Daily Encouragement

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"Encourage one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13).

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Wednesday, April 13, 2005

"Our Call"

"The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah' (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus" (John 1:41,42a)

As I continue to live out my faith walk I look daily for open doors and opportunities to serve. A foundational conviction I have is that the Lord providentially places people in our paths and we do well as we see ministry this way and not as something we will do sometime. This applies to all readers today!

I recently had an interesting experience. My neighbor is Amish. He has his own masonry business but since the Amish don't drive he relies on others to get him to jobsites. He has a truck but is not licensed to drive it! He called me and asked me if I would give him a hand. I assisted him in driving to a jobsite and repointing an old stone barn on a farm settled in the early 1700's. I was sure sore when I got through. I am seeking to establish a friendship with him where I can earn his trust and share my faith. This may very well take some time. That's the way a lot of ministry is.

Andrew is one of the lesser-known disciples. Although he came to know Christ first and brings his brother Simon (Peter) to Jesus, he is quickly over-shadowed by his outspoken brother.

Andrew is always bringing people to Jesus in the Gospel accounts. In fact as far as I can determine this is the only thing that distinguishes him. During a hunger crisis he managed to bring a little boy to Jesus even though he didn't appear to have much faith that the boy's contribution would amount to much! He, along with Philip, brought Jesus a message concerning some Greeks that wanted to meet Him.

I note two points in the text.

1) "The first thing" Andrew had found the Messiah and wasted no time in declaring the message to his brother. It was obviously a priority. What an example for us!
2) "He brought him to Jesus." That surely summarizes the best thing we can do for our family and friends.

Let us all be faithful in placing a top priority on God's call upon our lives today to bring people to Jesus.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen C. Weber

I appreciate the feedback I have received to this ministry through the years via email. I just placed a comment form up on the website and Ester was the first to use it. She reads the "encouragement" at school and apparently found the comment form and wrote me a note. (She writes like a young teenager and had been on a youth retreat this last weekend) One of the great things parents rejoice in is seeing evidence of spiritual life and growth in their children. I think you will agree this will surely become one of my all-time favorite feedbacks!

Hey Dad,
How are you? If I am doing better there has to be two of me LOL! You do a great job with the dailyencouragement. Thanks for being a great dad. I love you. I missed you over the weekend so much. How are Roxie and Dottie doing? Tell mom I love her and am praying for her and you. Everyday before school I pray for you and mom and for the dailyencouragement so people can be touched by Jesus. Well, I look forward of seeing you after school. I love you very much.

Love, Ester Weber

PS: That new comment form is here.

We sure enjoy our long country walks and bike rides and here's a photo of a friendly horse approaching us as we stopped by the fence.

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Your comments are welcome! If you are the original recipient (a member of the mailing list) merely reply to this email. If not or you would prefer to use a webform please visit the comments page. I sure appreciate the input and read each comment and am so often encouraged. However due to the volume of email I receive I am not necessarily able to reply personally to each one. I regret this since often readers will share a particular need or have a specific question. I certainly do pray when I receive a prayer request and often my wife Brooksyne joins me.

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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