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Thursday, January 13, 2011

Window view from the Weber's
We had our first significant snow of the season.
This is a view from our dining room!

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"True Wisdom"

"This is what the LORD says: 'Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the LORD" (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

"Dummies" booksI enjoy a series of books that many of you have heard of and perhaps used. It seems like they're about everywhere and cover just about any subject you can imagine. I am speaking of the "Dummies" series, which began with computer books in the early 90's as I recall. Ollie's is a discount store in our area that has a huge display of these books and I enjoy perusing them, looking for topics that may be of interest. I like the way the information is laid out.  In most cases, in regard to learning about technical issues related to this online ministry, the information in these books is more than adequate and at times still beyond my understanding or present needs!

I must admit the title of these books is insulting! Who likes to be considered a dummy? But the truth is, bluntly speaking, we are all "dummies" in certain areas. Sorry to offend but it's true. In regard to knowledge I consider myself a "generalist" in that I know a little about quite a range of subjects as I have an eclectic range of interests. I have a pretty good grasp of a few subjects and know essentially nothing about many, many others.

In life we need to give our attention to knowing that which matters most and, admittedly, that's a struggle. But above all I want my life to be characterized as one who "understands and knows" God. There's so much to know, and as Scripture declares, "knowledge will increase" (Daniel 12:4). In our day we have an explosion of knowledge with no end in sight. We expect this, particularly in regard to technology. But the main thing remains the main thing and is so powerfully expressed in our ancient daily Scripture text.

Jeremiah received this message from the Lord some 2,600 years ago, yet surely we can see how timely it is for our generation!  The three aspirations so sought after by people of all generations are mentioned here; wisdom, strength and riches.  These are three perennial sources of human pride which leads to boasting, whether inward or visible for all to see.  But God reminds us of that which matters the most; that we understand and know Him.  May we be mindful of this today and order our lives according to this central truth.

Today, as those who love God, may we have a growing knowledge of God and seek understanding regarding His will for our lives as we daily surrender our will to Him. Now, that's true wisdom!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Praying manDaily Prayer: Lord, help us to remember the only boasting that really matters is that we boast in this alone: that we truly know You and understand that You are the Lord who is just and righteous!  Our own pride and forgetfulness of Your wondrous works and miraculous provisions will eventually lead to defeat. Our self-confidence, based solely upon our own abilities or wisdom, leads to misplaced trust and compromise in our spiritual lives.  We consider the Bible heroes and fallen Christians throughout history who allowed pride to master their thoughts and actions.  The enemy they faced was not on the battlefield, but a stronghold within the confines of their own hearts. Wisdom, strength, and riches are providential blessings that we do not deserve, but gifts that You distribute with delight.  May we always heed the warning from I Cor. 10:12, "If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin." In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

Brooksyne's Note: It is true that knowledge continues to increase and be more readily available with every passing day. There are also many modifications and debunking of information we once thought to be true but is proven false in the light of further exploration and technological research.  But the ancient Scripture does not need modification and its message is ALWAYS relevant for every believer in every corner of the world. Technology does not know the spiritual heart of man, but the Creator certainly does!  We gratefully receive the blessings that come when we heed His warnings.  



Some more scenes from our home after the snow

Window view from the Weber's
Our backyard

Window view from the Weber's
Our frontyard

And here's another photo from the Pennsylvania Farm Show.
2011 Pennsylvania Farm Show duckling slide
A duckling slide!




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.)

"Oh, I Want To Know You More" with prayer  Video  Steve Fry

"Knowing You Jesus"  Video  We used this song the other day but it also fits so well  with today's message.  The singer is not identified but I sure like this version.

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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, 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."

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