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Daily Encouragement Net
"Encourage one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13).
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Thursday, March 10, 2005

"Life Comes At You Fast"

"I was young and now I am old" (Psalm 37:25).  "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14).

This Saturday I have the privilege of performing the wedding ceremony for a young couple. They both profess faith in Christ and desire to build their marriage on mutual commitment to the Lord and each other. Brooksyne and I pray that they will have a blessed marriage. We have enjoyed sharing spiritual principles with them in our preparation sessions*.

This last Sunday I sat behind another young couple who held their infant daughter, who was pleasantly distracting as she turned around and watched us through the service. Following the service I asked this couple to join me as we walked over to greet the couple who will be getting married, as well as the bride's parents. I shared with her parents that it really wasn't that long ago that they carried their daughter to church like this infant and watched her as she grew up. And now here they were in church together for the final time with their single daughter!

There's an ad running right now that uses the phrase "Life comes at you fast." I can't recall what it's advertising, but that sure is a true statement. The Psalmist makes a simple declaration in the daily Scripture portion, "I was young and now I am old." Although I got my AARP invitation (addressed to Ms. Stephanie Weber) upon turning 50 last fall, I sure don't consider myself old… yet. But I'm sure not young anymore. My body reminds me often of that truth!

Life does come at you fast. Value your relationships. Store up treasure in heaven. Keep growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

PS: I shared how my daughter had her 16th birthday yesterday. She had a wonderful day with many expressions of love at school, at church and in our home. However she's beginning to understand the fleeting nature of life. She said to me last night, "I hope this year goes real slow."

Note from Brooksyne:  Life really does come at you fast.  I prepared birthday treats for Ester's youth group last night and I was invited to stay for a little celebration.  Before the youth prayed for Ester she broke down as she shared with the other young people and their leaders, "I can't believe I'm here. Thank you all for helping me and praying for me over the years" (She's very aware of the medical miracles she's experienced over and over in her short 16 years).  Her heartfelt words made me aware that the more difficulty we endure in this life the more we're mindful of our blessings.  This is true of our relationships as well. 

*One of the assignments we gave the couple in preparation for their coming marriage was to interview 3 couples who've been married for approximately 50 years.  In asking pertinent questions they were able to consider the important principles these elderly couples applied to their marriage that has made their commitment an enduring one.  Yes, life really does come at you fast, but God has helped us prepare for life's battles by revealing timeless truths as "He goes before us" directing our paths.


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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
 
Personal Mission Statement: "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."

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