"The House of the Heroes" (Nehemiah 3:16).

My Uncle Jim was a navy pilot who flew off aircraft carriers in the Pacific during World War 2.  He married my mother's youngest sister in September 1944 just prior to being shipped off to war.  After the service they settled to raise their family in Lincoln, Nebraska. Uncle Jim is now the oldest living member of that generation in our family (actually he has been for the last nine years since my Dad died).

This year he and my Aunt Frances will celebrate their 63rd wedding anniversary.  I spoke to my Aunt Frances this morning and they are doing relatively well in what she calls the "bonus years" (80+).  They now enjoy their great-grandchildren and the family will gather this afternoon for fried chicken.  Although Uncle Jim's had some health problems he has not missed a single family reunion since the tradition began in 1975 following the deaths of my grandparents. We sure hope to see him again this August when we meet in Branson Missouri and Aunt Frances tells me they're planning on coming!

Our culture is obsessed by heroes.  Just consider the typical hero in the sports or entertainment world.  Although having great talent on the field or on the stage, they often have poor character traits such as immoral lifestyles, unfaithfulness, lack of self-control, etc. 

Today's Scripture verse is intriguing.  It's found in a rather matter of fact description of the city of Jerusalem as it was being rebuilt after the exile.  I was unable to find any information about this "House of the heroes." Other versions use the phrase "the house of the mighty" or a similar expression.  I suppose it was some type of memorial to honor their great leaders.

I want you to consider people like my Uncle Jim. You surely have some family members or close friends you personally know like this. These are the people who have lived faithfully and demonstrated character in the long haul of life.  Today, let us remember who these real heroes are, both living and deceased, and let us honor them.

Finally consider what constitutes real heroism and live your life in such a manner that by the grace of God you might also leave a legacy of faithfulness and virtuous character to those who follow.  Hopefully those who know you well will speak of you as one who exemplifies a spirit-filled life and walks with uprightness of character.


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, we know that You've not called us to do a sprint in this lifelong spiritual marathon.  Nor have Your rules required that we compete with our brothers and sisters but You've shown us that we are to come alongside them instead.  You qualify us for the ultimate prize of eternity in heaven as we remain faithful and as we endure to the very end.  Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true!  Amen.

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Personal note: Today is "Memorial Day" here in the USA, a day when we are especially called to remember the sacrifices of those who have died in war. I am sure there are readers today who have loved ones killed in war.  For some of you it is perhaps a recent death.  In my case I am not aware of anyone in my family or anyone I have known personally who has died in war. But today as we still live in a dispensation of "wars and rumors of wars" I do remember and honor those who have perished.  Let us continue to serve the Lord as we await that promised time when all war will cease.

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Today's suggested song:
"Lord Reign In Me" (listen to audio)

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Personal Ministry Update