Daily Encouragement Net Header
A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.
Home   About Us  Archives   Free email subscription   ListenListen to these messages
  
Donate
 See here for more info.
<Previous Message                                                    Next Message

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Lime Valley Covered Bridge
One of many covered bridges here in Lancaster County.

ListenListen to us share this message on your audio player.

"Because He Always Lives!"

"Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25).

All teachers at times unintentionally misspeak and I'm very prone to doing so.  Usually Brooksyne tells me afterwards but sometimes a member of the congregation will approach with a smile or quizzical look if she's not around. 

Once I was preaching a message and sharing how that Jesus used illustrations such as agriculture that really connected to His hearers.  I went on to say, "If Jesus were alive today…" and continued to share how He might use present day illustrations that would be identified by His hearers in our society today.  Later Brooksyne reminded me that Jesus is very much alive!  Of course I meant to convey "if Jesus was still about His earthly ministry."  Yes ineed, Jesus is most certainly alive today!

The daily Scripture text has rightly brought hope and encouragement to so many throughout the ages of the Church.  Consider the power of each individual phrase.  Read them slowly and ponder their rich meanings.  "He is able", "to save completely", "those who come to God through Him" and "to intercede for them".  And of course I left out the single phrase I want to reflect on this morning:  "Because He always lives."

The message that we especially celebrate on Easter is actually a daily, life-impacting truth.  He always lives.  Today some of you are in a valley, and the shadow that falls over you is like a darkness that "veils His lovely face".  The trouble overshadows You while the Savior seems far away.  Remember this important Biblical truth today: He always lives and He is ever interceding for you.

In His wondrous and mysterious providence God ordains the valley for your ultimate good.  It is in the valley that He restores Your soul and gives you needed perspective.  In 2 Corinthians 1:9 Paul writes that he suffered hardships even to the point of feeling the sentence of death.  "But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead."  He delivers us from our troubles and raises our hopes beyond our present circumstances.

Others of you are on a mountain of temporal success and well being. Your health is good, the kids are behaving, and the job seems steady.  We certainly rejoice and give thanks for these peaceful periods in our lives. 

But remember, it's only temporary and don't be lulled into complacency or self-sufficiency like the man God called a fool.  Jesus always lives and He's got a plan much larger and better coming.

Last night we had a fellowship dinner with our small group and later a number of us gathered in the living room and sang hymns around the piano.  One of the cherished songs we sang, written during our own generation, sums up our message today.  If you can; sing the words to this classic song written by Bill Gaither.  Don't just sing it, but believe its message today!  It will erase any fear you might be experiencing and fill you with bright hope no matter what you face this day, because indeed, Jesus always lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living, just because He lives.


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer: Father, we are thankful that there is no one who comes to You through Jesus who goes away unable to find reconciliation with You, for You save completely and to the uttermost.  Because Your Son lives and intercedes for us we have renewed hope daily for the circumstances of our lives and for the people that are dear to our hearts.  Fill our hearts anew with hope, encouragement and endurance as we stand upon Your Word and fully trust You to guide our lives this day.  Amen.



Williamsport CBMC team meeting
Yesterday I travelled to Williamsport, Pennsylvania to attend a CBMC team leadership meeting in that area with Dave Balinski, a friend of mine, who is the regional director for CBMC. These men are interested in serving the Lord in their business and reaching others for Christ.

Ten Commandments for Business (click to enlarge)
I enjoy working with business people who seek to honor the Lord. The meeting was held in the office of a financial planner who had "The 10 Commandments for Our Business" posted prominently in his foyer. (click here to enlarge and read.)

Dinner fellowship 4/14/09
Last night the home Bible study group we have been a part of for the past couple years met in our home for dinner.

Three babies 04/09
We had one very loud house last night and these three little bundles of life, held by their dads, sure contributed to the decibel level!



Today's Suggested Music
and Supplemental Resources
Click on the link to open and play.
In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.

"Because He Lives"  Video  

"He Reigns"  Video

"Resurrection"  Video

Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne.



Sign up here for the free daily email encouragement.

Permissions: Please feel free to pass on, reproduce and distribute any material on Daily Encouragement Net, in part or in whole, in any format, provided that you do not alter the wording in any way or charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. It is our desire to spread this material, not protect or restrict it. I do request that you keep the contact, copyright and subscription information intact.

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, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. 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."

Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com 
© Copyright 2009 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552  USA

Home
www.dailyencouragement.net
Contact us


"Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation"