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Monday, May 28, 2012
A creative homeowner found a new purpose for these old wagon wheels on Colebrook Road here in Lancaster County. They lead right up off the busy road and are likely no longer used except to get the mail.
Notice the ground cover growing on the steps!
Listen
to this
message on
your
audio player.
"Remember The Days Of Old"
"Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you" (Deuteronomy 32:7). "Remember your leaders, who spoke the Word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith" (Hebrews 13:7).
Today is Memorial Day here in America, a day primarily set aside to remember the fallen from America's Civil War but has also grown into a time we remember all who have fallen in war. This is commendable and we must not forget the sacrifices made to maintain our freedom.
It
is also a time when many
especially remember their loved ones who have died.
I consider a country cemetery near Schell City MO where my parents are
buried. Due to the distance I am unable to visit the sight but the Scripture on their tombstone expresses the faith they had in God, "For me to live is Christ, to die is gain."
But today let us also consider spiritual leadership. Moses prepared to pass the mantle of leadership on to his successor Joshua. In his final sermon (the Book of Deuteronomy) he called the people to "Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past." I believe this to be a command for all people of all generations, not just the initial listeners. Of course "the days of old and generations long past" have been growing since Moses gave this command some 3,400 years ago!
It's interesting to see how many times the Bible reminds us to consider our history. History was very important in the life of the people. Great New Testament sermons like Peter's (Acts 2) and Stephen's (Acts 7) are rooted in history, the record of God's providential work in space and time. Hebrews 12, known as the faith chapter, commends "the ancients" for their faith, name by name. It is an excellent overview of God's working in history in the lives of prominent Bible characters.
Today I believe one of the great strategies of Satan is a blurring and de-emphasis of history, whether it be the deceptions of the historical revisionists or the extremely poor grasp of history evident among so many. If Satan can get us to lose perspective of the past a trap is set for the lie of living only for the "Now." Forget the past and we place little value on the future, supremely our eternal future.
"Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you." Many like me can no longer ask our father. Of course some have not known the love of an earthly father, but we do well to inquire of our spiritual fathers and elders. Above all we learn from the elders in the Holy Scriptures.
The writer of Hebrews reminded his readers and all of us to "Remember your leaders, who spoke the Word of God to you." Consider those who have shared God's Word with you throughout your life. For many it will be a godly parent or close relative. It may be a pastor, Sunday School teacher or other church leader. For some it will be a camp counselor or another individual you met along life's journey who has impacted your life for Christ.
I once asked a congregation if they would like to verbally pay tribute to someone who had made an impact on their life. Peter, a few years older than I, recalled an earnest teacher in his Junior High class who often stressed "the fundamental fundamentals and basical basics." Peter shared how the students snickered at the teacher's improper English and oft repeated phrase but in retrospect over the years he realizes how her earnest emphasis on truth made a difference in his life, by her words and her conduct.
We are also called to "consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." I am so thankful for those whose lives I have personally observed as I witnessed the transforming change Christ makes. The leaders whom our text refers to were real people who were known personally by those they served. The word for imitate is a Greek word from which we get "mimic".
Today, let us indeed remember the days of old and consider the value of generations long past! Let us remember our leaders, who spoke the Word of God to us and consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Ancient of Days, You have given us Your Holy Word as a
spiritually historical foundation to build our lives upon.
Through the centuries Your greatness is demonstrated through ordinary
people just like us and through Your awesome acts that reveal Your
incomparable power and divine attributes. History in the past and
history in the making is subordinate to Your sovereign work in the
lives of Your people. We lovingly submit ourselves into Your
merciful hands. Amen.
Consider the following aspects of our heritage:
Please note: I was mistaken in the Scripture reference in Thursday's daily message. I had Ezekiel 6:10. It should have been Jeremiah 6:10.
Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
In today's message I referred to a friend named Peter and how a Junior High Sunday School teacher made an impact on his life. Several years ago I wrote a message titled "Mr Harding" that shares a similar story concerning my Junior High Sunday School teacher.
Last Wednesday - Friday I attended a
pastor's briefing in Washington DC sponsored by Watchmen
Pastors. As expected I indeed was challenged to stand in faithfulness to God by prayer, preaching His Word, and partnering with other Watchmen pastors in confronting our
increasingly evil society.
Several highlights:
I attended with my Pastor, John Keefer, and brother, Pat Weber, who serves a church in the Lehigh Valley.
The meeting was opened with a Messianic rabbi blowing the Shofar.
On Wednesday evening we had a tour of the nation's capitol and a reminder of the rich Christian heritage we have and the faith of many of the founders. The tour guide explained the historical significance of the huge paintings in the capitol rotunda.
On Thursday afternoon several
buses went around Washington and we prayed at various sights. My bus
went to the State Department and then to the Pentagon. In this photo John and I are at a place of
prayer at the Air Force Memorial overlooking Washington (Note the Washington Memorial between us).
Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of Billy Graham, shared a stirring message. She reported that her father is in his mid nineties and finds it difficult to walk and hear yet remains mentally and spiritually sharp. Many speakers challenged us to pray, preach the Word and partner with others who will take a stand for righteousness. There were about six hundred in attendance.
We heard outstanding music by Charles Billingsley. I especially enjoyed the following songs:
"God Of The Ages" Video
"Christ Is Able" Video
This is my second attendance at the Pastor's briefing and I plan to return next year. I would encourage like-minded pastors to consider attending next year as well!
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
<Previous Message Next Message>
Monday, May 28, 2012
A creative homeowner found a new purpose for these old wagon wheels on Colebrook Road here in Lancaster County. They lead right up off the busy road and are likely no longer used except to get the mail.
Notice the ground cover growing on the steps!
Listen
to this
message on
your
audio player."Remember The Days Of Old"
"Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you" (Deuteronomy 32:7). "Remember your leaders, who spoke the Word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith" (Hebrews 13:7).
Today is Memorial Day here in America, a day primarily set aside to remember the fallen from America's Civil War but has also grown into a time we remember all who have fallen in war. This is commendable and we must not forget the sacrifices made to maintain our freedom.
It
is also a time when many
especially remember their loved ones who have died.
I consider a country cemetery near Schell City MO where my parents are
buried. Due to the distance I am unable to visit the sight but the Scripture on their tombstone expresses the faith they had in God, "For me to live is Christ, to die is gain."But today let us also consider spiritual leadership. Moses prepared to pass the mantle of leadership on to his successor Joshua. In his final sermon (the Book of Deuteronomy) he called the people to "Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past." I believe this to be a command for all people of all generations, not just the initial listeners. Of course "the days of old and generations long past" have been growing since Moses gave this command some 3,400 years ago!
It's interesting to see how many times the Bible reminds us to consider our history. History was very important in the life of the people. Great New Testament sermons like Peter's (Acts 2) and Stephen's (Acts 7) are rooted in history, the record of God's providential work in space and time. Hebrews 12, known as the faith chapter, commends "the ancients" for their faith, name by name. It is an excellent overview of God's working in history in the lives of prominent Bible characters.
Today I believe one of the great strategies of Satan is a blurring and de-emphasis of history, whether it be the deceptions of the historical revisionists or the extremely poor grasp of history evident among so many. If Satan can get us to lose perspective of the past a trap is set for the lie of living only for the "Now." Forget the past and we place little value on the future, supremely our eternal future.
"Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you." Many like me can no longer ask our father. Of course some have not known the love of an earthly father, but we do well to inquire of our spiritual fathers and elders. Above all we learn from the elders in the Holy Scriptures.
The writer of Hebrews reminded his readers and all of us to "Remember your leaders, who spoke the Word of God to you." Consider those who have shared God's Word with you throughout your life. For many it will be a godly parent or close relative. It may be a pastor, Sunday School teacher or other church leader. For some it will be a camp counselor or another individual you met along life's journey who has impacted your life for Christ.
I once asked a congregation if they would like to verbally pay tribute to someone who had made an impact on their life. Peter, a few years older than I, recalled an earnest teacher in his Junior High class who often stressed "the fundamental fundamentals and basical basics." Peter shared how the students snickered at the teacher's improper English and oft repeated phrase but in retrospect over the years he realizes how her earnest emphasis on truth made a difference in his life, by her words and her conduct.
We are also called to "consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." I am so thankful for those whose lives I have personally observed as I witnessed the transforming change Christ makes. The leaders whom our text refers to were real people who were known personally by those they served. The word for imitate is a Greek word from which we get "mimic".
Today, let us indeed remember the days of old and consider the value of generations long past! Let us remember our leaders, who spoke the Word of God to us and consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Ancient of Days, You have given us Your Holy Word as a
spiritually historical foundation to build our lives upon.
Through the centuries Your greatness is demonstrated through ordinary
people just like us and through Your awesome acts that reveal Your
incomparable power and divine attributes. History in the past and
history in the making is subordinate to Your sovereign work in the
lives of Your people. We lovingly submit ourselves into Your
merciful hands. Amen.Consider the following aspects of our heritage:
- Our Family Heritage.
- Our National Heritage.
- Our Local Church Heritage
- Our Faith Heritage.
- Our Heritage in the larger Church we are a part of. Nearly 2000 years of people faithfully serving Christ!
- Our Biblical Heritage.
- Our personal heritage since we began our walk with the Lord.
Please note: I was mistaken in the Scripture reference in Thursday's daily message. I had Ezekiel 6:10. It should have been Jeremiah 6:10.
Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
In today's message I referred to a friend named Peter and how a Junior High Sunday School teacher made an impact on his life. Several years ago I wrote a message titled "Mr Harding" that shares a similar story concerning my Junior High Sunday School teacher.
Last Wednesday - Friday I attended a
pastor's briefing in Washington DC sponsored by Watchmen
Pastors. As expected I indeed was challenged to stand in faithfulness to God by prayer, preaching His Word, and partnering with other Watchmen pastors in confronting our
increasingly evil society.Several highlights:
I attended with my Pastor, John Keefer, and brother, Pat Weber, who serves a church in the Lehigh Valley.
The meeting was opened with a Messianic rabbi blowing the Shofar.
On Wednesday evening we had a tour of the nation's capitol and a reminder of the rich Christian heritage we have and the faith of many of the founders. The tour guide explained the historical significance of the huge paintings in the capitol rotunda.
Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of Billy Graham, shared a stirring message. She reported that her father is in his mid nineties and finds it difficult to walk and hear yet remains mentally and spiritually sharp. Many speakers challenged us to pray, preach the Word and partner with others who will take a stand for righteousness. There were about six hundred in attendance.
We heard outstanding music by Charles Billingsley. I especially enjoyed the following songs:
"God Of The Ages" Video
"Christ Is Able" Video
This is my second attendance at the Pastor's briefing and I plan to return next year. I would encourage like-minded pastors to consider attending next year as well!
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
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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.
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