey all that’s true it simply asserts, “I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God’s Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life’s goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity.”

The other outlook denies this and so many feel they have been “enlightened” to reject what they see as a very simple and primitive religious expression. To them we are merely a product of evolution and “god” is merely a figment of imagination to the weak, simple, uneducated and unenlightened. However they have not been enlightened, but rather blinded. Indeed, “they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

“The god of this age” is Satan. Such a statement brings a scoffing sneer from the unbeliever. But this false god is very actively at work as demonstrated in the evil we see all around us, including false, idolatrous religious systems that “deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord” (Jude 1:4).

Following his conversion Paul received his call to ministry directly from the Lord. “I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:17,18).

John Newton, best known for writing “Amazing Grace”, expressed it this way, “I once was blind, but now I see.”  I hope your spiritual eyes have been opened and you are rejoicing today in the gospel of the glory of Christ!

Be encouraged today,

Daily prayer: Jesus, though You do not walk visibly among us You do reveal Yourself through the minds, the hearts, and the actions of Your followers. May Your light shine forth from us so that the unbeliever can sift through the confusing ungodly messages of this world and the counterfeits of this age. May they see “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” We especially lift up to You our loved ones who have chosen the wrong path. We pray that You would dispel their doubts and fears and replace them with confidence, courage and peace. In Your name, Jesus, we pray, amen.

Chaplain Stephen and Brooksyne Weber serve with Transport for Christ. Click here to contact the Webers.

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“Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself with others…. Each person must be responsible for himself” (Galatians 6:4,5).

I served in the Sunday School Baby Nursery this past Sunday and had the privilege of watching over two adorable babies; David (15 months) and Adoree’ (7 months).

David’s father, Ken, was teaching in the Toddler Nursery in the next classroom which greatly upset David who is normally a very happy child. Ken had only one child in attendance so we decided to combine the classes which would help to settle David. Ken’s student, two year old Tirza, would also enjoy being with David and little Adoree’.

We sat in front of the small flannel board Ken supported with an easel on the floor. He then prepared to teach about Noah and the ark but first asked Tirza to fold her hands together and bow her head for prayer, which she proceeded to do. Ken prayed a very brief prayer inviting God to teach us from the Bible and to bless the children.

Immediately following Ken’s “Amen” Tirza very sweetly and innocently inquired of the teacher with her very grown up sounding two year old voice, “Did you hear Adoree’ talking when we prayed?”

I was holding Adoree’ at the time and she was making the usual baby noises that 7 month old babies make. While Tirza was awaiting the teacher’s reply about the disruptive student Ken kept a very even tone and lovingly told Tirza, “Adoree’ was making baby sounds and that’s OK with Jesus.” Tirza, a very sweet and bright child, seemed very willing to accept the teacher’s explanation.

I went into the worship service thinking about the nursery class and considered that I am often like Tirza (though I am not nearly so young or innocent.) Too often I find myself wondering what God thinks about “the other guy” rather than simply being obedient to the things I know He wants me to do. I want to avoid the very thing God is trying to work out in my life and volunteer to help Him correct the person next door or my family member or a co-worker. I might be tempted to judge a brother or sister who is weak in an area where I have no temptation. In our human nature it is much easier to look at other people’s actions than it is to look within our own hearts.

But Apostle Paul instructs, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” The Psalmist invited the searchlight of God’s convicting power when he prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart… See is there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (139:23,24). In his ongoing distress Job searched his own heart and prayed to God, “If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has hurried after deceit - let God weigh me in honest scales…” (5:6). “Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself with others….Each person must be responsible for himself” (Galatians 6:4,5).

Be encouraged today,

Daily Prayer: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions – wash away all my iniquity and I will be whiter than snow. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Amen.

"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death" (Revelation 12:11).

In August I went to a missionary aviation presentation at Smoketown Airport here in Lancaster County. Several planes and a helicopter used in missions work were on display. Pilots from various agencies were present and they performed live flying demonstrations. Steve Saint, son of missionary pilot Nate Saint who was martyred in the fifties in Ecuador, was also present and shared of his faith. He has followed his dad's example and serves the Lord as a missionary pilot!

Chaplain Stephen and Brooksyne Weber serve with Transport for Christ. Click here to contact the Webers.

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7).

"In His Steps", a classic written by Charles Sheldon, is the second best-selling Christian book of all time (following the Bible). Over 30 million copies have been sold.  Brooksyne read it in her early teen years shortly after her decision to follow Christ. It had a profound effect upon her commitment in walking in the ways of the Lord. I read it in my college years. It is also the inspiration behind the WWJD theme that was so popular (and heavily commercialized) several years ago. 

Garrett Sheldon, the great-grandson of Charles, wrote, "My great-grandfather grew up on a farm in the mid-1800s. His father was a missionary and a church planter. They read the Bible aloud every day, so that by the time Charles went to school, he had heard the entire Bible read aloud five times! This prepared him to write 'In His Steps' which changed the world with the question, 'What Would Jesus Do?'."

The exercise of reading Scripture aloud in the home reminds me of visits I made to Brooksyne's grandparents' home in the hills of Arkansas before we married. They had a practice of gathering each night in the living room of their small four room mountain home and reading Scripture aloud before kneeling in prayer. Whether you were a visitor or not you were expected to drop whatever you were doing and join them for devotions. Her grandpa, Elbert, had great difficulty reading so he always had one of the grandchildren read if they were visiting. It holds a special memory for Brooksyne and me to this day.

This sounds a lot like God's design as conveyed through Moses during his last sermon. God wants His Word to have the preeminent part in a person's spiritual development.

"These commandments are to be upon your hearts." This is key to personal spiritual development. Proverbs 4:23 teaches us to preserve our hearts; "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

"Impress them on your children" is a vital key in the transmission of His truth to succeeding generations. Paul wrote concerning Timothy that "from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation" (2 Timothy 3:15). Timothy's grandmother Lois and mother Eunice had faithfully impressed God's Word upon Timothy.

"Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This instruction indicates that the follower of God is not to have a casual attitude toward God's commands, but they're to be written upon the tablets of their hearts. These commands are at the heart of our daily conversation. After they're memorized and carried out they become our foundation for godliness and a great defense against the lies that bombard us.

How much emphasis does God's Word have in your life and home?

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, help us to learn Your commands, apply them to our hearts, and carry them out in our daily actions. We desire to be obedient to You and to bring our children into a faithful relationship with You as well. We love You with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength. May our absolute devotion bring honor to You and witness to others of our fervent commitment to serve You all the days of our lives. Amen.