A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.
Home About Us Archives Free email subscription
Listen
to these
messages
Text only
for
printing
See here
for more info.
<Previous Message Next Message>
Friday, February 22, 2013
This week we came upon this horse and buggy with a second horse trailing behind. As we were passing we noted that the trailing horse's muzzle was nestled through the buggy's back window. Depending on the range of the horse's snorts, this driver probably got a slobbery in-house shower here and there!
Listen to this message on your
audio player.
"The Demonizing Of Virtue"
(Calling Good Evil)
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge" (2 Peter 1:5). "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter" (Isaiah 5:20). "Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand" (Daniel 12:10).
I recently sat across from a pastor friend who shared that he was working on a series of messages dealing with the current moral conditions of our land. With society's increasing permissiveness, acceptance, and celebratory attitude toward sin, he's aware that he might face some backlash. He will likely be misunderstood by those who are being shaped by today's culture. Addressing subject matters that would have been universally condemned just 25 years ago will now get you labeled intolerant, ignorant or even hateful (three popular designations used by the forces of evil to silence truth).
We need to pray for those who stand up for righteousness and speak the truth, whether on a national level or in our local churches. A growing form of persecution are the recurring efforts by those with an ungodly worldview seeking to silence or even demonize those who hold to Biblical standards.
A number of times throughout this series we have written about "calling evil good", but today let us deal with the inevitable corollary "calling good evil".
Our
first daily text is from a portion known as the ladder of virtues which
we memorized many years ago. Virtue is the second step following the
foundational step of faith. Other versions translate it "moral
excellence", "goodness", "excellence of character" all translating the
Greek word "arete".
Like many of you we keep up with the current news regarding world conditions. This can be helpful in understanding the times, in knowing how to pray, and in keeping up our guard to resist and combat the enemy's tactics. There is no shortage of current illustrations regarding this act of "calling good evil". Biblically literate readers can find multiple illustrations in today's newspaper, on the internet, or any other form of media.
Among the signs of our culture's moral downfall is the failure to uphold the Creator's standards. Confusion is spreading like a raging forest fire even among those who at one time were not hesitant to recognize good from evil as taught in the Scriptures. As a result evil is called good and good is called evil.
Another major contributor to our present cultural outlook is that a growing majority are defining evil and good solely by the philosophies and academia of our current generation rather than time honored and proven truth as established over the centuries with its origins from the Bible. Dietrich Bonhoeffer's former student and close friend, Eberhard Bethge, gives further insight when he describes that which shaped Bonhoeffer's philosophies, convictions, and steadfast courage during World War 2:
"The rich world of his ancestors set the standards for Dietrich Bonhoeffer's own life. It gave him a certainty of judgment and manner that cannot be acquired in a single generation. He grew up in a family that believed the essence of learning lay not in a formal education but in the deeply rooted obligation to be guardians of a great historical heritage and intellectual tradition." *
Isaiah's "woe" in our second text is timeless. "Woe" is a literal transliteration of the Hebrew. In other words it's an expression that sounds the same in Hebrew, English or any language (similar to the word, "hallelujah"). Woe is also an onomatopoeia, which is when the formation of a word imitates the natural sound associated with the object or action involved. Consider the sounds of deep, painful wailing.
Woe is an exclamation of pain and grief. As our culture drifts farther and farther from its Biblical moorings we see the truth of Isaiah's proclamation. Do we also feel his exclamation of woe?
What is the source of this woe? Three are listed in the daily text.
Those:
1) who call evil good and good evil,
2) who put darkness for light and light for darkness,
3) who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.
Biblical morality is turned on its head, not only in Isaiah's cultural setting but also in our lifetime. Sometimes I am stunned by what is now so contrary to the right and wrong I was taught as a child and commonly believed by believers and non-believers alike.
Today let us remain faithful to the perspective that God gives us through the inspiration of Scripture. As unpopular, "intolerant", socially insensitive, and politically incorrect as it may be let us continue to call evil "evil". As God's children let us hear the words of the apostle Paul and "hate what is evil; cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father,
as we hate that which is evil and cling to that which is good we must
be clear in our minds about good and evil. We don't write our own
playbook based upon popularity polls or by that which makes us
"cool" or "staying up with the times" based on the trends of our
society. We look to the ancient words of Scripture, honored by godly
men and women, boys and girls throughout the centuries who believe in
the inspiration of the Scriptures, who held to its teachings and lived
by the standards as prescribed within the Word. May it always be our
reference point in judging that which is evil and that which is good.
In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
"Voice of Truth" Video Casting Crowns
"Refine Me" Video Travis Cottrell
"Search Me, Know Me" Video Travis Cottrell
"I'd Rather Have Jesus" Video Sung by Buller, Balzer and Aichele
* "Bonhoeffer, Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy" by Eric Metaxas - I (Brooksyne) just began reading this inspiring biography loaned to us by a friend, and found the stimulating quote by Bethge, on the first page of chapter one. Should be an interesting and inspiring book to read.
For further insight:
We find ourselves confused. Today, one person's opinion is considered equivalent to another's. A common misconception is epitomized in this often used statement: 'We will listen to one side and then to the other and the truth is somewhere in the middle'.
In fact, one opinion could be 100% correct and the other 100% wrong. If this is true, the middle is also wrong, likely even 100% wrong as well. As an example, if someone asks which city is the home of the Lakers professional basketball team and one answers "Chicago", they are completely wrong. So is Kansas City or Denver or other 'middle' answers. Compromise may be appropriate when it comes to issues lacking a moral absolute and merely are simply of personal preferences. Yet, to our shame, truth is often foolishly discarded in the name of tolerance. The truth? Whenever it is ignored or willingly discarded, it will come back to bite us.
In the great Greek and Roman civilizations, scholars and philosophers sought truth and understood the importance of achieving understanding. Christian critical thinking that formed our great nation gave us the Bible as the primary source of truth with reasoning to find truth in those things not expressly taught in the scriptures. Our current mindset has not only allowed but we have come to fully embrace concepts we know through reason as false. Why? We don't want to acknowledge the truth of the scriptures. We don't want God. From here.
Finally Today:
We enjoy feeding birds and normally squirrels are a pest, taking the feed we intend for birds. We placed the decorative corn from our fall display down low and this squirrel is enjoying some tasty kernels.
<Previous Message Next Message>
Friday, February 22, 2013
This week we came upon this horse and buggy with a second horse trailing behind. As we were passing we noted that the trailing horse's muzzle was nestled through the buggy's back window. Depending on the range of the horse's snorts, this driver probably got a slobbery in-house shower here and there!
Listen to this message on your
audio player."The Demonizing Of Virtue"
(Calling Good Evil)
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge" (2 Peter 1:5). "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter" (Isaiah 5:20). "Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand" (Daniel 12:10).
I recently sat across from a pastor friend who shared that he was working on a series of messages dealing with the current moral conditions of our land. With society's increasing permissiveness, acceptance, and celebratory attitude toward sin, he's aware that he might face some backlash. He will likely be misunderstood by those who are being shaped by today's culture. Addressing subject matters that would have been universally condemned just 25 years ago will now get you labeled intolerant, ignorant or even hateful (three popular designations used by the forces of evil to silence truth).
We need to pray for those who stand up for righteousness and speak the truth, whether on a national level or in our local churches. A growing form of persecution are the recurring efforts by those with an ungodly worldview seeking to silence or even demonize those who hold to Biblical standards.
A number of times throughout this series we have written about "calling evil good", but today let us deal with the inevitable corollary "calling good evil".
Our
first daily text is from a portion known as the ladder of virtues which
we memorized many years ago. Virtue is the second step following the
foundational step of faith. Other versions translate it "moral
excellence", "goodness", "excellence of character" all translating the
Greek word "arete".Like many of you we keep up with the current news regarding world conditions. This can be helpful in understanding the times, in knowing how to pray, and in keeping up our guard to resist and combat the enemy's tactics. There is no shortage of current illustrations regarding this act of "calling good evil". Biblically literate readers can find multiple illustrations in today's newspaper, on the internet, or any other form of media.
Among the signs of our culture's moral downfall is the failure to uphold the Creator's standards. Confusion is spreading like a raging forest fire even among those who at one time were not hesitant to recognize good from evil as taught in the Scriptures. As a result evil is called good and good is called evil.
Another major contributor to our present cultural outlook is that a growing majority are defining evil and good solely by the philosophies and academia of our current generation rather than time honored and proven truth as established over the centuries with its origins from the Bible. Dietrich Bonhoeffer's former student and close friend, Eberhard Bethge, gives further insight when he describes that which shaped Bonhoeffer's philosophies, convictions, and steadfast courage during World War 2:
"The rich world of his ancestors set the standards for Dietrich Bonhoeffer's own life. It gave him a certainty of judgment and manner that cannot be acquired in a single generation. He grew up in a family that believed the essence of learning lay not in a formal education but in the deeply rooted obligation to be guardians of a great historical heritage and intellectual tradition." *
Isaiah's "woe" in our second text is timeless. "Woe" is a literal transliteration of the Hebrew. In other words it's an expression that sounds the same in Hebrew, English or any language (similar to the word, "hallelujah"). Woe is also an onomatopoeia, which is when the formation of a word imitates the natural sound associated with the object or action involved. Consider the sounds of deep, painful wailing.
Woe is an exclamation of pain and grief. As our culture drifts farther and farther from its Biblical moorings we see the truth of Isaiah's proclamation. Do we also feel his exclamation of woe?
What is the source of this woe? Three are listed in the daily text.
Those:
1) who call evil good and good evil,
2) who put darkness for light and light for darkness,
3) who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.
Biblical morality is turned on its head, not only in Isaiah's cultural setting but also in our lifetime. Sometimes I am stunned by what is now so contrary to the right and wrong I was taught as a child and commonly believed by believers and non-believers alike.
Today let us remain faithful to the perspective that God gives us through the inspiration of Scripture. As unpopular, "intolerant", socially insensitive, and politically incorrect as it may be let us continue to call evil "evil". As God's children let us hear the words of the apostle Paul and "hate what is evil; cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father,
as we hate that which is evil and cling to that which is good we must
be clear in our minds about good and evil. We don't write our own
playbook based upon popularity polls or by that which makes us
"cool" or "staying up with the times" based on the trends of our
society. We look to the ancient words of Scripture, honored by godly
men and women, boys and girls throughout the centuries who believe in
the inspiration of the Scriptures, who held to its teachings and lived
by the standards as prescribed within the Word. May it always be our
reference point in judging that which is evil and that which is good.
In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
"Voice of Truth" Video Casting Crowns
"Refine Me" Video Travis Cottrell
"Search Me, Know Me" Video Travis Cottrell
"I'd Rather Have Jesus" Video Sung by Buller, Balzer and Aichele
* "Bonhoeffer, Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy" by Eric Metaxas - I (Brooksyne) just began reading this inspiring biography loaned to us by a friend, and found the stimulating quote by Bethge, on the first page of chapter one. Should be an interesting and inspiring book to read.
For further insight:
We find ourselves confused. Today, one person's opinion is considered equivalent to another's. A common misconception is epitomized in this often used statement: 'We will listen to one side and then to the other and the truth is somewhere in the middle'.
In fact, one opinion could be 100% correct and the other 100% wrong. If this is true, the middle is also wrong, likely even 100% wrong as well. As an example, if someone asks which city is the home of the Lakers professional basketball team and one answers "Chicago", they are completely wrong. So is Kansas City or Denver or other 'middle' answers. Compromise may be appropriate when it comes to issues lacking a moral absolute and merely are simply of personal preferences. Yet, to our shame, truth is often foolishly discarded in the name of tolerance. The truth? Whenever it is ignored or willingly discarded, it will come back to bite us.
In the great Greek and Roman civilizations, scholars and philosophers sought truth and understood the importance of achieving understanding. Christian critical thinking that formed our great nation gave us the Bible as the primary source of truth with reasoning to find truth in those things not expressly taught in the scriptures. Our current mindset has not only allowed but we have come to fully embrace concepts we know through reason as false. Why? We don't want to acknowledge the truth of the scriptures. We don't want God. From here.
Finally Today:
We enjoy feeding birds and normally squirrels are a pest, taking the feed we intend for birds. We placed the decorative corn from our fall display down low and this squirrel is enjoying some tasty kernels.
To receive the "Daily
Encouragement" each Monday-Friday through email see this
page
to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed
or through a Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)Are
our daily encouragement messages a blessing to you? We ask you to
consider making a donation to Daily
Encouragement Net so that we can continue to prepare and provide this
daily resource which is accessed by believers and seekers all
over the world. Daily
Encouragement Net relies solely on the generosity and financial support
of its readers and
podcast listeners. See here
for more information on
supporting this ministry. Gifts are tax deductible.Permissions: Please feel free to pass on, reproduce and distribute any material on Daily Encouragement Net, in part or in whole, in any format, provided that you do not alter the wording in any way or charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. It is our desire to spread this material, not protect or restrict it. I do request that you keep the contact, copyright and subscription information intact.
Text only version for printing: To make a text only version for printing (without photos or any of the supplemental materials)
1) Open the basic text editor that comes with all computers (known as wordpad, textpad, etc.) You can also use a program like Word and select paste text only.
2) Select and copy the text from the portion of the message you want to print.
3) Paste into the text pad. (The photos won't show up but you will have a brief text description of the photo which you can delete or just ignore.)
4) Format if you desire (change font, increase or decrease size, etc.)
5) Print!
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 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."
© Copyright 2013 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA