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                    A
                      daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
                      exhortation. 
                 
                Wednesday,
                        December 4,
                        2019 
                   
                  ![]() The Poole Forge Covered Bridge in Eastern Lancaster County is one of our many covered bridges (Click on photo to enlarge)  "The
                                                Blessing To All
                                                People"
                          
                           
                       
                    Message summary: This advent season let us remember the tremendous blessings we all have as spiritual children of Abraham through the work of the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ!  Listen
                            to this
                              message on your audio player."The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham" (Matthew 1:1). "All peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). "But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10). Yesterday afternoon I had a conversation with Ron, an older man who shared with me about his heart-breaking childhood. His father returned from the service after World War 2 a changed man and not in a good way. He was abusive and after a while his mom left him taking Ron, who was in 4th grade with her. Shortly thereafter his mother remarried and one night he overheard his stepfather tell her she needed to send Ron back to his father as he wanted to start his own family. The very next day after school his father picked him up to take him to live with him and abused him daily till he ran away in ninth grade. After that Ron never saw his mother and father again. That's a lot of hurt. Ron told me he was determined not to be like his father. He married as a young man and has now been married 63 years with four children along with grandchildren and great grandchildren. But he also has a story of redemption when as a young adult he became a follower of Christ and as the old song states, "The Cross Made The Difference For Me". He has experienced the Abrahamic blessing that "All peoples on earth will be blessed through you". I don't suppose Ron has much interest in his own genealogy but many do and the internet has been a valuable resource for those trying to find their roots with popular sites such as ancestry.com. Now there are DNA tests which can pinpoint where you came from. There are those who can trace their lineage back hundreds of years and know who their ancestors are. We have met a few people who have impressive ancestries. They can trace their family roots back to an ancient country or may have a famous family member. Of course, it's more interesting if you're a member of that family lineage! But sadly in our broken world with so much immorality and fragmented families there are many like Ron, the older man I spoke to yesterday, including those who do not even know their own birth father, let alone their grandparents and previous generations. A large portion of our society is so focused on the present and so disconnected to any heritage that they have no interest at all. The New Testament begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ, a detailed accounting of His ancestors going all the way back to Abraham. Luke has a similar record but his goes all the way back to Adam! These genealogies may not make for the most interesting reading but the entire Bible, including the genealogies, is inspired by God. Matthew's gospel begins, "The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of David, the son of Abraham". Today let us consider Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation and all who have faith in the one true God. Abraham received a great promise during his original call; "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). The apostolic preaching of the early church clearly identifies this promise as fulfilled in Christ (Acts 3:24-26). The apostle Paul in Galatians states that the Gospel was announced in advance to Abraham in this call. Galatians 3:9 states that, "those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham". This promise to Abraham was that "All peoples on earth will be blessed through you". Wherever you are reading this you are among the "all peoples!" That's true whether we have a famous ancestor or like most of us do not. Praise God! This is echoed in the angelic proclamation at the birth of Christ, who announced "good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10). This advent season let us remember the tremendous blessings we all have as spiritual children of Abraham through the work of the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber  Daily
                                  prayer: Father,
                            regardless of our birth genealogy, whether we're
                            born to peasant or royalty, whether we had loving
                            parents or we didn't, when we are born into the
                            Kingdom of God we become Your children and all are
                            on equal standing at the foot of the cross. We are
                            not just born into Your Kingdom but we were
                            purchased with the precious sinless blood of Jesus.
                            There is no higher calling and no greater privilege
                            granted to the human race. Thank You for the spirit
                            of sonship that invites each of us to call You Abba
                            Father. This is possible only because of Christ
                            Jesus who gave His all that we might be born again
                            and receive eternal life. Amen.Special
                                        Year-end Financial Appeal 
                              We want to thank all who have
                                  financially supported our ministry this past
                                  year (and some for many years!). 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. Like many ministries, 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 approximately half our time to Daily Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to companies for which we receive compensation. 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 consider making 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  Please Note:
                                      We also provide this easy 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 send an offering using
                                      PayPal. This
                                    will open to a page that states "Brooksyne
                                    Weber"Thank you, Stephen & Brooksyne Today's
                            Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
                          
                     
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                                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 approximately half our time to Daily Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to companies for which we receive compensation. 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 consider making a donation to our ministry see here for more information. Donate directly online here. This will open to a page that designates the offering to: WEBER,STEPHEN CHAP, Specialized Chaplaincy Ministry ID: 700001-237376  Please Note:
                                    We also provide this easy 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 send an offering using PayPal. This will open
                                  to a page that states "Brooksyne Weber"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. We 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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                                  Weber - All Rights Reserved  
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