Daily Encouragement Net (Print Version)

“Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13).

A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.

Monday, May 23, 2005

"The Great Joy Of Spiritual Influence"

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (3 John 1:4).

We had two separate guests visit our home this last weekend. One, a young man and his family who will soon be leaving for missions service to Peru. I became Doug's pastor when he was about four years old. He grew up in the church I served in north central Pennsylvania before going on to Moody Bible Institute.

Sarah and her mother, Linda, also visited us. Sarah was about 12 when we assumed the pastorate in New England. She is now at Zion Bible Institute preparing for missions service.

What do you find pleasurable in life? What brings you the greatest joy? Well, I can think of many activities and occasions that bring me joy and pleasure. Joy is a wonderful component of the abundant life ordained for us in Christ. There are many sources of joy, but a source of great joy is the tremendous fulfillment that comes as we serve the Lord and make a spiritual impact upon others.

There's such a wonderful satisfaction when we see those whom we've poured our lives into carrying on the work of ministry as they serve God and His people. The apostle John surely experienced this when he wrote "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (3 John 1:4).

I hope you know this joy of ministry today. I hope it's a living experience that you will pass on to your children and grandchildren. I have long been blessed by this verse. Its truth can be expressed as we see spiritual progress and faithfulness in our own children, as well as our "spiritual children" (those whom we influence for Christ). It seems to me that the Apostle John is likely referring to the latter. John rightly identifies this as a great joy and I'm sure that many of us can relate to this wonderful blessing.

Today every one of us has the opportunity to impact our world for Christ and for eternity. I hope we can all get an encouraging evidence of this impact as Brooksyne and I did this last weekend that will bring great joy to our hearts. Let us stay faithful!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's note: One of our great memorable moments was having Doug over as a little tike and he commented on a meal I had made, "This meal isn't good Mrs. Weber" and he paused while we wondered why he would say such a thing. But he continued with a smile, "It's great!"

Final note: Aren't little children a blessing! I asked Doug's little three year old daughter if she would like to go with me across the road from our house to see the baby corn. As I carried her I looked out over the fields and explained that these were farms. She asked me, "Is this where old McDonald had a farm?"

****************************************

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.”

"Living today anchored in God’s solid foundation"