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Friday, February 23, 2018
Forry's Mill Covered Bridge
(Click to enlarge)
"An Asset To The Planet"
Message summary: "You're an asset to the planet." Well, that got me to thinking in a Biblical sense about people who are an asset to the planet. Of much greater importance, and Biblically speaking, they're an asset to the Kingdom of God.
Listen to our
message on your
audio player.
"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary" (Galatians 6:9).
"You're an asset to the planet." Years ago I received this rather unusual commendation from my older brother Mike, who holds a political, religious, and ideological outlook very different than my own. (Although as we both get older these differences seem to be diminishing.) His expression of genuine appreciation toward the modest contribution I make in my sphere of influence was and still is very meaningful to me.
This last week as a means of encouragement I have been sharing this expression with people I encounter who are assets to the planet in various ways. I was prompted to do so after recent news of people doing terrible things who are in essence liabilities to the planet. When I went on chaplaincy visitation following the horrific school shooting last week I had a renewed appreciation for the ordinary people I would meet who are trying to make this planet a better place.
When I use the phrase, "You're an asset to the planet." I often get a rather quizzical look as people think through what I mean. They're likely wondering whether my comment is meant for good or bad!), but usually their pause is followed by a smile of comprehension, often followed by a sheepish, "Well, thank you." I hope my remark is a bright part of their day and a reminder that doing good is always good!
For instance yesterday I stopped by the dealership where we recently
purchased a
small crossover that replaced our older 2006 van. The new vehicle (to
us) needed a few
repairs to bring it to certification standards since it was pre-owned
(AKA used). The photo shows Jerry, our salesman and Scott who repaired
our vehicle. Jerry provided a very pleasant buying experience and Scott
was proficient in making the repair and explaining to me what he had
done. They both represent scores of people all over the world who are
making this planet a better place and I let them know that before I drove
away in our newly repaired car.
Today's Bible text is from a passage in Galatians where the Apostle Paul is addressing the early church in Galatia instructing them to be faithful. Today especially consider that phrase, "Let us not lose heart in doing good." Apparently, even in the Bible times, people grew weary of doing good, perhaps becoming discouraged when they couldn't see that they were making a difference. You might be feeling that way as well.
Well, that got me to thinking in a Biblical sense about people who are an asset to the planet. Of much greater importance, and Biblically speaking, they're an asset to the Kingdom of God.
Consider those who have made a significant impact in your life. If we were able to do a survey of all who read this message we would probably have some common names such as Billy Graham and others who may have a national and even an international ministry. But most of the people who impact us personally are not well known. I expect that among those you would list would be godly parents and grandparents, pastors, Sunday School teachers, educators, coaches and many others, including those who witnessed to you, either in words or in their actions, even when you refused to listen, both literally and figuratively.
I recall a phrase from my years of ministry training, "Do something big for God" which is a great aspiration. But doing something big for God is often a series of small, seemingly insignificant attempts to be an asset to the Kingdom. Most of us are just not in a place today that we can do something really big for God, but we all find ways to let our light shine to a darkened world around us in the small things. Let us listen to God's promptings and obey His voice!
Years ago I received this bit of wisdom from an older person: "The older I get, the more I realize that it is in the small things that we can make a positive difference in a person's life. It isn't our grand accomplishments that makes the difference but it's the little ways we show others we care that will brighten their day, and that is of great importance to Christ. It also fulfills the Scripture, "Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Consider the Apostle Paul's words to the Corinthians: "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him" (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
Let us be humble in ourselves, but let us be boastful in the things of the Lord.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father,
our little becomes much as You show us how to do good and honor You. We
choose not to be crippled by our limited abilities or inadequacies. We
don't give to others according to
that which we don't have, but we give to others from the abundance You
pour into our lives. May it overflow to those around us as we seek to
be a blessing and an asset to the planet. Direct our footsteps according to Your Word as You give
us opportunity for divine encounters this day while reaching out to
others
in the name of Christ Jesus. It is in His name we pray. Amen.
Our final set of photos from Sunday's snowfall
Another view of Forry's Mill Covered Bridge
(Click to enlarge)
This week we have shared photos from our drive home from church through the Lancaster County countryside last Sunday. On our way home, which included some meandering, we crossed five different covered bridges.
This old farmhouse is on Kraybill Church Road around the corner from us and is where our Amish friends lived when we first met them in early 2003 shortly after they got married. They moved to the eastern part of the County about twelve years ago but we remain very close friends. They now have seven children!
Forry's Mill Covered Bridge
(Click to enlarge)
"An Asset To The Planet"
Message summary: "You're an asset to the planet." Well, that got me to thinking in a Biblical sense about people who are an asset to the planet. Of much greater importance, and Biblically speaking, they're an asset to the Kingdom of God.
Listen to our
message on your
audio player."Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary" (Galatians 6:9).
"You're an asset to the planet." Years ago I received this rather unusual commendation from my older brother Mike, who holds a political, religious, and ideological outlook very different than my own. (Although as we both get older these differences seem to be diminishing.) His expression of genuine appreciation toward the modest contribution I make in my sphere of influence was and still is very meaningful to me.
This last week as a means of encouragement I have been sharing this expression with people I encounter who are assets to the planet in various ways. I was prompted to do so after recent news of people doing terrible things who are in essence liabilities to the planet. When I went on chaplaincy visitation following the horrific school shooting last week I had a renewed appreciation for the ordinary people I would meet who are trying to make this planet a better place.
When I use the phrase, "You're an asset to the planet." I often get a rather quizzical look as people think through what I mean. They're likely wondering whether my comment is meant for good or bad!), but usually their pause is followed by a smile of comprehension, often followed by a sheepish, "Well, thank you." I hope my remark is a bright part of their day and a reminder that doing good is always good!
For instance yesterday I stopped by the dealership where we recently
purchased a
small crossover that replaced our older 2006 van. The new vehicle (to
us) needed a few
repairs to bring it to certification standards since it was pre-owned
(AKA used). The photo shows Jerry, our salesman and Scott who repaired
our vehicle. Jerry provided a very pleasant buying experience and Scott
was proficient in making the repair and explaining to me what he had
done. They both represent scores of people all over the world who are
making this planet a better place and I let them know that before I drove
away in our newly repaired car.Today's Bible text is from a passage in Galatians where the Apostle Paul is addressing the early church in Galatia instructing them to be faithful. Today especially consider that phrase, "Let us not lose heart in doing good." Apparently, even in the Bible times, people grew weary of doing good, perhaps becoming discouraged when they couldn't see that they were making a difference. You might be feeling that way as well.
Well, that got me to thinking in a Biblical sense about people who are an asset to the planet. Of much greater importance, and Biblically speaking, they're an asset to the Kingdom of God.
Consider those who have made a significant impact in your life. If we were able to do a survey of all who read this message we would probably have some common names such as Billy Graham and others who may have a national and even an international ministry. But most of the people who impact us personally are not well known. I expect that among those you would list would be godly parents and grandparents, pastors, Sunday School teachers, educators, coaches and many others, including those who witnessed to you, either in words or in their actions, even when you refused to listen, both literally and figuratively.
I recall a phrase from my years of ministry training, "Do something big for God" which is a great aspiration. But doing something big for God is often a series of small, seemingly insignificant attempts to be an asset to the Kingdom. Most of us are just not in a place today that we can do something really big for God, but we all find ways to let our light shine to a darkened world around us in the small things. Let us listen to God's promptings and obey His voice!
Years ago I received this bit of wisdom from an older person: "The older I get, the more I realize that it is in the small things that we can make a positive difference in a person's life. It isn't our grand accomplishments that makes the difference but it's the little ways we show others we care that will brighten their day, and that is of great importance to Christ. It also fulfills the Scripture, "Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Consider the Apostle Paul's words to the Corinthians: "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him" (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
Let us be humble in ourselves, but let us be boastful in the things of the Lord.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father,
our little becomes much as You show us how to do good and honor You. We
choose not to be crippled by our limited abilities or inadequacies. We
don't give to others according to
that which we don't have, but we give to others from the abundance You
pour into our lives. May it overflow to those around us as we seek to
be a blessing and an asset to the planet. Direct our footsteps according to Your Word as You give
us opportunity for divine encounters this day while reaching out to
others
in the name of Christ Jesus. It is in His name we pray. Amen.Our final set of photos from Sunday's snowfall
Another view of Forry's Mill Covered Bridge
(Click to enlarge)
This week we have shared photos from our drive home from church through the Lancaster County countryside last Sunday. On our way home, which included some meandering, we crossed five different covered bridges.
This old farmhouse is on Kraybill Church Road around the corner from us and is where our Amish friends lived when we first met them in early 2003 shortly after they got married. They moved to the eastern part of the County about twelve years ago but we remain very close friends. They now have seven children!
Today's
Suggested Music and
Supplemental Resources
"Little Is Much When God Is In It" Video Larry Ford
Finally today:
We came up behind this truck yesterday.
What do you suppose prompted this company's name?
Finally today:
We came up behind this truck yesterday.
What do you suppose prompted this company's name?
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
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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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