“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me–holy is His name” (Luke 1:46-49).

I had the role of planning and leading our Christmas Eve service. In the beginning I invited the little children to come forward to the manger setting on the platform to play the role of the shepherds, Joseph, and Mary. A three year old visitor, without hesitation, came forward and at my invitation she sat down on Mary’s three legged stool right next to Baby Jesus in the manger. Three year old Tirza immediately marched right up the steps behind her. She reached right into the manger to remove Baby Jesus and she lovingly cuddled him throughout the song, “Away in a Manger.” The congregation found this impromptu live nativity to be a charming event!

Following the service I was stepping down the steps on the platform when I met little Tirza with the absolute intention of climbing the big people steps to make her way back to the wooden stool we had set up earlier for Mary She sat right down on the stool and once again lifted Baby Jesus out of the manger and gave Him tender love and attention. This time no one was looking on. In fact the people left pretty quickly so they could get to other Christmas Eve activities. That got me to thinking.

Tirza didn’t want the role of Mary so others could watch her and whisper, “Isn’t she adorable!” She took her position after others left because that’s where her heart remained during the entire service. We had an abundance of Scripture narration, Christmas carols, Pastor’s meditation, Communion, and the Candle Lighting service but Tirza must have been thinking of Baby Jesus lying there in a manger all by Himself while we were busy with all the other Christmas Eve activities.

Her innocent childlike affection for the newborn babe is a lesson for all of us who get busy with the multitude of the season’s activities but we unintentionally leave Baby Jesus all alone in His manger. Our love and affection can be shown to Him by reading His Word and endearing it to our heart and, like Mary, though she didn’t understand everything she was told chose to “treasure up all these things and ponder them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

We are at the dawn of a New Year where we’re often challenged to make New Year’s resolutions. In this New Year I want to challenge you to treasure your relationship with Christ just as little Tirza treasured Baby Jesus. Don’t leave your Bible on a shelf only to be pulled down when others might take notice as you go to church. Read it daily, ponder its meaning for your life, search for hidden truths and most especially apply the message to your heart. Hopefully your Bible will show plenty of wear, not because of abuse but because of daily usage.

It is through the faithful reading of Scripture and daily prayer that we will be able to rejoice and proclaim just like Mary, “The Mighty One has done great things for me–Holy is His name.”

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer: Father, we confess that it is often easier to be busy about Your kingdom than it is to sit at the feet of the King. Intensify our desire to set aside a segment of each day to be a sacred time with You so that we faithfully read Your Holy Word and prayerfully commune with You. It is in communion with You that we grow in our love and devotion and we become mindful of the great things You do for us. You are the Mighty One who is at work in our lives–Your name is holy. Amen.

 

"But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons" (Galatians 4:4,5).

Do you have a hard time waiting? Are delays difficult to deal with causing you stress and anxiety? For most of us the answer is "yes." God had first promised the Messiah after Adam and Eve's transgression in the garden. Over the next several millenniums there was a growing body of Messianic promises that the Jewish people were given. At the time of Christ's birth two elderly Jewish people are mentioned in Luke who had longed for the Messiah's coming. Simeon had been "waiting for the consolation of Israel", and Anna "spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem."

In the daily text the Apostle Paul is reflecting on the events of Christ's incarnation. He uses an intriguing phrase "when the fullness of the time came" to describe that wonderful moment in space and time when God acted on our behalf in sending His Son for our redemption. The long wait was over. The faith of devout people like Simeon and Anna and others like them was now reality. God kept His promise.

And God still keeps His promises. He always will. He'll keep everyone of them. We have the perspective of looking back and seeing the fulfillment of the greatest of God's promises. This occurred after a long wait and in "the fullness of the time."

I believe I come to an understanding of this verse better when I recognize that it's the fullness of God's time, not ours. Many of us are waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled in our lives. The wait can be very trying. Many are living with an ongoing burden for spiritually wayward family members, others have long-standing physical ailments in their lives or in someone they love. And on my heart this morning are so many of our dear brothers and sisters living in very oppressive conditions. And we all wait for that next great cosmic event when Jesus again keeps His last word to us when He declared, "Yes, I am coming soon."

God has fulfilled the biggest promise. Let us wait with faith and assurance that "in His time" He will also take care of the scores of other matters we all deal with. He is faithful!

In His time, in His time;
He makes all things beautiful in His time.
Lord, please show me every day
As You're teaching me Your way
That You do just what You say in Your time.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, we know that Your time table is pre-ordained in the events that make an eternal difference in our lives. A thousand years is as a day and a day as a thousand years. Help us to patiently wait for Your will to be fulfilled in our personal lives, in the lives of our loved ones, and in the world around us. May we be found steadfast, sober, expectant and alert awaiting the day of your promised return. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

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

 

 

 

“And Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife” (Matthew 1:6).

Here we have the fourth detail presented in Matthew’s genealogy regarding great grandmothers of the Messiah. The first three references specifically mention the proper names (Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth) but here we only have the identifying description, “Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife.”

Her name was Bathsheba and the story can be found in 2 Samuel 11 & 12. This woman, whom the record describes as “very beautiful” took a public bath in view of the wandering eyes of King David. The rest is classic sin and the attempt to cover-up. But David is confronted by the courageous prophet Nathan which resulted in his confession of sin and restoration.

Now prior to this David had shown much evidence of his spiritual walk and maturity in the Lord. While still a young boy he had by faith conquered Goliath and patiently waited until it was his time to ascend to the throne. Under his leadership the kingdom was doing very well. Many of the Psalms had been written by this time and he had been referred to as “a man after God’s own heart.” Yet the Bible records David’s fall into sin and Matthew reminds us that this is indeed part of the story. Not only did he collapse morally but he also engaged in criminal behavior.

What lesson is there for us today? There are many lessons regarding the nature of temptation and the progression of sin. We wrote about this in our series about David and Bathsheba last week. But I want to highlight this one today: God is still in the forgiveness and restoration business. David’s sin was not excused, but he was forgiven.

God’s nature is to forgive. Are you burdened down under a load of sin today? Have you sinned even as a believer? Of course you have. We all have. Is your sin a “big one” like David’s? I don’t read any restrictions in God’s offer to the earnestly repentant. His Word is very unambiguous: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Why don’t you accept this gracious offer of forgiveness today?

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

 

 

“Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab” (Matthew 1:5). “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient” (Hebrews 11:31).

I received an email with an interesting perspective. A reader shared how she tried to read Matthew and Luke each Christmas season. In reading the names in the genealogies she noted, “I make myself read every one, even if I can’t pronounce them. The way my thinking goes is this: ‘If this person was important enough for God to make sure they are listed in the Bible, it’s important enough for me to read it.’”

Today let us note the second woman mentioned in Matthew’s genealogical record of Christ (Matthew 1:5). Rahab’s story begins in Joshua 2 where she courageously hid the Israelite spies as they were being pursued by the King’s messengers of Jericho. She then helped them to escape by lowering them out a window over the city wall on a rope. And then later, as a guarantee for her family’s safety, she placed a scarlet cord out the window signifying her faith.

The final mention of her in the Old Testament is in Joshua 6:25 where we read that “she lives among the Israelites to this day.” I find it interesting that none of the Old Testament narratives or genealogies refer to her after this and specifically her marriage to Salmon who is listed in Matthew’s genealogy: “Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab.”

Dr. W. A. Criswell wrote, “Rahab the harlot is an example of the grace of God at work. Her salvation was not based on her character or merits: she lived in a doomed city, practiced a condemned profession, engaged in subversive activities, and falsified [lied about] her actions. Nevertheless she acted upon faith, and was spared the judgment of God which was executed at the hands of the Israelites.”

Both references to Rahab in the New Testament epistles specifically call attention to Rahab’s background as a prostitute (Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25). But she is commended for her faith and obedience in assisting the Israelites.

Some may wonder what business the Israelite spies had staying in the house of a prostitute which was likely also an inn. We could speculate that it would also have been a good place for strangers to enter and gain information without undue suspicion!

Rahab was not a member of the covenant community nor was she bound to its moral laws. Yet, after hearing the miraculous stories of the Red Sea crossing and their great military defeats, she was observant and had a great sense that these spies would conquer her homeland of Jericho as she said to them, “I know that the Lord has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us…” (Joshua 2:9).

I believe there’s a great lesson in her purposeful inclusion in the genealogy of Christ. Rahab was certainly not deserving of salvation on the basis of any type of her own merit. But God saw her faith, rewarded her obedience in tying the scarlet cord in the window, and she is an early example of His grace.

But that’s not all. God used her to fulfill His plan. In the providence of God she married one of her Israelite conquerors and with him bore an ancestor of the Messiah. If God can save and use Rahab the harlot He can surely save and use each one of us! Like her, we’re a trophy of grace, a masterpiece of His mercy and nothing we’ve done could deserve His great love.

What’s your past like? For some it’s like Rahab. But God hasn’t changed. He’s still saving, transforming and using lives today! This message applies to every reader and to those for whom you are praying to be saved.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

 

 

 

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15).

The other day I stopped by to visit my friend Ken who packs eggs in a large chicken house. His work for most would have an element of drudgery but Ken has a contagious attitude of gratitude. He's likely to greet you by rejoicing that his heart is pumping steadily and after he draws in a deep breath he expresses thanks for the freshly oxygenated air. He tends to elaborate on the often unconsidered gifts from God. This gives him a joyful outlook which spreads to those around him.

This week in our encouragement series we have been focusing on the topic of thanksgiving. May we be full of gratitude to our Lord Jesus knowing that all we are and all we have is a gift from Him.

Many of us will give and receive gifts at Christmas, a custom that for so many is the main thing. The origin of giving gifts (at least in the Christian sense) probably goes back to the gifts the Magi presented to the baby Jesus. 

What is our response to these gifts? Some will likely be returned. They didn't fit, wouldn't work or weren't what we liked. Others will soon be forgotten. Others are appreciated but will wear out or break in a relatively short time. And there will be a few that we will cherish for many years, perhaps our entire life. It might even be passed down to our children and be meaningful to them.

 

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Timothy 6:6-8).

This week marks the "official" start of the Christmas shopping season, at least here in the USA. However the newspapers are stuffed with sales flyers and the mall parking lot has been filled for weeks. Ester works at a store called TJ Maxx and it has been crowded each time I pick her up in the afternoons. But the big shopping day for many will be this Friday and there is an abundance of great deals, particularly if you want to go shopping at 6:00 in the morning, or even earlier!

There's just more and more neat stuff that claims it will make the people we love happy if we just buy it for them. Of course the ads are surely also designed to appeal to our own sense of desire as well. I can sure tell you that some of this stuff is alluring to my interests, particularly electronic type gadgets.

I want to pause this morning and consider the bigger picture. The foundational meaning of Christmas is that God sent His Son as the greatest and most needful Gift of all. Increasingly our current generation is losing sight of the initial Christian meaning of this sacred holiday due to the secularization and over-commercialization of this special season.

We that love the Lord and desire to live in obedience to the Scriptures are called to properly provide for our families. Indeed the Word declares that, "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Timothy 5:8).

However beyond our desire to properly provide for our families is the materialistic rat race. We're all affected by it and perhaps some of us are among the front runners in this race where the finish line is never within sight. Living in an age of affluence we have to be on guard against this tendency. The Apostle Paul's words that follow our daily reading are so applicable today; "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Timothy 6:9, 10). My, isn't that so often the case!

A great Biblical teaching in regard to experiencing balance in this tension between properly providing (good) and the materialistic rat race (bad) is contentment. Consider the power of the phrase, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." A Bible teacher has observed "Contentment is understanding that if I am not satisfied with what I have, I will never be satisfied with what I want." Among the many ways the world seeks to force us into its mold is the lie that it can offer true satisfaction. Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have and finding satisfaction with that. It's realizing in the words from the great hymn that, "All I have needed Thy hand hath provided." Contentedness and thankfulness are interrelated.

Our daily verse declares that "If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." I wonder how much food Paul was accustomed to and the extent of his clothing line. Yet he says, "We will be content." I believe our need for contentment is an attitude we must diligently strive for. The pressures of materialism are ever before us, particularly during this season that we remember and celebrate God's greatest gift. What a wonderful, deep-settled peace we experience when we learn to live in contentment which gives us hearts of thankfulness!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Jesus, when I get overly anxious about having the latest gadget or the newest fashion I usually overlook the fact that I have so much already at my disposal. So much, in fact, that I struggle to properly manage my possessions and can often be overwhelmed with clutter. Thank you for the people I know who live with less so that others can have more; more of the basics of life and the provisions needed to reach others with the Gospel message. Contentment from You cannot be packaged and sold, but it can be a way of life as I align my priorities in accordance to Your will. Teach me the great gain You want me to experience by setting my heart's affections not on this world's changing and peril-stricken economy, but by storing up treasures in heaven's economy where eternal riches never perish, spoil or fade. May that precious truth help me find contentment in a non-content society. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18).

What kind of light and momentary troubles are you dealing with today? At first glance we may assume “light and momentary troubles” are merely the minor annoyances and time robbers of life such as getting stuck in a traffic jam, spilling a cappuccino on the carpet such as Brooksyne did yesterday in our van, or dealing with a leaky faucet as I am right now.

But this is certainly not the case. Paul is writing of troubles that would rival or surpass our most difficult experiences in life. He had written a few verses previous to this; “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body” (2 Corinthians 4:8-11).

These are relatively “light and momentary troubles” in comparison to the ultimate glories of heaven and eternity. We might argue that they sure don’t seem light and momentary at the time we’re experiencing them! Some of these troubles are constant or recurring and weigh heavy on our hearts. Some of them are appearing in your mind’s eye even as you read this.

Yet we need to embed this truth deep in our hearts, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” I marvel as I consider the last part of the verse, “are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” These troubles are fulfilling a purpose ordained by God, achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. The small three letter word, “a-l-l” encompasses the multiple “light and momentary troubles” we continually experience as trials on this side of eternity.

This “eternal glory” must be the ultimate guide by which we view all that happens to us personally or in the world about us. We must live for the “then”, not just for the “now”. It’s something I’ve learned theologically and know in my heart to be true but need to constantly remind myself. As a believer in Christ I must remember that my times are in His hands. With my eyes I see only the physical results, but in my spirit I must always contend for the future eternal reward.

The big picture is so powerfully expressed by the Apostle Paul in these two verses. I’ve memorized it and even now, through eyes of faith, rejoice in its truth. But it only pertains to people of faith in Jesus Christ. People without faith are blind to the big picture. Understanding the eternal scope of life begins when we commit our lives to Christ. Have you done that?

Here’s a prayer of faith that essentially begins the journey of seeing beyond this immediate life to receiving the promised eternal life through God’s plan of salvation. If you have not done so I urge you to pray this prayer from your heart today. And if you have done so already join me in reaffirming your commitment to Christ today.

“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe that You came to this earth and died on the cross as a substitute for me. I place my faith in You and what You have done for me. I receive You into my life and choose this day to follow and serve You. Thank You for hearing my prayer.”

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, there is much that we can learn from our temporal problems here on earth that better prepares us for eternity. As we work through these troubles enable us to have the mind of Christ so that attitudes reflecting the fruit of the Spirit become a spontaneous response to the difficulties that challenge us daily. Just as light, soil, air and moisture are requirements for growth in vegetation so must faith, prayer, self-denial and persistence in obeying God’s Holy Word be requirements for growth in our Christian walk. Help us not to become so caught up in viewing our daily challenges from an earthly perspective that we don’t look for the deeper, spiritual, and eternal meaning that You have to teach us in all things. We stand in the strength of the Lord Jesus and pray in His name. Amen.

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

“And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God” (1 Samuel 23:16).

Among the various forms of ministry we are involved in is a creative expression of care by Transport For Christ, a ministry to truck drivers and their families. I staff a 24 hour trucker prayer line where drivers can call if they desire prayer (the 800# is set to forward to our home phone; if you know a trucker who needs prayer the number is (877)797-PRAY or (877)797-7729). This number is then published in various TFC literature materials and lately we have been getting quite a few calls from needy truck drivers.

The other day I got a call from a man who really just seemed lonely and wanted to talk. He didn’t have a specific request but shared several burdens and I offered to pray with him over the phone. He was not at all familiar with this type of prayer and nervously told me he didn’t know what he was supposed to do. I told him he just had to listen as I would be the one praying. I offered a brief prayer for him concerning several of the burdens he had shared and thanked God for him.

When we finished he told me how blessed he was and how he had never experienced anything like this in his life (He expained that he came from a more formal religious tradition where he was not accustomed to a personalized and spontaneous prayer like the one I prayed.). I was in turn blessed at having the opportunity to share an uplifting, encouraging conversation and prayer with this lonely driver.

Thank God for friends, for people who care. I hope you have a lot of them and that you have several friends like David had with Jonathan. Their friendship is surely one of the greatest found in Scripture.

Today’s text is a remarkable statement. At this point Saul was insanely jealous of David and was in hot pursuit of him. The previous verse states, “While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life.”

However Saul’s son Jonathan apparently saw his father’s error and remained faithful to his friend David. David had just learned that Saul was determined to kill him. Surely Jonathan knew this as well and he was risking his own life and the resulting fallout from his father’s wrath in order to help David.

Notice that Jonathan “went to David.” He took the initiative and made the effort to help a friend in trouble. David had fled to Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, which was a very desolate and remote region south of the Dead Sea.

The purpose of Jonathan’s visit was to “help him find strength in God.” The NASV states, “encouraged him in God.” This is surely one of the most powerful examples and images of strengthening encouragement found in the entire Bible.

You may know of people like David who are besieged by difficult circumstances. They need a friend like Jonathan. They need someone to help them find strength. But notice the very clear source of strength, “in God”. This verse expresses the highest purpose of a truly godly friendship.

Although God is the source of strength He uses people to be channels of that strength. Aren’t you thankful for people who come to you when you need a helping hand, a listening ear and a compassionate heart! Those who do so have generally developed a spiritual sensitivity that helps them see beyond surface conversation to sense the deeper needs that one might be hesitant to bring out in the open.

The most practical way we help strengthen them is to pray with them. Notice I say “pray with” rather than just telling them, “I’ll pray for you” and walking away. Right then and there lift them before the Father in prayer as you’re gathered in His presence. “Where two or more are gathered in My name there am I in the midst of them.”

One of the blessings Brooksyne and I especially appreciate about our workplace chaplaincy is being able to pray with a troubled employee. Many are often burdened down with personal cares and experiencing a very difficult day at work. We stop and pray, as long as the employee is comfortable with this practice, and we’ve often receive feedback of how much this helped to lift their load while at work.

Praying for others is important, but I also experience a great deal of spiritual strength when a brother or sister thoughtfully considers a verse that matches my need and shares it with me. We all know of weary, discouraged and fearful people like David. Let us help them find strength in God through prayer and Scripture!

Is there someone you need to seek out today? It might be a walk down the hall, a brief trip, a phone call or maybe just a short, “I’m praying for you” email, forwarding a message like this. Will you be that channel of strengthening encouragement today?

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, I pray for a sensitive heart that I might be a representative of Your indwelling Spirit to those who have distressing needs. Develop in me a discerning heart that I might seek out those in need just as Jonathan did with David. While I don’t have all the answers I do know that Your Word brings light, direction, and confidence as we must navigate through the frequent twists and turns in our sojourn here below. We offer ourselves to You to be a blessing to others. We do this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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

 

 

 

"I then, as Paul--an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus" (Philemon 1:9b).

Today is Veteran's Day here in the United States, a day in which we properly remember veterans and consider the tremendous price they paid for our temporal freedoms. I realize many veterans read these messages including several we know personally and there other readers who are in active service. We thank you for your service. I specifically consider my Uncle Jim who passed away earlier this year who served in WW2 as a navy pilot.

Today I want to focus this devotional on spiritual veterans. Many have gone on before us and are now in the great cloud of witnesses. Others are still on this side and in their senior years of life. They have faithfully served God in their generation and await their call home.

Pastor John Howard was my first pastor (as a born-again Christian). Pastor Howard never had large churches, but due to his commitment to Christ, integrity, friendliness and genuine interest in people he impacted many for Christ. I was one of several ministers he and his wife, Sister Howard, introduced as one of "our boys". I saw her a couple years ago when we took this photo.

They both had such a sweet, loving spirit although they surely have known pain and fought bitterness. Their only son was killed when he was eleven by a drunk driver. I still recall the pain and honest confession, "I still don't understand" in Mrs. Howard's voice as she shared this story with me several years ago. However, in spite of the pain and questioning, they have kept the faith and rejoice in the impact of their ministry in many other ways. I'm glad I'm a part of that.

As we grow older we see more and more of our spiritual mentors going to be with the Lord. Pastor Howard passed away in 1999. I spoke to Mrs. Howard, who is now 89, on the phone last night and she again told me how proud she was of "her boys" (those she and her husband had discipled).

Today remember the contribution made by the countless old spiritual veterans. Let us look at a tiny statement made by the apostle Paul, a true veteran of the Christian conflict. He had fought the good fight of faith and was not at all reserved in identifying himself in the text as an "old man". (The KJV states "the aged".)

He is one of scores of men and women who have risked their lives and sometimes laid down their lives, faced hardship, and otherwise bear the scars of battle for Christ and for our souls. Our spiritual freedom was supremely paid by Christ's death on the Cross. However many others have paid a great price to bring that message to us and to keep the flame burning bright. Let's honor them and let us now take our place in line with the faithful!

I'm sure you can think of some veterans today. Why don't you take a moment to thank God for them, and if you're able, get a word of appreciation to them. You'll make their day an extra special one. That's what Mrs. Howard said to me as we concluded our conversation last night!

Finally we all will become spiritual veterans should the Lord keep us on this side. Brooksyne and I state our determination to stay faithful and enlist readers, near and far, to join us.

Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful,
May the fire of our devotion light their way.
May the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe,
And the lives we live inspire them to obey.
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, for those who've gone before us and remained faithful to the end we take note of their example. For those who have sacrificed their lives that we might have freedom to read Your Word and worship freely we are greatly indebted. And for those of us who remain we want to be vigilant in our daily walk with You, ever growing in Your grace and knowledge, and staying faithful until we draw the last mortal breath on this side, so that our first immortal breath on the other side will be from the portals of heaven. It's all because of Your amazing love, Father, and Jesus' divine sacrifice. Amen.

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

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us" (I John 3:16). "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (I John 3:1). "This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" (I John 4: 9, 10).

Earlier this year I learned about a woman diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer who had need of light meals to be brought into her home. Except for getting radiation treatments and chemo therapy at the cancer clinic Mary Lou was homebound making the sofa in her living room her daily recuperation bed month after month.

I began visiting Mary Lou in February of this year. I took over light meals and spent time talking to her. She was in obvious physical discomfort, but I also sensed that there was a pressing spiritual need. I talked to her about Jesus and learned that she had become very angry with God 48 years earlier when she was just 12 years old. A jolting loss in her life had caused her anger to turn to bitterness over the years and Mary Lou turned her back on God.

During my months of immobility due to my broken ankle I lost touch with Mary Lou, but I went to visit her a couple of weeks ago and saw an immediate change in her countenance. Bibles were sitting on her coffee table and she had a bookmarked copy of a Christian book she was reading. Our conversation flowed and she told me that she had asked God back into her life and asked Him to forgive her. He had restored her joy and peace. But the one thing she couldn't fully comprehend is how God could love her so much that He would give up His only Son to come to this world and die for her sins.

Our warm conversation refreshed my spirit and reminded me that I often take God's redemptive and inexhaustible love for granted. I read the following message from an article by Regis Nicoll that especially deals with the subject of God's inexhaustible love:

"At the heart of love is other-centeredness. From small acts of kindness to the laying down of life for another, love is lived out and authenticated through personal sacrifice. It is thus, in the Incarnation, that we find the highest expression of divine love. For there we find a God who refused to exempt Himself from the stinging injustice of a world gone wrong. For a brief moment in history, God set aside His omnipotence to be the Son of Man—the Advocate who presents God to man and man to God.

Making Himself as one of us, God invaded the world, not as sovereign king but as a helpless infant. Associating with the downcast and outcast and ministering to the least and the last, He was shunned by His brothers, rejected by His countrymen, convicted on phony charges, tried by an illegitimate assembly, sentenced to an unjust death, spat upon, beaten, cursed, scourged, nailed to a tree, and, crying out in anguish, killed in infamy with common criminals as the hand of his Father was withheld. If anyone knows, from first-hand experience, about injustice it is He.

Because He walked in our shoes, He is the only deity who can understand our pain, sympathize with our suffering, and be patient with our questioning hearts. The Incarnation is the shocking and irrefutable display of inexhaustible Love."

Mary Lou and I sat together and discussed how impossible it is to fully understand this kind of inexhaustible love the Father has for His creation. In fact it made her weep as she realized how gracious God is to forgive her 48 years of walking away from this incredible love she had once known as a young girl. We can't fully understand it, but by faith we can accept it! I hope you have done so today.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer: Father, we ask that out of Your glorious riches that You might strengthen your children with power through Your Spirit in their inner beings, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith. We pray that they, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that they may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. In the precious name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Brooksyne has written the full story about Mary Lou's heartbreaking childhood experience that embittered her and the physical struggle she faces today in Mary Lou's Story.

 

 

"For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end" (Psalm 48:14).

600,000 Christian Armenians were executed by Young Turks who implemented a genocidal program on April 24, 1915. A young Armenian dragged herself into an American relief camp just inside Russian territory and collapsed in relief. A nurse quickly brought her food and water and asked if she was in pain. The teenager shook her head. "But I have learned the meaning of the cross," she murmured. At the nurse's perplexed look, the girl exposed her shoulder. The shape of a cross had been burned deeply into her flesh. Then she told her story.

Rounded up with others in her village and separated from home and family, she was asked to choose: Muhammad or Christ? "Christ, always Christ!" she replied. Seven days in a row she was asked the same question, and her reply was always the same. And each time she answered, part of a cross was burned into her shoulder. Finally she was told that the next day would be her last chance. If she chose Muhammad, she would live; if she chose Christ, she would die. But that night, hearing rumors that Americans were close by, she escaped to safety. "That," she finished, "is how I learned the meaning of the cross." (Excerpt taken from the book "Christian Heroes".)

The Armenian teenager had to make the difficult choice:  Muhammad or Christ. In the Old Testament three Hebrew boys were also forced to make the difficult choice: bow down to the golden image or remain faithful to the God of Israel. Their ancient story has emboldened saints, both young and old, throughout the ages as they refused to bow down and worship the image Nebuchadnezzar had set up. They expressed unswerving confidence in God even if it meant their lives would be sacrificed.

Psalm 48 is a familiar Scripture passage to many because of a chorus we sing based on the first two verses, "Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised…" This Psalm is written by a group of singers known as the "Sons of Korah". Most likely these were temple singers who lived during the period of the divided kingdom.

This Psalm extols God for His greatness, His deliverance, His unfailing love and other divine attributes. But the Psalm ends with our daily text which empowers us as we transmit the life-changing message of God's truths to our generation. Let us examine it today, consider its relevance, and receive its assurance.

"For this God is our God forever and ever." This is our great God. This God is our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend. Consider His great acts throughout history. Consider the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, of Moses, Joshua, Samuel and David. The God of Ruth, Esther and Mary, of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Daniel. The God of Peter, Stephen and Paul. The God of those who have stood up throughout the long history of the church. Martin Luther, John Wesley, D.L. Moody, Jim Elliot and countless others like the Armenian teenager, whose name we don't even know, in today's opening illustration. 

In your own life consider those who have walked faithfully with God and impacted your life. Some are now with Christ, others still labor here below. Let us together with one heart and one voice declare, "This God is our God! And He will be forever and ever!"

And, "He will be our guide even to the end." What a great promise this is. Let us praise God today and live our lives faithfully in His service, for He is indeed forever God!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, You are great in power and unsurpassed in wisdom. Though Your marvelous handiwork is seen in every direction, Your most awesome work is visible in the way You change and redirect our lives. When we consider the saints throughout history and the marvelous saving power exhibited in their lives we're encouraged by their example and enduring walk with You. We recognize these "greats" of the past and those in our own generation who are faithful and powerful examples. They do not build their own kingdom or take credit for their accomplishments. Instead they declared it is God and God alone who deserves our truest praise, no matter the sacrifice. So we praise You, Lord, and You alone this day as we seek to be faithful even to the end. Amen.

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

"You, O LORD, reign forever; Your throne endures from generation to generation" (Lamentations 5:19).

As God's children we are heirs to a kingdom that will last forever. Jeremiah proclaimed in our daily verse that, "You, O LORD, reign forever." What tremendous assurance this should bring to every believer reading this message today.

Jeremiah didn't make this proclamation of praise in the setting of an edifying worship service where devoted worshipers were excitedly lifting their voices in praise and thanksgiving. Instead he spoke these words even as he was acknowledging the desperation of his people and confessed that they had turned their backs against God. They were spoken during a time of social and spiritual chaos, as Judah's captivity to Babylon was imminent. The period leading up to the fall of Judah is instructive. During this time the nation slipped deeper and deeper into apostasy.

2 Chronicles 36 is a solemn record of the fall of Judah and the onset of the Babylonian Captivity. It records the final three Kings in Judah who were each described as doing "evil in the eyes of the Lord." It's not a pretty picture and without a doubt the people of the land endured grave consequences as a result of having wicked rulers that likely modeled and endorsed their own personal wickedness.

"The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through His messengers again and again, because He had pity on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked God's messengers, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against His people and there was no remedy" (2 Chronicles 36:15,16).

The passage ends with a phrase that greatly intrigues me, "and there was no remedy." There came a point when it's as if God essentially said "Enough is enough." We see this at other times in the Bible such as the flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. We also witness this wrath unfolding as temporal earthly kingdoms fell (Daniel 5). We will one day all see it at the culmination of the age.
 
Where is America as it is being weighed in the balance of God's holy vindication or any other country for that matter? When will it be determined by God that there is no remedy? Surely only God knows, but we must all be numbered among those the Scripture calls a "remnant." The remnant is those whose hearts remain true to God no matter the cost. At the time of Jeremiah's writing, the remnant of true followers would have included Jeremiah, Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach, Abednego and others whose names are not recorded in the Bible.

In our daily text God gave Jeremiah spiritual eyes to look beyond present extreme circumstances and declare, "Your throne endures from generation to generation." Now 2,600 years later all around the world we sing "Our God Reigns." We will be making this proclamation throughout eternity and we will be living it out. In a glimpse behind the veil in John's vision, recorded in the book of Revelation, we read, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever" (11:15). The King of kings will turn our days of mourning into joyous eternal dancing if we keep this extremely important perspective before us today!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer: Dear Father, You were King of the heavens before time was begun and You will be King for all eternity. What joy and assurance that truth brings to our spirits today. Our temporal burdens are lightened when we transport our hearts to the New Jerusalem where there is no temple in the City because You, Lord God Almighty are the City's temple. The City won't need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because Your glory is its light, and the Lamb is the City's lamp. By its light the people of the world will walk. The City's gates will never be shut on any day, because there is no night there. Nothing unclean and no one who does shameful things or tells lies will ever go into it. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life will enter the City. Heal our land and forgive us of our sins. We want to walk earnestly with you on this earth and live with joyous anticipation of eternity in heaven. In the blessed name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

 

 

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Proverbs 14:34).

Finally, it's Election Day here in America. When we pastored in New England our church was on a very busy US highway and was also used as a polling place. We had a large road sign with a changeable message at the entrance. On Election Day my dedicated secretary placed this message on both sides of the sign: "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). For many voters that was probably the extent of their exposure to Scripture!

Half a century ago Peter Marshall made the following cogent statement: "No nation has ever made any progress in a downward direction. No people ever became great by lowering their standards. No people ever became good by adopting a looser morality. It is not progress when the moral tone is lower than it was. It is not progress when purity is not as sweet. Whatever else it is, it is not progress!" 

My family, along with so many others, is praying with great fervency for our country at this time.

We have been disgraced as a nation. The disgrace of sin abounds yet so many are blind to it. As I prepared this message I considered my grandmother who died in the early seventies. As best as I can determine she is a strong link in my spiritual lineage. Could she even have imagined if we were able to foretell the spiritual apathy and moral decadence we are seeing today?

Righteousness fundamentally is attained when individuals, families and churches turn to Christ and live daily in submission to His will. This has an accumulative impact on our community, state and entire nation. Thus a nation's leadership reflects the righteousness or unrighteousness of the people.

The political leadership chosen today certainly will affect the fate of our nation, but we each individually have the decision regarding the fate of our soul. I urge you all to accept or reaffirm your personal decision to follow Christ today and experience God's great hope and peace as a citizen of heaven!

I emphasize again and again the most important decision that we all should make in this life; that we will love and serve Jesus this day and every day forever. As we make this most important decision we will be doing our part to make our country a righteous nation!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer (John Piper has written a prayer most pertinent for our election): Father in heaven, as we approach our national election, I pray that your people will vote, and that they will vote with a sense of thankfulness for a democratic system that at least partially holds in check the folly and evil in all our hearts so that power which corrupts so readily is not given to one group or person too easily. I pray that we would know and live the meaning of being in the world, but not of it, doing politics as though not doing them, being on the earth, yet having our lives hidden with Christ in God, rendering to Caesar the things that are Caesars, and to God the things that are God’s; that we would discern what truths and values should advance by being made law and which should advance only by the leavening of honest influence; that your people would see what love and justice and far-seeing wisdom demand in regard to the issues of education, business and industry, health care, marriage and family, abortion, welfare, energy, government and taxes, military, terrorism, international relations, and every challenge that we will face in the years to come; and above all, that we will treasure Jesus Christ, and tell everyone of his sovereignty and supremacy over all nations, and that long after America is a footnote to the future world, he will reign with his people from every tribe and tongue and nation. Keep us faithful to Christ’s all important Word, and may we turn to it every day for light in these dark times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This prayer is from  "A Prayer For The Election"

 

 

 

"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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I beg you, Father, send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment" (Luke 16:27, 28).

Brooksyne and I both enjoy lighthouses. Since we now live away from the ocean we don't see them as often as when we lived in New England nearer the coast. Our views of lighthouses are generally from land looking out to sea. We see them for their architectural and historical value as well as their sheer beauty. It's also an inspiring sight to see a structure whose foundation is laid in or near the deep sea that has weathered many a storm and yet stands erect year after year. 

But first and foremost lighthouses were built for a specific function, to warn.

Jesus told a powerful story in Luke 16:19-31. Since only Luke tells this story it may not be as familiar to many as other stories that are repeated in all four gospels. Jesus tells the story as an event that actually took place, not as a parable, although it is often interpreted as a parable. 

Essentially two men live out their lives: the first, an unnamed rich man had a wonderful life, "dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day." He is traditionally named "Dives", which is actually the Latin word for "rich" used in the Vulgate translation. The notion that this was the name of the man emerged in medieval times. The other was a poor beggar named Lazarus who lived in physical affliction and abject poverty, "covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores."

In time they both died. Lazarus ascended to "Abraham's side" but the rich man descended to hell where he was in great torment. After seeking some relief from his torment he pleads in the daily verse for Lazarus to go back to earth to warn his five brothers of their impending doom. 

The rich man's perspective had drastically changed. What once seemed so important now meant nothing and what once held little importance now was vital. "Warn them" was the urgent plea from the suffering rich man as he pondered the fate of his brothers who were presumably living in the same earthly manner as he.

This story provides us with a perspective of what really matters in life. Although I am aware that most receiving this encouragement message are followers of Christ, having accepted His forgiveness through the plan of salvation, I feel compelled to warn all. A powerful verse in the book of Hebrews states, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation" (2:3)?

I urge you all to examine the state of your soul today. Are you saved from your sin and living to please the Lord? If so, are You shining your light for Jesus as He has commanded, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify Your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Today's text is abundantly clear: we must live upright godly lives here on earth, warn others and seek to win them to Christ in this life. It will be too late in the life hereafter since the kingdom of earth and the kingdom of heaven are eternally separate. Let's spread the life-saving message of salvation to all who will hear, here and now.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, the story that Jesus shares about the rich man who took no thought for his life after death is a picture of so many who live for the here and now. They store up treasures that don't transfer to eternity and dismiss the truths that do prepare us for eternity. May this illustration bring comfort and peace of heart to those who suffer in this present life, as Lazarus did. May they be reminded of the joyous life yet to come where there is no pain, sorrow, or alienation? And help us to be faithful to warn others to prepare not just for this temporal life, but for eternal life. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen. 

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

 

 

 

 

“And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: He made the stars also” (Genesis 1:16). “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:4). “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit” (Psalm 147:4,5). “Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing” (Isaiah 40:26).

After going to sleep last night I awakened around midnight and since I couldn’t go back to sleep I took our dog Roxie outside and spent a few minutes walking around our yard. (Yes, Roxie was sound asleep, but she would never say “no” to a walk, even in her sleep.) Temperatures dropped through the night and the chilly, fall-like air gave evidence to the official autumn season now in progress. The insect sounds are fading but off in the distance toward the creek I heard the shrieking cry of a wild animal. Then I heard a bawling cow, apparently delivering a calf, coming from the direction of the large dairy farm due east of us.

I then looked up and scanned the skies. It was a clear night and, with the exception of the security lights at a Christian school about a half mile away, we don’t have much “light pollution” out here where we live. The view is outstanding; no admission fee or limited seating! This sight, available to all who are blessed with eyesight, always gives me a perspective jolt. I am faced with feelings of my own human insignificance (or as I like to call it “puniness”) when I consider the vast, vast immensity of the universe.

It has been said that counting the stars in the universe is like trying to count the number of sand grains on a beach, but God made the stars and has each one of them accounted for. Consider the wording from the creation account, “He made the stars also” (Genesis 1:16). He has determined their number and calls them each by name.

I picture the Psalmist scanning the skies as far as the eye can see on a cloudless night, overcome by a sense of awe toward Almighty God. He extols God’s most massive works at creation as “the work of His fingers.” He recognizes that God has set these objects in place. They are not “set in place” as the result of some “big bang” or whatever current scientific theory is presently in vogue.

The prophet Isaiah in proclaiming the vastness of God declares, “Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name.” What a spectacular description of an omnipotent God who not only created the universe but makes it subject to His divine authority.

Though it is awesome to contemplate the mighty universe and the magnificent power of God revealed through His creative works, I humbly consider that He values humankind so much that He clothed Himself in flesh and came to this imperfect world to save us from our sins. Though I might view myself as insignificant God certainly does not. He loves me and the entire human race so much that He sent His one and only Son, so that all who believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, our hearts rejoice with resounding thanksgiving, as we consider that You chose us before the world was made so that we could be Your holy people; people without blame before You. Because of Your love, You chose to make us Your own children through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We are set free by the blood of His death as You forgive us of our sins. Your awesome power is seen not only in the vast universe but in the hearts of men and women, boys and girls whose lives are submitted to Your divine authority. What a magnificent God we serve!

 

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3,4).

I took today’s photo [To see photo, click here] about a mile from our house on an afternoon walk. It’s a peaceful pasture with beautiful white fencing and adequate green grass for the horses to graze. They appear quite content and well cared for.

Early this morning I emailed brief words of encouragement to a few friends who had written about some prayer needs. A pastor friend facing a housing situation since he and his family resigned the church they’d served for many years. Another pastor friend is seeking opportunities to extend his ministry outreach. A truck driver from Canada then called for prayer who has critical decisions to make regarding expensive repairs on his truck. As I shared I was able to use today’s verse as a basis of Biblical encouragement and thus I will do so today for all our readers.

I particularly focus on the words “safe pasture.” Likely our most familiar Biblical use of the word pasture is from the 23rd Psalm where David proclaims, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

Pasture is land with vegetation cover used for grazing of livestock as part of a farm or ranch. We don’t have as much land used for pasture around here as I was accustomed to in southern Missouri or Brooksyne from Oklahoma, since most of the ground in this area is tilled and planted in crops. This brings a recollection of my very colorful Uncle Gentry, a farmer and banker in tiny Harwood Missouri, who referred to golf as “cow pasture pool” (which by the way, fellow Missourian Mark Twain called golf “a good walk spoiled”).

As we walk or drive through the country we enjoy seeing livestock grazing in pasture land and today’s photo is the quintessential view. In today’s verse the Psalmist David, as in Psalm 23, also uses an agricultural illustration to connect to his readers.

“Trust in the Lord and do good.” He begins with this familiar exhortation which is a common theme through the Scriptures and is reflected in the lyrics of the classic hymn, “Trust and obey”. This is at the very heart of what God calls each of us to do in our earthly journey.

“Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” Surely David is foundationally speaking from a spiritual perspective. Safe pasture connotes security, abundance, and faithfulness. A footnote in the NASV indicates that David is giving counsel to his readers to, “feed securely or feed on His faithfulness.” The Amplified Bible directs the reader to, “feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.”

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” We can admire a person from a distance for his or her beauty, talent, skills or accomplishments. But to delight in a person holds deeper meaning since it suggests strong emotional involvement, not a distant admiration.

To delight ourselves in the Lord is to desire and enjoy His nearness and the truth and righteousness of His Word. As we develop and nurture this kind of relationship with God we surrender our desires to Him so that they are in accordance to His will. The desires that flow from our heart will be greatly influenced or originate from His abiding presence in our hearts.

The same deep satisfaction that David referred to 3,000 years ago may also be ours today as we regularly delight ourselves in the Lord. It is in this place of safe pasture that the desires of our heart will be shaped by our loving Lord as we feed on His abundance and live by His principles.

Be encouraged today,

Daily prayer: Father, we place our complete trust in You, for You are a faithful, trustworthy, and loving God. As we feed on Your faithfulness and live by Your righteousness revealed to us through the Scriptures we find ourselves delighting in Your presence. We also delight in You when we sing praises, when we give ourselves in service to others, and most especially when we commune with You in prayer. May the desires of our heart bring delight to Yours as we conform ourselves to Your will and rid ourselves of that which lures us from the safe pasture You have abundantly supplied for those who believe. Amen.

An alert reader pointed out that the Corner Acre Mums we mentioned in yesterday’s message is really open “dawn to dusk” rather than “dusk to dawn” as we had mistakenly posted! (Brooksyne’s Note: I’m the guilty party since I often get the words backwards for the properly designated time. Our neighbors’ business, if it were open from “dusk to dawn” would thrive if they sold moon flowers instead of mums, since moon flowers are most beautiful in the dark.  

 

"You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed" (Luke 10:42).

Here in the United States we are in the midst of a very heated and contentious political race, something we endure every four years when a president is elected. The race underscores the deep ideological divisions in our country. There is much to be distressed about; the troubled economy, the increasing abandonment of Biblical values, the irreverent scorn toward people of Biblical faith and many other issues.

I will admit that I have a really hard time appropriating the truth in today's daily encouragement. Last night I slept poorly and was "worried and upset by many things" because I failed to really focus on the one thing needed. (Instead I was reading up on the news and current events and got myself worked up.) I am sure there are a number of readers who identify with me.

All through life we continue to overcome life's struggles and in my case an ongoing issue is keeping my focus on the Lord. One of the very first Scriptures I committed to memory while still in High School was Isaiah 26:3; "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."

It's interesting to me the times we find the phrase "one thing" in the Bible. The Psalmist testified, "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after!"  (Psalm 27:4). "One thing you lack," said Jesus to the self-righteous, rich, young ruler (Mark 10:21). "One thing I know!" exclaimed the man who had received his sight (John 9:25). "But one thing I do…" Paul stated to the Philippians (3:13).  And Peter wrote: "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2 Peter 3:8).

Today I find perspective from the words of our Lord recorded in Luke 10:42; "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." Many of our readers recognize this familiar portion of Scripture where Jesus uttered these words to one person, Martha, in a specific circumstance. But I feel they have a timeless value when applied to any situation that worries or upsets us. I feel it's a message that expresses the heart of God to all His children. 

Consider the "many things" that worry and upset us. I already mentioned some above that we all may share. Probably you too can identify some specifics in your own life today. It might be a child, your marriage, the state of our nation, world conditions and terrorism, something at your workplace, a medical problem. And the list goes on and on. 

"But only one thing is needed."I think we all know what that is. As we seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness He will take care of [you fill in the blank] which otherwise robs us of the wonderful peace He has to give. God loves us and wants our complete devotion. Let's give it to Him!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, the perfect peace that You grant to the believer comes when our hearts and minds are one with Yours. Though we cannot avoid the strife around us we can experience wonderful peace in our hearts as we meditate upon Your Holy Word which is the one thing You ask of us. Full devotion to You makes our spirit steady, trusting, and secure. You are the unchangeable God in a changeable society, so we hold onto Your steady all powerful Hand in the ups and downs of life. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Here's the context that includes the verse I used today for the daily text. "As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:38-42).

 

 

"So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him" (Matthew 24:44).

 

 

 

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).

Earlier this week we shared of a long term work friendship of Lloyd and Elvin. Today we would like to share of another special friendship. I met Don shortly after moving to Lancaster County in 2001 at one of the companies I served as a chaplain at that time. Don is an outgoing, friendly type and although we have both left the companies we worked for when we met and Don and his wife Carole moved to Colorado Springs we have stayed in contact. Don now works with the Navigators, a Christian discipling ministry.

Shortly after meeting Don I met a friend of Don's named Jimmy. Jimmy, who is similar in age to me lives by himself in a small apartment in right off Main Street in Mount Joy and has a disability known as Tourette Syndrome, as well as diabetes and several other health related issues. He was so sad when Don and Carole moved to Colorado.

Whenever we drive past his apartment and see Jimmy sitting on the porch as he often does we stop and greet him. In my personal ministry and encouragement to him I have stressed that he is an overcomer and Ester will holler out "Jimmy, what are you?" and he will tell us "An overcomer." Ester then jumps out and gives him a big hug.

The other day when we stopped he excitedly told us that Don and Carole were in town for a visit and he was flying back out to Colorado with them for a visit. What a kind gesture on their part and example of AGAPE love in action. 

I've met people who aspire to someday do something great for God, but in the meantime just sit and wait. The daily verse and context give us a glimpse of the specific forms of service that matter to Christ. They're usually not really big things, but the accumulative impact of serious followers of Christ obeying His commands and this is making a tremendous impact on our world. What are you doing today for Christ? 

How we as individuals respond to the least of these in the trenches of life is a great demonstration of our Christ-like character. I am heartened by examples of grace demonstrated to "the least of these." All over the world today both institutionally and individually (but mostly individually) true followers of Christ are actively showing compassion to a hurting, broken world.

I am convinced that one of the truest evidences of an authentic follower of Jesus Christ is how we treat "the least of these." One of the last lessons Christ taught before His death was on this subject. In Matthew 25 He uses representative examples of what we may call the "down and out", "losers", "unlovable", etc. According to Jesus how we respond to the "least of these" is a proof of our true discipleship and criteria for entrance into God's Kingdom. How we deal with the "least of these" determines whether we are a sheep or a goat.

Today we all may very well come in contact with people regarded as the "least of these". How will we respond? 

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Lord, help me to be sensitive to those around me who need my expression of love and care in Your Name.

 

 

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, with solemn hearts and painful memories we remember the extremely wicked events that took place on 9/11/01. Though we witnessed mayhem and saw evil at its worst, mercifully, we also witnessed acts of goodness at their best. Help us to spread the overflowing, enduring hope that does not diminish in the midst of evil, but instead it directs our attention to the unseen future kingdom, the New Jerusalem. The New Jerusalem where Your presence is with Your people for all eternity. Where You will wipe away every tear from our eyes and there will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because all the old ways are gone, and You will make all things new.

 

 

 

•  The ant demonstrates teamwork. Rev. Mackay, a missionary to Uganda, Africa tells how one day he saw a colony of soldier ants suspend themselves by their bodies joined together. They were extending from the ground upward through the air to a piece of meat suspended from a branch of a tree, thus forming a sort of Jacob's ladder of themselves. Upon this ladder the feebler members of the ant colony climbed, and supplied their wants! 

•  The ant demonstrates diligence. They are busy in the work God created for them.

•  The ant demonstrates preparation. "They store up their food in the summer" (Proverbs 30:25). 

•  The ant demonstrates strength. An ant lifts a load many, many times its own weight — I read that a man would have to lift a diesel locomotive and carry it on his back to compare with that of the ant! 

•  The ant demonstrates resourcefulness. A biologist tells how he watched an ant carrying a piece of straw and came to a crack in the earth that was too wide for it to cross. It stood for a time as though pondering the situation, then put the straw across the crack and walked over upon it!