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Thursday, October 5, 2017

Harvest moon
View of Harvest Moon from our backyard.

"A Lesson From The Harvest Moon"


Message summary: Let us recognize the absolute awe and infinitude of God. We can't see Him, but we see His work. We can't feel Him, but we know His touch. We can't hear Him but He speaks to us through the written Scriptures, His Holy Spirit and through godly people of every generation. We are a finite people but we serve an infinite God who neither slumbers nor sleeps, but is always working on our behalf, whether we can see it or not. Let us be thankful today!

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"He wraps up the waters in His clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. He covers the face of the full moon, spreading His clouds over it. These are but the outer fringe of His works; how faint the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?" (Job 26:8,9,14).

Today (October 5) at precisely 2:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time we will have a "Harvest Moon". For several evenings the moonrise comes soon after sunset which results in an  abundance of bright moonlight early in the evening, which is a traditional aid to farmers harvesting their crops. Hence, it’s called the “Harvest Moon"! Our area is now buzzing with harvest activity and I am sure the farmers appreciate the extra "day" light.

Last night I stepped outside and viewed the almost full moon. It was a beautiful evening with the distinct crisp feel of fall in the air. As much as I enjoy photography I am limited by both equipment and skill. Today's photo was taken from my backyard and is seen through the tall Pampas grass that was planted before we purchased our home 15 years ago.

Harvest moon
The moon was created by God on the fourth day of Creation where it is called "the lesser light to govern the night" (Genesis 1:16). The moon is mentioned all through the Bible culminating with a reference toward the end of the Book of Revelation concerning the eternal city of God where John writes, "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" (Revelation 21:23).

A consideration of the moon is one of those topics sure to connect with all. After all, regardless of where we live we can see the moon. David, who spent much time tending his sheep by the light of the moon, considered the enormity of God's universe and humbly stated, "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him? (Psalm 8:3,4).

In today's text Job has not only dealt with the severity of his affliction but was also responding to the intended encouragement of his friends. He launches into an astounding statement concerning God's power and greatness. Job looks to the sky and gives us a mental picture of God at work in His vast universe and writes this interesting description, "He wraps up the waters in His clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. He covers the face of the full moon, spreading His clouds over it."

Some four thousand years ago Job made a two-fold observation that any one of us can also make:

1)
"He wraps up the waters in His clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight." According to the USGS, "One inch of rain falling on 1 acre of ground is equal to about 27,154 gallons and weighs about 113 tons. When we have a heavy rain it's practically inconceivable how much water is in the clouds above us and how much weight they hold!

2)
"He covers the face of the full moon, spreading His clouds over it." The wispy clouds can completely obscure the moon and the sun as well!

God is sovereign and has created the cosmos (universe) that is orderly and harmonious with life on earth. "Cosmos" originates from a Greek term κόσμος meaning "order, orderly arrangement, ornaments," and is the antithetical concept of chaos. Chaos speaks of the original dark void from which everything else appeared in God's creation. Amazingly, He didn't have or need a panel of experts to bring order into our world! But chaos also describes many aspects of our fallen world as mankind rebels against God.

The chapter ends with this spiritual gem: "And these are but the outer fringe of His works; how faint the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?" The NIV Study Bible notes concerning this passage, "What God has revealed of His dominion over nature and supernatural forces amounts to no more than a whisper. Job is impressed with the severely limited character of man's understanding. If it is difficult for us to comprehend the little that we know about God, how much more impossible it would be to understand the full extent of His might."

Let us recognize the absolute awe and infinitude of God. We can't see Him, but we see His work. We can't feel Him, but we know His touch. We can't hear Him but He speaks to us through the written Scriptures, His Holy Spirit and through godly people of every generation. We are a finite people but we serve an infinite God who neither slumbers nor sleeps, but is always working on our behalf, whether we can see it or not. Let us be thankful today!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Praying manDaily prayer: Father, before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God.  You care for all of creation, the order of the universe, all people from past generations to the present, and You work powerfully and invisibly in our hearts.  We are humbled by Your greatness and touched by Your kindness.  We give You thanks and trust You for that which we don't understand. We see only the fringes of Your ways, but that reminds us that Your power is what creates the works established by Your hands.  You are my God, the Rock in whom I trust and take refuge.  Amen.



Here's today's final Scripture text from two other common versions:

"Behold, these are the fringes of His ways; And how faint a word we hear of Him! But His mighty thunder, who can understand?" (NASV)

"Lo, these are parts of His ways: but how little a portion is heard of Him? but the thunder of His power who can understand?" (KJV)



We received an email yesterday afternoon from Las Vegas from Dawn, a former resident of Lancaster County and a longtime friend and Daily Encouragement reader: 

Hello Stephen & Brooksyne from Las Vegas.

Just wanted to relay my story of how God is working in my life (and so many others) during this tragic event.

When I moved here 6 years ago God led me to work as a transporter at University Medical Center.

I watched the shooting unfold live on FB and knew that I should go into work early the next day. When I arrived at 7:30am it was very quiet; just hospital personnel and police. (Outside the building were police blocking all entrances and lots of TV crews). I knew this was not going to be a normal work day.

I asked God for his guidance and help on this day. I did not assist in helping with the victims but I did make a few runs to Trauma OR and Trauma ICU to deliver blood or pick up specimens to take to the Lab.

Throughout the day donations of food and water were delivered to the hospital for the 1st responders and anybody at the hospital who was waiting on news about loved ones. Our hospital cafeteria (which normally closes at 1 a.m.) stayed open to give out free food to those at the hospital.

At lunch time I decided to take advantage of the free food. I could not believe here in "Sin City" the hospital lobby was set up with prayer tents. One prayer tent sign read, "Free Hugs and Free Prayers".

There are so many other stories of Prayer Tents at Blood Donation centers. I was finishing a job when 4 youths from a local church group serenaded one patient with a hymn. One chaplain was leading a prayer circle, with 12 people, outside the Trauma unit. The list goes on and on.

It was a very emotional and tiring day for me but it lifted my spirits to see God in so many ways. He truly is amazing and has taught me and others that in the midst of evil He still reigns. Hallelujah and praise be to God.



I appreciate this thoughtful perspective I read from Gary Bauer in yesterday's "End Of Day" report:

"Gotta Serve Somebody"

"You may be an ambassador to England or France.  You may like to gamble, you may like to dance. You may be the heavyweight champion of the world. You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls. 

"But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes. Indeed you're gonna have to serve somebody. Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord. ​But you're gonna have to serve somebody." -- Bob Dylan

Twenty-two thousand people in Las Vegas were happily listening to country music three nights ago as one man peered down at them from the 32nd floor of a hotel.  Stephen Paddock, who would soon murder 59 people and wound more than 500, had no interest in religion, according to family members.

Among the thousands in the crowd, there were no doubt people of strong faith and of no faith at all. Before the night ended, everyone would "serve somebody."

The killer served Satan, who Scripture tells us prowls around like a lion looking to devour someone. Many in the crowd chose to serve God. They gave their lives to save others.

Seldom is the choice between good and evil as stark as it was that horrible night. But every day, whether we are fully aware or not, we are all serving somebody. We will either serve the Lamb or the prowling lion seeking to devour us. In the end, the Lamb of God wins.



Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"Great Is Thy Faithfulness"  Video  Wes Hampton & Homecoming Singers

"Creation Sings The Father's Song
"  Video  Keith & Kristyn Getty

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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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