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Thursday, February 11, 2016

Snowy dogwood tree 2/9/16
A light, fluffy snow covers our backyard dogwood.

"Be Careful Little Eyes"

Message Summary:
We challenge all true followers of Christ to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things" (Philippians 4:8). This spiritual exercise will brighten your spirit and "your whole body will be full of light."

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"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" (Matthew 6:22,23).

O be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above
Is looking down in love
So, be careful little eyes what you see


Little eyes
Is there a relationship in what we see and how we act? Most of us would say "of course".  Many of us remember the children's song, "O be careful little eyes what you see."  The message of this simple song is true for all ages, for as our daily text states, "the eye is the lamp of the body."

A bizarre aspect of our moral decline was demonstrated when one 11 year old boy stabbed another 11 year old to death. They were at a theater showing an R-rated "slasher" horror film. What is an outstanding example of blindness was a remark by the District Attorney in the area who, "downplayed any possibility that the violence in the movie may have triggered the stabbing." Wow, how deeply can one stick his head in the sand?

Today, many can't understand why our society has become increasingly violent and sexually immoral while at the same time they strongly deny that the horrific violence and perversions in the entertainment industry have anything to do with it.

The influences of what we see affect the way we think and is often carried out in our actions. In King David's regression into sin with Bathsheba we read: "from the roof he saw a woman bathing" (2 Samuel 11:2). It appears that David was having a hard time sleeping that night so he got up from his bed and ascended to the roof of the palace where he took a walk. When Brooksyne or I can't sleep, instead of ascending to the roof of our house (which would sure be cold now!!!), we descend to our family room where the warmth of the coal stove often entices us to go back to sleep.

David and Bathsheba When David spotted Bathsheba it was perhaps only an innocent glance which should have quickly driven him back to his bed. But his first glance turned into a lustful gaze that led to adultery, misuse of power, murder, lies, cover-up and inconsolable grief. So often what we think and see leads to a sinful act that can take us much farther than we ever wanted to go and keep us much longer than we ever wanted to stay.

In our daily text, which is part of the Sermon On The Mount, Jesus said, "But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness." It's amazing how powerful visual images are.  In my pre-conversion teen years I (Stephen) viewed a little of what would now be considered soft-core porn. Those images remain permanently etched in my memory bank and I must, by faith and in obedience, suppress reviewing them in my mind. One can only imagine the darkness that pervades the spirit of those who regularly feed on pornographic materials.
"If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!"

The positive phrase in the text states, "If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light."  Bible teacher Harry Ironside explains, "What we need to be concerned about, therefore, is a single eye for the glory of God, an eye that discerns His will in order that we may walk in it. If we turn away to paths of self-will, we go into willful darkness and will soon lose our way."

2 Corinthians 10:5Today we challenge all true followers of Christ to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things" (Philippians 4:8). This spiritual exercise will brighten your spirit and "your whole body will be full of light."


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Praying manDaily prayer: Father, may we honor You and respect ourselves as we fix our eyes and thought life upon whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and whatever is admirable. Center our attention upon those things which are praiseworthy so that we build up others in the faith as the light of Christ radiates from our spirit to those around us. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.  

(Prayer adapted from Philippians 4:8)



Several scenes from our journey yesterday

Snowy road in Lebanon County PA 2/10/16
We passed over a tree-lined ridge on Lawn Hill Road in southern Lebanon County that reminds us of northern Pennsylvania.
(Click on photo to enlarge)

Snowy road in Lebanon County PA 2/10/16
The roads were clear along this stretch due to the trees on each side but we sure had to watch for drifting along the farm fields!
(Click on photo to enlarge)

Red barns in snow along Harvest Road, in Lancaster County PA 2/10/16
These red barns along Harvest Road in Lancaster County look sharp on a snowy landscape!
(Click on photo to enlarge)

Today we expect to be out in some very cold weather with blustery winds. Last night we had a bit of excitement in our rural neighborhood when a car ran off the slippery road in front of our home and got stuck in our front lawn. Indicative of old-fashioned values was a lady ringing our doorbell wanting to leave their name and number in case there was any damage. (There wasn't) It took some effort but after awhile the car was removed. No one hurt and it occurs to me how blessed to live in a neighborhood where this creates a bit of excitement!



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"Slow Fade"  Video  Casting Crowns  A powerful song which actually incorporates the words "O Be Careful Little Eyes What You See"

"O Be Careful Little Eyes"  Video  by Cedarmont Kids with lyrics


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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 make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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