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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Tuesday, February 4, 2020

We always get a warning with our barking dogs when a horse and buggy passes our house. You'd think they would get used to it by now! Ester snapped this photo.

"The Blessing Of Brothers"

Message summary: We have a perspective in life that increasingly sees the long-term blessing of unity in our marriage, family and relationships. May that be your blessing as well!

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"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1).

The other day I watched a documentary where Lenny Dawson pointed out that he was the seventh son of a seventh son. In European folklore, the seventh son of a seventh son is believed to possess special powers. The seventh son must be preceded by six brothers, with no sisters born in between, and his father must also be the seventh consecutive son (no daughters between). While having this distinction would certainly be very rare, it's even more so today with most having smaller families.

I am the third son of a third son. I don't know if there's anything significant about that though! I have two older brothers and a younger sister. Our parents have gone on to heaven but we siblings still regularly stay in contact with one another and although separated by many miles see each other occasionally. We are quite different, with my brother in California especially having lived a life very different than mine. Nevertheless we get along well, love each other, and are purposeful in staying connected.

The Bible records several brother relationships and, as best as we can determine, most are negative examples apart from a reconciliation toward the end in several cases.

Cain and Abel
Jacob and Esau
Joseph and his brothers
David's older brothers
David's sons
James and John.
Peter and Andrew.

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" This is sure true whether it be a family or a church. And of course the principles in today's message applies to sisters as well and siblings. What is the best known Biblical sister relationship that may come to your mind? See below for answer.

One of the greatest ways we honor our human parents and God is when we get along with our siblings. Even though Mom and Dad are both with Jesus we still believe this is a way we honor them.

Unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ is also a way we honor our heavenly Father and His family.

Today in your sphere of influence we appeal to you to make every effort to pursue spiritual unity. "Live in harmony with one another" (Romans 12:16). "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18).

We have a perspective in life that increasingly sees the long-term blessing of unity in our marriage, family and all relationships. May that be your blessing as well!

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, we want to thank You for wholesome diversity in the body of Christ. There is so much incredible variety in personalities, giftings, ethnicity, and varied interests. As we dwell together in unity You help us to become like minded, having the same love, being of one accord. Your work goes forward when we set aside our personal agenda, and for the sake of the body, focus on that which we have in common with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, as much as it is possible, help us to be at peace with our church family, our immediate and extended family, our co-workers and others who touch our lives. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources

"Bind Us Together" Video Don Marsh

In our musing the best known Biblical sister relationship is Mary and Martha! But Brooksyne also mentioned Rachel and Leah.

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Ministry Update

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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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