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Friday, December 9, 2016
Silverstone Inn
Every time we pass this stately inn behind Rockvale Outlets it captures our attention. It is also a popular wedding venue with a large barn behind it.
"The Prince of Peace"
Note: This week we are examining the five descriptive names used for the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6. Today we will consider "Prince of Peace".
Message Summary: Among the titles that the Messiah was prophetically given in Isaiah 9, is the "Prince of Peace". We don't believe we will have "peace in our time" on earth in the political sense, not until Christ returns. However as individual followers of Christ we can have "peace in our time". The peace that Jesus brings has several dimensions that are presently available.
Listen to this
message on your
audio player.
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
Instant access to news reminds us of the turmoil so many face today in a large segment of the world. Once again we awoke to peaceful surroundings in our little spot on this terrestrial ball. This is true for many readers as well, although we may so easily take it for granted. We are also mindful of our friends who do read our messages regularly who do not awaken to peaceful surroundings and lift them in prayer even as we write our message today.
A quick scan of the morning news reminds us of turmoil that many are living with. Today we continue to observe the chaos in so many places in our world, especially the Middle East. What does all this mean? Earnest believers should pray for peace and sympathize with those who are suffering.
Zechariah 1:11 states, "We have gone throughout the earth and found the whole world at rest and in peace". What an outstanding prophetical statement. It concerns a time of absolute peace. I am unaware of when this will be. But it sure isn't now!
Among the titles that the Messiah was prophetically given in Isaiah 9,
is the "Prince of Peace". We don't believe we will have "peace in our
time" on earth in the political sense, not until Christ returns. However as
individual followers of Christ we can have "peace in our time".
The peace that Jesus brings has several dimensions that are presently available:
However there is no promise that in this present age there will be world peace in the geopolitical sense. In fact Jesus forthrightly declared in Matthew 24 that there will be wars and rumors of wars; nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. He said, "Such things must happen." That may not be very encouraging, but the Bible does promise a future time of peace in this sense when the Lord returns.
In the meantime, as followers of Christ, we should seek to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). As far as it depends on us we are to live at peace with all men (Romans 12:18). But even as we live among these and future days of growing tribulation may our hearts be filled with peace, peace that comes not from our surroundings, but the peace that flows from within through the presence of the Spirit of God. Jesus reassures us with these words, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer:
Father, knowing that Jesus is the Prince of Peace I pray for His peace
to fall upon our land. We pray that many will turn to You today and
accept that wonderful reconciliation You freely offer. That is the
first step to all other types of peace. We pray for relational peace
among our countries, families, and churches. We pray for inward,
emotional peace, especially for our brothers and sisters affected by
these wars. We pray for those suffering loss from recent brutal
attacks in war torn countries. We look forward to that
time spoken of when the whole world will be at rest and in peace. But
until that hour we serve You faithfully as we seek to be
peacemakers for our own spiritual well-being and for Your glorious kingdom. Amen.
Special Year-end Appeal: We
want to thank all who have financially supported our ministry this past
year. We realize there are many fine ministries
and causes requesting support at this time but if the Lord would lead
you we surely need and appreciate the financial support from our
readers and listeners. We
typically see a spike in giving at the end of the year for
which we are most thankful. Our ministry labor is comprised of half our
time to Daily
Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to
companies for which we receive a fee. Each of these ministries essentially is the same as a
part-time job (20+ hours weekly) for each of us. Our goal for many
years is that each would provide half of our ministry expenses
and
income. If you would like to make a donation to our ministry see here for more information.
To donate directly online here. This will open to a page that designates the offering to: WEBER,STEPHEN CHAP, Specialized Chaplaincy Ministry ID: 700001-237376
Thank you!
Please Note: We also provide this familiar option
due to the convenience, for international supporters, and for those who
may not be concerned regarding receiving an official tax deductible receipt. Click here to donate using PayPal. This will open to a page that designates the offering to: "brooksyne@dailyencouragement.net"
The Old Windmill Farm as we have officially designated Jesse and Anna Ruth's place.
We were pleasantly delayed by the passing of the old steam engine 475 on the Strasburg Railroad.
We stopped by an Amish wedding where Anna Ruth dropped off some items.
Here's the parked "vehicles" at the Amish Walmart near Bird In Hand, PA. Last week a friend, Marlin, had given me wheelbarrow that needed a tire. I had trouble finding one but, lo and behold, they had one at the Amish Walmart (Note: This is not an official Walmart but a large rural store run by the Amish with a wide variety of farm-related items. Yesterday it was busy and I was the only non-Amish customer.
Returning to the farm in the late afternoon before milking time the children were there to greet us. Several of their puppies are now for sale to interested families. Anna Ruth got a call from a family in Maryland who are interested in a Blue Heel pup and requested a photo. Brooksyne obliged by taking this photo and messaging it to the interested party. This was their response: "Thank you, we would love to have her join our family." We were happy to be of assistance in this transaction.
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
Silverstone Inn
Every time we pass this stately inn behind Rockvale Outlets it captures our attention. It is also a popular wedding venue with a large barn behind it.
Note: This week we are examining the five descriptive names used for the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6. Today we will consider "Prince of Peace".
Message Summary: Among the titles that the Messiah was prophetically given in Isaiah 9, is the "Prince of Peace". We don't believe we will have "peace in our time" on earth in the political sense, not until Christ returns. However as individual followers of Christ we can have "peace in our time". The peace that Jesus brings has several dimensions that are presently available.
Listen to this
message on your
audio player."For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Instant access to news reminds us of the turmoil so many face today in a large segment of the world. Once again we awoke to peaceful surroundings in our little spot on this terrestrial ball. This is true for many readers as well, although we may so easily take it for granted. We are also mindful of our friends who do read our messages regularly who do not awaken to peaceful surroundings and lift them in prayer even as we write our message today.
A quick scan of the morning news reminds us of turmoil that many are living with. Today we continue to observe the chaos in so many places in our world, especially the Middle East. What does all this mean? Earnest believers should pray for peace and sympathize with those who are suffering.
Zechariah 1:11 states, "We have gone throughout the earth and found the whole world at rest and in peace". What an outstanding prophetical statement. It concerns a time of absolute peace. I am unaware of when this will be. But it sure isn't now!
Among the titles that the Messiah was prophetically given in Isaiah 9,
is the "Prince of Peace". We don't believe we will have "peace in our
time" on earth in the political sense, not until Christ returns. However as
individual followers of Christ we can have "peace in our time".The peace that Jesus brings has several dimensions that are presently available:
1. Peace with God
(reconciliation) "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we
have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). Bible
commentator Harry Ironside summarizes the justified man or woman's
peace: "Peace, as used in Romans 5:1, is not a state of mind or heart.
It is a prevailing condition between two who were once alienated. Sin
had disturbed the perfect relations of Creator and creature. A breach
occurred that man could not mend. But peace has been made by the blood
of Christ's cross. There is no longer a barrier. Peace with God is now
the abiding state into which every believer enters. The sin question is
settled."
2. Peace with each other (relational) "Live in harmony with one another" "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:16a,18). I believe this speaks of the local sphere in our lives, relational peace within our family, friends and church.
3. Peace within (spiritual/emotional) "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). Peace in this context is a state without anxiety and worry about how and when our needs will be supplied. This peace is the result of going to Him and confidently committing everything into His trustworthy hands.
2. Peace with each other (relational) "Live in harmony with one another" "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:16a,18). I believe this speaks of the local sphere in our lives, relational peace within our family, friends and church.
3. Peace within (spiritual/emotional) "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). Peace in this context is a state without anxiety and worry about how and when our needs will be supplied. This peace is the result of going to Him and confidently committing everything into His trustworthy hands.
However there is no promise that in this present age there will be world peace in the geopolitical sense. In fact Jesus forthrightly declared in Matthew 24 that there will be wars and rumors of wars; nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. He said, "Such things must happen." That may not be very encouraging, but the Bible does promise a future time of peace in this sense when the Lord returns.
In the meantime, as followers of Christ, we should seek to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). As far as it depends on us we are to live at peace with all men (Romans 12:18). But even as we live among these and future days of growing tribulation may our hearts be filled with peace, peace that comes not from our surroundings, but the peace that flows from within through the presence of the Spirit of God. Jesus reassures us with these words, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27).
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer:
Father, knowing that Jesus is the Prince of Peace I pray for His peace
to fall upon our land. We pray that many will turn to You today and
accept that wonderful reconciliation You freely offer. That is the
first step to all other types of peace. We pray for relational peace
among our countries, families, and churches. We pray for inward,
emotional peace, especially for our brothers and sisters affected by
these wars. We pray for those suffering loss from recent brutal
attacks in war torn countries. We look forward to that
time spoken of when the whole world will be at rest and in peace. But
until that hour we serve You faithfully as we seek to be
peacemakers for our own spiritual well-being and for Your glorious kingdom. Amen.Special Year-end Appeal: We
want to thank all who have financially supported our ministry this past
year. We realize there are many fine ministries
and causes requesting support at this time but if the Lord would lead
you we surely need and appreciate the financial support from our
readers and listeners. We
typically see a spike in giving at the end of the year for
which we are most thankful. Our ministry labor is comprised of half our
time to Daily
Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to
companies for which we receive a fee. Each of these ministries essentially is the same as a
part-time job (20+ hours weekly) for each of us. Our goal for many
years is that each would provide half of our ministry expenses
and
income. If you would like to make a donation to our ministry see here for more information.To donate directly online here. This will open to a page that designates the offering to: WEBER,STEPHEN CHAP, Specialized Chaplaincy Ministry ID: 700001-237376
Thank you!
Please Note: We also provide this familiar option
due to the convenience, for international supporters, and for those who
may not be concerned regarding receiving an official tax deductible receipt. Click here to donate using PayPal. This will open to a page that designates the offering to: "brooksyne@dailyencouragement.net"Yesterday
morning after chaplain visits we took our Amish friends, Jesse and Anna
Ruth, Christmas shopping with their two youngest children while their
four older children were at school. We enjoyed some scenes from rural
Lancaster County.
We
went to Costco and shopping with the little girls was a lot of fun. I,
Stephen, volunteered to watch them while she shopped. So I rolled them
around in the shopping cart and the older one, Lizzie, who is about
four, asked to try the samples.
The sample lady offered Lizzie a piece of Lindor candy and Lizzie politely informed her that she had already had one. When the sample lady told her she could have another one she, with a surprised look, smiled from ear to ear!
We
went to Costco and shopping with the little girls was a lot of fun. I,
Stephen, volunteered to watch them while she shopped. So I rolled them
around in the shopping cart and the older one, Lizzie, who is about
four, asked to try the samples.The sample lady offered Lizzie a piece of Lindor candy and Lizzie politely informed her that she had already had one. When the sample lady told her she could have another one she, with a surprised look, smiled from ear to ear!
The Old Windmill Farm as we have officially designated Jesse and Anna Ruth's place.
We were pleasantly delayed by the passing of the old steam engine 475 on the Strasburg Railroad.
We stopped by an Amish wedding where Anna Ruth dropped off some items.
Here's the parked "vehicles" at the Amish Walmart near Bird In Hand, PA. Last week a friend, Marlin, had given me wheelbarrow that needed a tire. I had trouble finding one but, lo and behold, they had one at the Amish Walmart (Note: This is not an official Walmart but a large rural store run by the Amish with a wide variety of farm-related items. Yesterday it was busy and I was the only non-Amish customer.
Returning to the farm in the late afternoon before milking time the children were there to greet us. Several of their puppies are now for sale to interested families. Anna Ruth got a call from a family in Maryland who are interested in a Blue Heel pup and requested a photo. Brooksyne obliged by taking this photo and messaging it to the interested party. This was their response: "Thank you, we would love to have her join our family." We were happy to be of assistance in this transaction.
Today's
Suggested
Music and Supplemental Resources
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
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We
want to thank all who financially support our ministry. We realize there are many fine
ministries
and causes requesting support but if the Lord would lead
you we surely need and appreciate the financial support from our
readers and listeners. Our ministry labor is comprised of half our
time to Daily
Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to
companies for which we receive a fee (of course this percentage of time
varies
week by week). Each of these ministries essentially is the same as a
part-time job (20+ hours weekly) for each of us. Our goal for many
years is that each phase would provide half of our ministry expenses
and
income. If you would like to make a donation to our ministry see here
for more information. Donations through my chaplaincy endorsing ministry are tax deductible and will
be receipted directly by them. Thank you!Please Note:
Our chaplain agency is unable to provide a receipt
if the donation is made through PayPal. However we provide this option
due to the convenience, international supporters, and for those who
may not be concerned regarding receiving an official receipt. Click here
to donate using PayPal.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.
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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Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA