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Friday, July 15, 2016


Canyon Lake, Arizona 7/13/16 (Click to enlarge)
Canyon Lake, Arizona (Click to enlarge)

"Did I Really Say That?"

Message Summary: God bears with us when we say what's on our mind; whether it's wise or foolish. After all, Peter went on to be one of the main spokesmen in the early church. God equips us with wisdom and insight from His Word that gives us further understanding for the unusual and unwelcome surprises we might encounter from time to time. The goodness of the Lord far surpasses our human limitations and frailties. So the next time you or someone you know says something really foolish remember this story and apply grace!

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"Peter said to Him, 'Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' He did not know what he was saying" (Luke 9:33).

It's good to be home after my trip to the Southwest for a chaplain's conference. It's good to be back with my family, especially since I hurt my back a couple days ago and the pain became more intense after my long plane ride so it's great to have a loving wife care for me.

Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs AR I really don't like to travel alone but this year Brooksyne chose to stay home to make our chaplain visits and carry out other local responsibilities. We usually travel together which has made for many memorable family trips.

One of our family's favorite vacation memories took place about twelve years ago in Eureka Springs, Arkansas where we dined in the Crystal Dining Room of the historic Crescent Hotel.  After our delicious meal the harried server came to our table and asked, "Are you ready for deodorant?"

Deodorant Rather embarrassed I offered, "I just took a shower this morning". Brooksyne and Ester were speechless. After the waitress replayed the words in her mind her face turned beet red, for what she really meant to ask was, "Are you ready for dessert?" Because she was in such a rush to get her words out apparently she had run "dessert" and "order" together and it came out "deodorant". We all had a good laugh at her funny gaffe. As we made our way back to Pennsylvania one of us would blurt out, "Are you ready for deodorant?" which got us laughing all over again. And, just in case you're curious, we did order deodorant, I mean dessert!

Have you ever said something and wondered afterwards, "Did I really say that?"

Transfiguration The story of the transfiguration comes to mind. It is an amazing Biblical account of Christ's glory.  Peter, James and John went up on a mountain to pray with Jesus. As Jesus was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, as they talked with Jesus. They spoke about His departure, which He was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.

But I have always been intrigued by Peter's eager suggestion of putting up three shelters: one each for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. What was he thinking! Was this his eager attempt to show hospitality? He would even provide them with their own private dwellings.

Luke candidly points out that Peter
"did not know what he was saying." Mark adds, "They were so frightened" (Mark 9:6). We really don't know what Peter was thinking but we can all identify with feelings of inadequacy when we are fearful; when we're faced with circumstances that we've never encountered before, but feel that we must give a verbal response to the matter before us. Sometimes we just blurt it out before thinking it through!

God bears with us when we say what's on our mind; whether it's wise or foolish. After all, Peter went on to be one of the main spokesmen in the early church. God equips us with wisdom and insight from His Word that gives us further understanding for the unusual and unwelcome surprises we might encounter from time to time. The goodness of the Lord far surpasses our human limitations and frailties. So the next time you or someone you know says something really foolish remember this story and apply grace!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Praying man Daily prayer: Father, what an incredible experience for the disciples to see Jesus, Moses, and Elijah in their heavenly splendor; to witness the true Kingdom of God while they lived here on earth. Theirs was an eyewitness account but there are very special times when we, as believers, experience extraordinary manifestations of Your Heavenly Kingdom in our hearts as well. We welcome the supernatural visitation of the Holy Spirit to renew our spirit and reaffirm our commitment to follow You all the days of our life. And when we may blurt out, not knowing what we are saying thank You for Your grace. In the name of Your precious Son, Jesus, we pray, amen.




Canyon Lake, Arizona 7/13/16 (Click to enlarge)
Another view of Canyon Lake.
(Click to enlarge)
Wednesday afternoon after the conference was over I took a scenic drive east of Phoenix on the "Apache Trail" which winds through the Superstition Mountains and leads to the lake and a rustic town of Tortilla Flat (population 6).

Superstition Mountains, Arizona 7/13/16
The Superstition Mountains are about 25 miles east of Phoenix but can be seen from the city.

Old cars in Goldfield ghost town, Arizona 7/13/16
As you begin the Apache Trail you pass by the Goldfield ghost town where I took a look around from inside my car since it was over 100 degrees. I found it interesting that many of the attractions around Phoenix are closed during the summer. Arriving back in Harrisburg yesterday afternoon it was a hot 97 degrees and yet it felt cool in comparison.

Sam Rust 7/11/16
Sam Rust has a ministry to truck drivers. He recently was acknowledged for 50 years in ministry. Some 35 years ago he brought his mobile truck chapel to our church in northern, PA and parked right in the center of town.

Steve and Lillian Sparks 7/12/16
Seeing old friends at a conference like this reminds you of life's progression. We wonder if we are starting to look older to others? We met Steve and Lillian Sparks back in the late seventies when we were young and served on the district youth committee. Steve served a church near Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant at the time of the accident in 1979 and spoke of having Women Aglow in his church.

Mia Koehne 7/13/16
Our musician for the conference was Mia Koehne who has written some beautiful music such as "You Are Not Alone" Video  (First video on page)


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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 make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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