Daily Encouragement (Archive Edition)

The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.

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Monday, February 3, 2020

A balloon and special cake before the big game last night! Stephen's finger is pointing to his home team's helmet in hopes that Kansas City Chiefs will defeat the San Francisco 49er's.

"The Ultimate Victory"

Message summary: Certainly we will experience the "agony of defeat" times in life, which are the apparent losses, setbacks and disappointments in life. But the promise is that "He gives us the victory". Today let this truth flood your soul. It will fill you with spiritual fervor and encourage your heart.

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"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:57,58). "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith" (1 John 5:4).

Many here in America watched a football game last night (of course many didn't as well!) I (Stephen) grew up in the Kansas City area and thus have a special allegiance to my home town team which hadn't been in a Super Bowl since I was in Junior High School many, many moons ago. It was a close game but our little family was excited that the Chiefs won and are now the Super Bowl champs! We experienced the thrill of victory!

But in a sporting contest there is always the team that didn't win (in past years it was usually Kansas City). Thus watching the sense of loss in the opposing team last night was an emotion I could sure feel. We surely have some 49ers fans who feel this agony as well. I still recall the line from the "ABC Wide World Of Sports" broadcast; "the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat".

Hopefully all of us have experienced the thrill of victory not only in regards to sports or other pursuits but above all in regard to spiritual victories in Christ. But who among us has not at times experienced the agony of defeat? Today let us consider the ultimate victory. This ultimate victory is assured on the basis of Christ's finished work. We don't have to wait to celebrate the victory; He wants us to enjoy victory right here and now.

My heart strings are really pulled when I hear someone express, "I'm really discouraged." At that time they are likely experiencing the agony of defeat in some way. I know how spiritually crippling discouragement can be. It seems in all of our lives there are certain issues that can easily prompt discouragement. Keeping the right focus can be a real challenge. Thus what I am sharing today is not merely academic.

The Word of God is written to inspire, instruct, strengthen and also to encourage! The daily verse is a powerful truth that we do well to hide deep in our hearts. The apostle Paul is completing a great portion asserting the foundation of the resurrection. He has powerfully made his point and as he finished he draws it all together with an exclamation of praise. "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ".

This verse is so powerful in itself but an additional thought from a commentary especially blesses me. The word for "gives" is in the present tense and this is used to emphasize the certainty of the victory. It wasn't just for that point in time, but it is a present ongoing victory that we have right here and now, and for tomorrow and the next and so forth.

Certainly we will experience the "agony of defeat" times in life, which are the apparent losses, setbacks and disappointments in life. But the promise is that "He gives us the victory". Today let this truth flood your soul. It will fill you with spiritual fervor and encourage your heart.

Today's Scripture is followed by a portion that I have often described as my "life verse". "Therefore, (since he gives us the victory) my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

This is a truth for you as well. No matter what God has called you to do, give yourself fully to it, and know that your work is not in vain. He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. You may not see the fruit of that victory at the present, but trust God that He will reveal it to you in due time or by faith realize that it might just be one of those pleasant surprises you learn about when you get to heaven.

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, we give thanks to You that we can walk in victory because of Your Son Jesus Christ. Once we were held captive by sin and its enslavement, but we have been set free through the redemptive work of Jesus and His glorious resurrection. Each day brings new challenges, but we overcome them through the blood of the Lamb. Help us to stand firm in our faith and immovable in Your Truths, as we daily serve You. We are encouraged to know that nothing we do for You is in vain though we may not see immediate results. Keep us obedient and trusting. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"Behold The Lamb" Video From our worship service at Calvary Church yesterday.

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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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