Thursday, October 19, 2006
 

Where am I?
(Click on photo to enlarge)

(Click here to listen to this message on your audio player.)

"O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways" (Psalm 139:1-3).

A long-time friend of mine and daily encouragement reader is in today's photo. Do you know where he was at the time the photo was taken? Several of you will recognize him and will know where he now lives, which is a clue. But others will observe the info on the gps and thereby will be able to precisely identify where the photo was taken.

One thing is for sure, Christ knows where he was at that very moment and where he presently is at this very instant. GPS and other modern technology is not required for this knowledge and I have tremendous assurance as I consider that my heavenly Father also knows where I am at all times. And this is true for everyone!  He knows me; He's familiar with all my ways. We may all exclaim along with David, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me!" (Psalm 139:6).

Psalm 139 speaks of God's intimate knowledge of us as individuals and His care for each one of us. Although David writes the Psalm very personally, applying these truths to himself, they are equally pertinent to every one of God's creation. We can read it as though we ourselves wrote it.

Today I want to encourage each reader with these truths.  He knows where we are and is intimately acquainted with the very issues that bring on anxiety, pain or temptation. In the midst of it all He encircles us with His loving care as He makes this firm commitment to every one of His children: "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

So, like the Psalmist, we properly respond to Him: "Search me O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23,24).


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, You created me with a set purpose in mind.  During my allotted time on earth it is Your plan that I come to repentance and live a responsible, fulfilling live of service for You.  As You search my heart, may You find it to be pure, undivided, and wholly true to You.  I'm grateful for Your promise to guide me and hold me secure no matter where I dwell. Father, what blessed assurance it brings to know that I can never move beyond Your compassionate care or loving favor.  Not only do You grant me every breath on earth, but You will also help me conquer death.  Because of these glorious provisions, I have blessed assurance now and blessed hope for my eternal future!  Amen. 
 

---

Yesterday I challenged readers to identify the character and reference. "He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, LORD,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'"  The answer is Elijah and the reference is 1 Kings 19:4. Nice job to all who responded. Several guessed the prophet Jonah, who did have a similar experience in chapter 4 of the book that bears his name.

I enjoy this interactive aspect and some of you do as well so I will welcome responses as to where today's photo was taken. Identify the continent, country and if possible precise location (and this is possible based on the info on the gps!)  I'll share the answer tomorrow.

---

"He Knows My Name" by Tommy Walker is a song that comes to mind as I prepare today's message. Here's an audio mp3 of this song from a Canadian church.