A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
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Monday,
February
10,
2020
We enjoy
our visiting birds although with the milder weather we
are seeing fewer. Ester took this photo of a bluebird
from our office window.
"The
Burden Of Daily Pressures"
Message summary: Daily pressures impact all of us. I believe that's why Scripture commands us to "pray for one another" and "encourage one another daily".
Listen
to this
message on your audio player.“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34). "Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches" (2 Corinthians 11:28).
Each week we see a team of roofers early in the morning as they prepare to go to their job site. Some focus on installing new roofs but there is also a busy team dealing with roof repairs. Severe weather impacts the roof and can increase the number of service calls and in time the need arises for a new roof; heavy rains, hail, heavy winds, fallen trees all take their toll.
But there's
another consideration especially in winter after a
heavy snow storm (which we've not had this year);
the weight of the snow! A heavy snow storm can
have a devastating impact on the roof and
underlying structure. At times roofing teams are
called out to remove snow from a roof.
There are two ways weight on the roof is measured.
Dead load refers to the weight of the roofing
materials and remains constant. Live load varies
and includes the weight of the snow and/or ice
build-up.
We believe there is a parallel in life. There are the daily ongoing burdens and cares we all deal with. These remain somewhat constant and are similar among individuals, regardless of who we are or where we live like the "dead load" on a roof. Jesus bluntly reminds us that "Each day has enough trouble of its own". Everyone on earth deals with this dead load.
Then there are the acute trials that come and go that are very specific to our individual lives. These are like the "live load" on a roof.
Today's second verse has often intrigued me, especially as a pastor. "Apart from such external things" points back to the context referring to Paul's many physical sufferings for Christ (2 Corinthians 11:21-27). In this passage Paul is reluctantly, due to criticism, asserting his many trials as an apostle. He calls these "external things".
But in
our daily text he writes "of the daily
pressure on me". After writing very
specifically about his sufferings for Christ he
includes the inward pressure of bearing the burden
for the churches he had served and for specific
individuals in them. A caring pastor always has
some element of the work of God on his heart and
mind. Notice Paul writes, "concern for all the
churches". He is not referring to one
church but to several he had started and overseen.
Some of the recipients of our messages are in pastoral ministry. I'm confident that they will readily acknowledge the need for ongoing prayer. Pastoral ministry is spiritually rewarding but can be emotionally draining in the ongoing "developing story" of the congregation in addition to one's own family needs. Let us pray for our pastoral leadership and fellow workers in Christ today. You might call and offer to pray for your pastor which would be a an unexpected blessing. For some it is more comfortable or convenient to email a prayerful note, or send a card and include a prayer*. You may send them the link to this message. Why not be a burden bearer and help carry the load of those who labor for your soul today!
Daily pressures impact all of us. I believe that's why Scripture commands us to "pray for one another" and "encourage one another daily".
We believe there is a parallel in life. There are the daily ongoing burdens and cares we all deal with. These remain somewhat constant and are similar among individuals, regardless of who we are or where we live like the "dead load" on a roof. Jesus bluntly reminds us that "Each day has enough trouble of its own". Everyone on earth deals with this dead load.
Then there are the acute trials that come and go that are very specific to our individual lives. These are like the "live load" on a roof.
Today's second verse has often intrigued me, especially as a pastor. "Apart from such external things" points back to the context referring to Paul's many physical sufferings for Christ (2 Corinthians 11:21-27). In this passage Paul is reluctantly, due to criticism, asserting his many trials as an apostle. He calls these "external things".
But in
our daily text he writes "of the daily
pressure on me". After writing very
specifically about his sufferings for Christ he
includes the inward pressure of bearing the burden
for the churches he had served and for specific
individuals in them. A caring pastor always has
some element of the work of God on his heart and
mind. Notice Paul writes, "concern for all the
churches". He is not referring to one
church but to several he had started and overseen.- He might have had in mind an individual struggling through an illness such as Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30). He clearly knew and loved people as individuals.
- He might have been distressed by doctrinal error which divides a church and scatters the flock such as that which hit the churches of Galatia (Galatians 1:6ff).
- Possibly he had in mind division in the church (1 Corinthians 1:10ff).
- Perhaps it was some argumentative sisters such as Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2).
- Or it might have been a backslidden fellow-worker such as Demas (2 Timothy 4:10) or a destructive Alexander (2 Timothy 4:14).
Some of the recipients of our messages are in pastoral ministry. I'm confident that they will readily acknowledge the need for ongoing prayer. Pastoral ministry is spiritually rewarding but can be emotionally draining in the ongoing "developing story" of the congregation in addition to one's own family needs. Let us pray for our pastoral leadership and fellow workers in Christ today. You might call and offer to pray for your pastor which would be a an unexpected blessing. For some it is more comfortable or convenient to email a prayerful note, or send a card and include a prayer*. You may send them the link to this message. Why not be a burden bearer and help carry the load of those who labor for your soul today!
Daily pressures impact all of us. I believe that's why Scripture commands us to "pray for one another" and "encourage one another daily".
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, since the church is a living
organism it brings about many changes, both
positive and negative, from day to day, year
to year. The account of the Israelites proves
there's a continual developing story as they
respond, often unfavorably, to the various
challenging circumstances in their wanderings
in the desert and later in Canaan. We think of
the leaders, some very strong in their faith,
and others who weakened during times of
temptation and testing. Father God, thank you
raising up the Aarons and Hurs in our churches
who hold up the feeble arms of our Christian
leaders during times of spiritual battle. Help
us to walk together heart to heart and hand in
hand. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
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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."
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."
© Copyright 2020 Stephen C. & Brooksyne
Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA